BAP Pushes for Passport-Free Movement Between Lesotho and South Africa

Basotho Action Party (BAP) leader, Professor Nqosa Mahao, says the party’s Free Border Campaign is gaining momentum, with petitions supporting the initiative being distributed across various districts.
According to BAP, the governments of Lesotho and South Africa should abolish the use of travel passports at border crossings, allowing citizens to move freely between the two countries using only national identity cards.
In an interview with Mohale FM on Tuesday this week, Professor Mahao said that it was still too early to determine the level of public participation, as data collection for the campaign had only recently begun.
He emphasized, however, that the Lesotho government must show firm commitment in pursuing negotiations with South Africa, in order to secure an agreement on the matter.
Professor Mahao added that although such talks should ideally take place between governments, his party believes it could successfully negotiate a deal that would greatly benefit Basotho. He noted that the current requirements for work, study, and residence permits in South Africa are too costly for many citizens.
Meanwhile, some members of the public who spoke to Mohale FM welcomed the initiative, saying it would enhance safety and ease movement for both people and property.