President Cyril Ramaphosa will tomorrow, Wednesday, 23 April 2025, undertake a Working Visit to Maseru, Lesotho, to Co-Chair the Second Session of the Bi-National Commission (BNC) between the Republic of South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho, with His Excellency Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane, Prime Minister of Lesotho.
This South Africa–Lesotho Bi-National Commission (BNC) follows the Inaugural Session which was held in September 2023 in Pretoria.
The elevation of bilateral cooperation to a BNC level in 2022 was a recognition of the solid foundation upon which relations between the two countries are founded.
Further, it is a practical demonstration of the two countries’ resolve that cooperation in various sectors should benefit all.
South Africa will use the upcoming session of the BNC to promote greater solidarity among countries of the region and the South in the light of geopolitical shifts.
South Africa will also underscore the strategic importance of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) and highlight a need to expedite the speedy implementation of Phase II of the project, taking into consideration the agreed timelines and allocated budget.
Many South African companies have made significant investments in Lesotho, which have created thousands of jobs.
The Bi-National Commission is expected also to reflect on the movement of people between the two states.
This week’s engagement between the two countries will, among other discussions, focus on:
- Fostering stronger political and bilateral relations between the two countries;
- Deepening economic cooperation;
- Reviewing implementation of the outcomes of the inaugural session of the BNC and identifying new priority areas; and
- Exchanging views on regional, continental and global issues of mutual concern.
The BNC will be preceded by the Meeting of Senior Officials (SOM) and the Council of Ministers Meeting scheduled for 22 April 2025.
President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by 15 Ministers.
Africa Fact: Lalibela is not the only place in Ethiopia to have such wonders. A cotemporary archaeologist reports research that was conducted in the region in the early 1970’s when: “startling numbers of churches built in caves or partially or completely cut from the living rock were revealed not only in Tigre and Lalibela but as far south as Addis Ababa. Soon at least 1,500 were known. At least as many more probably await revelation.”
Pocket Mazda
Bonus: Southern USA: You have two cows. Their milkshake brings all the bulls to the yard, and they\’re like, it\’s better than yours. Damn right, it\’s better than yours; they can teach you, though there is a charge; but if you upvote, then you won\’t be charged!
Red Heroine
Fun South African Fact: There are around 3,000 shipwrecks off the coast of South Africa.