Eswatini, Lesotho parliamentarians push for freedom of movement

MASERU – Parliamentarians from the Kingdoms of Eswatini and Lesotho have renewed calls for greater freedom of movement between neighbouring countries.

The legislators proposed that Eswatini, Lesotho and Botswana must explore ways of easing travel restrictions among their citizens.

The call was made on Saturday during an engagement at Thaba-Bosiu Cultural Village in Lesotho, where parliamentarians from the two sister kingdoms discussed the importance of strengthening regional cooperation, building friendships and learning from one another.

The proposal gained momentum during the visit, with legislators arguing that closer relations among the three countries could be achieved through practical arrangements that make it easier for their citizens to cross borders.

Chairperson of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Eswatini Branch and Lobamba Lomdzala Member of Parliament Marwick Khumalo said the exchange programme demonstrated the importance of cultivating good relations among neighbouring countries.

Khumalo, who spoke at the conclusion of the engagement, said the Eswatini delegation had been treated with exceptional hospitality in Lesotho and would have to begin planning how to reciprocate the gesture when the Basotho parliamentarians visit Eswatini.

CPA Eswatini Chairperson Marwick Khumalo poses with Lesotho President of Senate Mamonaheng Mokitimi, Lesotho Parliament Speaker Tlohang Sekhamane and Eswatini Parliament Deputy Speaker Madala Mhlanga.

He said the visit had provided the legislators with opportunities to experience places they had never visited before, while also learning from one another through their interactions and joint activities.

“We need to inculcate the culture of neighbourliness, the culture of friendship and the culture of solidarity. The minute that we do that, we will be unstoppable in this sub-region,” Khumalo said.

He argued that the CPA’s exchange programmes were intended to bring legislators together, allowing them to establish relationships that could translate into stronger cooperation between their respective countries.

Khumalo further supported the proposal for Eswatini, Lesotho and Botswana to explore greater freedom of movement among their citizens, saying the idea deserved consideration if it could deliver meaningful benefits.

The proposal also reflected sentiments expressed during the visit by representatives of the three countries, who called for stronger regional ties and practical measures to facilitate interaction among their people.

Khumalo said the engagement was consistent with previous CPA initiatives involving Eswatini and other countries in the region.

He recalled that, some years ago, provincial delegations from South Africa, including Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal, had visited Eswatini, while emaSwati parliamentarians had also travelled to South Africa through similar exchanges.

He said the visits had demonstrated the value of bringing legislators together beyond formal parliamentary business to build relationships and strengthen cooperation.

Khumalo revealed that Lesotho parliamentarians had already committed to visiting Eswatini next year, with the Basotho delegation also expressing interest in having Eswatini take the lead in coordinating the participation of other provinces in future exchanges.

He explained that some prospective participants had initially expressed interest in joining the Lesotho engagement but had to withdraw because of preparations for local government elections in their neighbouring country.

Khumalo said such engagements were ultimately about building relationships in the interest of the King and country.

Meanwhile, the Speaker of Lesotho’s National Assembly, Tlohang Sekhamane said parliamentary exchanges should begin with small, practical initiatives before progressing towards broader regional cooperation.

He said legislators needed to meet regularly, exchange best practices, learn from one another and build their capacity to address the challenges facing their respective countries.

The Speaker said such initiatives could eventually contribute to the development of stronger regional parliamentary institutions capable of establishing common rules, regulations and guidance to improve the lives of people across Southern Africa.

He welcomed the engagement as a starting point towards achieving that objective, expressing confidence that the cooperation between the two parliaments would be taken to a higher level.

The visit formed part of efforts to strengthen relations between Eswatini and Lesotho through parliamentary diplomacy, cultural exchanges and sporting activities.

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