The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations held the first homecoming event for the Basotho diaspora.

Speaking at this event, the Deputy Prime Minister, Justice Nthomeng Majara said the event is aimed at bringing Basotho living in other parts of the world together as a way forward towards tackling the rate of poverty that Lesotho is faced with.

She said together, the government of Lesotho and the Basotho diaspora can address such issues as they can bring or invite investors into the country.

Justice Majara advised the diaspora to share with Basotho available opportunities in the countries they reside.

In his remarks, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Mr. Lejone Mpotjoane said this initiative was made known in July and is celebrated as the first homecoming event and is expected to be celebrated annually.

He said it is aimed at creating a platform to address issues that the Basotho diaspora encounter and how they can be addressed.

He added that to ensure the well-being of the Basotho diaspora, the ministry has established a body Directorate of Diaspora Affairs.

He said the government intends to establish a Basotho Diaspora Association fund which will make a meaningful contribution to the economy of the country.

Also speaking, the UN Resident Coordinator, Ms. Amanda Khozi Mukwashi urged the Basotho diaspora to make sure they build and invest in their places of origin as expected.

She added that they should also come back and implement the skills they acquire from foreign lands into their country towards its development.

The President of the Basotho Diaspora Association (BDA), Ms. Halieo Lelosa said there are challenges they encounter in foreign lands, expressing hope that together with the government through this event they can be addressed.

She mentioned that there are issues of concern to them which through the skills that they possess they can help the government address such as the Cross Border Free Movement and Dual Citizenship.

The Minister of Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture, Mr. Motlatsi Maqelepo applauded the ministry for hosting this event, saying it is through such initiatives that Lesotho can be known to the world whilst improving the tourism industry of Lesotho.

Participants at the event came from countries like South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Belgium, Island, Australia, Europe, the United Kingdom as well and Ethiopia to mention a few.

Source: LENA 20/12/2023