‘Our People Are Denied Medical Care’: Lesotho Youth Leader Urges Action for Basotho in South Africa

In a passionate plea, the youth wing of Lesotho’s Democratic Congress has called on the Kingdom’s government to urgently intervene and protect its citizens living in South Africa, many of whom are being denied access to basic medical care.

Speaking to IOL News, Pheello Sehlabaka, President of the Democratic Congress Youth League, expressed deep concern over reports that vigilante groups in provinces like Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal are blocking foreign nationals, including Basotho from entering public clinics and hospitals.

“Our concern is on the Basotho who are denied medical care and other services in the Republic of South Africa,” Sehlabaka said. “This is appalling, especially considering the shared history and bond between our nations. We are brothers and sisters.”

Tensions Rise Amid Immigration Crackdown

South Africa has seen growing tensions over immigration, driven by high unemployment, increasing violent crime, and public frustration over the strain on services. During the 2024/25 festive season alone, the Border Management Authority (BMA) intercepted nearly 60,000 undocumented migrants, with over 38,000 of them from Lesotho. Many of these individuals were banned from re-entering South Africa for five years.

These numbers have only added fuel to the fire, as some local South Africans blame undocumented migrants for rising crime and pressure on public resources. But Sehlabaka argues that the actions of a few should not tarnish all Basotho living and working in the country.

“I urge all Basotho to stop crime and all its activities. It only darkens the hearts of our neighbours and ruins relations for those of us with good intentions,” he said.

Basotho Want Dignity, Not Conflict

Sehlabaka insists that Basotho living in South Africa contribute meaningfully to the economy and deserve to be treated with dignity. He also highlighted that South Africans working in Lesotho are treated with respect, even in jobs that don’t require special skills.

“Some South Africans work in our diamond mines doing basic labour, and yet they are never treated with contempt. They are our brothers.”

He is calling for dialogue and mutual understanding between the two governments to ease tensions and restore harmony.

“There must be peace and reconciliation. The South African government must assist Lesotho in building a path forward.”

Documentation and Diplomatic Solutions

The youth leader also urged Lesotho’s government to properly document its citizens, many of whom cross into South Africa without valid permits.

“My last urge to the Kingdom of Lesotho is to provide Basotho with the necessary documents and permits to operate in South Africa legally,” he said.

Earlier this year, South Africa’s new Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber extended a 90-day visa exemption period for holders of ordinary Lesotho passports. While this move was welcomed, it has not been enough to ease the daily challenges Basotho face, especially in accessing health care and public services.

A Call to Protect the Vulnerable

Sehlabaka’s appeal comes at a time when foreign nationals, particularly undocumented migrants are increasingly targeted by xenophobic sentiment and ad hoc border control efforts at the community level.

While government clinics are legally obliged to treat emergency cases regardless of immigration status, recent reports suggest that enforcement by non-state actors at facility gates has created an environment of fear and exclusion.

For the thousands of Basotho seeking opportunity in South Africa, the journey is becoming harder and more dangerous.

“The government of Lesotho must salvage this situation. For the sake of our people’s dignity and well-being, these wrongs must be righted,” said Sehlabaka.

{Source: IOL}

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