FRIDAY, 4.30PM:
THE Lesotho National Assembly today began debating the return of “conquered territory” (effectively the whole Free State) from South Africa.
Foreign Minister Kelibone Maope told the assembly his government intends to hire a specialist to advise Lesotho on the issue of borders between Lesotho and SA. Maope added the government intends asking MPs for ideas on the matter before pesenting Lesotho’s case to South Africa.
The “conquered territory” covers the entire Free State province as far as the Vaal River. During the 19th century this land was part of the Basotho kingdom of King Moshoeshoe and was farmed successfully by Basotho commercial farmers. Cape boers, who resented the success of the Basotho competitors, took up arms against the Basotho, driving them into the mountains across the Caledon River (present-day Lesotho) and seizing their lands, which have been at issue ever since.
During today;s debate, Lesotho government chief whip Matseliso Moshabesha said the land should be returned to Lesotho.