Lesotho Roundup: Diamond mine sale, constitutional reforms, house donations

Poultry meat importation from Brazil

The government of Lesotho has approved the importation of poultry meat from Brazil. Negotiations began in November of last year. Lesotho imports approximately 8,000 tons of poultry meat annually. Brazil exports poultry products to 172 countries, constituting 38% of the global trade in this product. Last year, Brazil's poultry exports surpassed $9.61 billion, totalling 5 million tons. Since the beginning of 2023, Brazil has expanded its export markets to include 121 new agricultural products in 51 countries across five continents. The achievement is the result of coordinated efforts between the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Constitutional reforms

Lesotho is once again tackling key constitutional reforms to stabilise its turbulent political landscape, but a new obstacle has emerged: a disagreement between the government and parts of civil society on the approach. Last week, Law and Justice Minister Richard Ramoeletsi introduced the long-awaited Tenth and Eleventh Amendments to the Constitution Bills, which the previous government under Prime Minister Moeketsi Majoro failed to pass before the 2022 elections. While the current government aims to amend the existing constitution, some civil society organizations, including the Transformation Resource Centre (TRC), advocate for drafting a new one. According to News24, the TRC criticized the government for "continued misdirection against sound counsel and advisory to its political leadership on astute principles of engagement in constitutionally legitimate reform procedures," arguing that the Bills represent a "dismemberment of the constitution's original design."

Houses donated to workers

40 houses were donated to families living in Kgubetswana Township in Clarens, Free State, as part of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. The houses were originally built for project staff and were intended to be sold, but due to affordability issues, they were donated to the original occupants. According to SA News, the current value of the houses is between R380,000 and R640,000, and the transfer of ownership is being finalised. The project aims to provide water to South Africa’s Gauteng region and generate hydroelectricity for Lesotho, with Phase II expected to be completed by 2028.

Diamond mine sale

Lucapa Diamond is selling its 70% stake in the Mothae mine in Lesotho to focus on its core assets in Africa and Australia. The mine produces large, high-value diamonds and has attracted significant interest from potential buyers. The company also holds a stake in the Lulo mine in Angola and is involved in exploration projects in several countries. The diamond industry has faced challenges due to excess stockpiles and the growing popularity of laboratory-made diamonds, as reported by the Northern Miner.

Lesotho nationals arrested for money laundering

Four Lesotho nationals are in police custody following their arrest for possession of suspected stolen property and money laundering. According to Algoa FM, police spokesperson Colonel Adele Myburgh reported that Sesing Tsabane, 32, was the first suspect arrested last week in Orkney, where he was found with chemicals used to wash dye-stained notes. The investigation then led police to another house, where Letlala Elias Qabano, 36, Joshua Molibeli, 34, and Molefe Abel Fusi, 26, were arrested. A substantial amount of dye-stained money was discovered at the scene. According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), there is a possibility that these men could be linked to ATM bombings. The case has been postponed to May 27th in the Klerksdorp Magistrates Court.