Lesotho Showcases its Successes in the Southern African Development Community (SADC)
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) launched the Kingdom of Lesotho's SADC Success Stories publication on 5 July 2023, which features examples of benefits arising from the implementation of the SADC regional integration agenda.
The publication was supported by the SADC-German “Strengthening National-Regional Linkages (SNRL) programme (SNRL)”, a programme funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by GIZ. The launch was attended by the Honourable Lejone Mpotjoane, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations of Lesotho, the GIZ Country Director for Botswana and SADC, Mr Daniel Bagwitz, senior government officials and representatives of SADC member states, among others.
The Minister of Finance and Development Planning of the Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho, Honourable Dr. Retšelisitsoe Matlanyane, who chaired the launch, emphasised that the dissemination of information is the foundation of good governance and accountability.
Honourable Dr Matlanyane added that the Lesotho SADC Success Stories will help build SADC's visibility, which in turn will lead to cooperation and partnership in the implementation of the SADC regional integration agenda.
The Minister encouraged members of the media fraternity in Lesotho to continue to report stories on SADC regional integration, using examples of the stories contained in the Lesotho SADC Success Stories. In this regard, the Minister took the opportunity to sensitise and encourage journalists in Lesotho to participate in the SADC Media Awards by focusing on positive stories that promote and deepen SADC regional integration and development.
In his introductory remarks on behalf of the SADC Executive Secretary, the Acting Director of Industrial Development and Trade at the SADC Secretariat, Mr Calicious Tutalife, said the launch of the SADC Success Stories marks another milestone in SADC's quest to strengthen regional and national linkages and achieve the goal of "Taking SADC to the People". "SADC belongs to the people and it is through initiatives such as SADC Success Stories that we will be able to raise awareness among SADC citizens of the positive impact of SADC regional integration," he said.
Mr Tutalife emphasised that the Success Stories provide a platform for knowledge sharing and peer learning within the SADC region, thereby strengthening the collective capacity of the SADC region to address challenges and accelerate progress towards the shared aspirations of a peaceful and prosperous region.
Speaking at the launch, Dr Axel Bayer, Deputy Ambassador of Germany to South Africa, Eswatini and Lesotho, hailed the launch as a testament to the incredible progress Lesotho has made in various sectors ranging from agriculture, infrastructure, water, trade, labour and beyond.
"These stories encapsulate the innovative approaches, dedication and resilience of the Basotho people and the transformative policies implemented by the government. They showcase the positive impact of regional cooperation and highlight Lesotho's exceptional achievements within the SADC community," he said.
The publication highlights several noteworthy aspects, including the achievement of increased efficiency through expedited customs clearance of goods and travel. It also highlights improved traffic management as a result of the implementation of a coordinated border management project. These developments contribute to smoother cross-border processes and more effective border operations. It also highlights the implementation of a cross-border money transfer project between Lesotho and South Africa which stands out as a secure and cost-effective method for transferring money between these two countries. This initiative has received acclaim for its reliability and affordability, providing a valuable service for individuals looking to send money across the Lesotho-South Africa border.
On shared watercourses, the publication highlights the implementation of initiatives to conserve Lesotho's most precious resource, water, referred to as Lesotho's 'white gold'. Lesotho's water resources play a crucial role not only for its own development, but also for neighbouring countries in the SADC region. Several SADC countries rely heavily on Lesotho's water to meet their own needs for drinking, agriculture and industry. This regional cooperation highlights the importance of managing and protecting water resources across borders to ensure sustainable use and equitable distribution among all member states.
A copy of the Lesotho SADC Success Stories Publication can be accessed here: