DEATH MARKS DARK MOMENT IN THE HISTORY OF RELATIONS-PM

 The Prime Minister, Mr. Pakalitha Mosisili says the death of the former South African High Commissioner to Lesotho, Mr. Japhet Mbongwa Ndlovu marks the dark history in the relations between Lesotho and South Africa.He said it also marks a dark moment particularly for members of the bereaved family in Lesotho and South Africa and to the African National Congress (ANC).

The Prime Minister was speaking during a memorial service organised by the
Government of Lesotho in honour of the late Mr. Ndlovu, who died on the morning of October 12th at the Maseru Private Hospital. Mr. Mosisili said when he was High Commissioner; he was one of the most distinguished diplomats accredited to Lesotho. 

He said the outstanding role played by the deceased during the 1998 political disturbances in Lesotho, will not and cannot be matched. Mr. Mosisili said Mr. Ndlovu worked tirelessly, spending sleepless nights with members of opposition political parties, the government, the clergy and civil society, and added that he positively contributed towards bridging the gap and reducing misunderstandings that existed during that crisis. "He was a tower of strength on which I leaned during those difficult times". He said through his positive participation, and intervention, he became very popular with government and members of the opposition parties so much  that the South African government re-assigned him to Lesotho with a  specific mandate to participate in dialogue leading to general elections." As a member of the ANC, he was a real comrade, a fighter and a liberator that cannot be forgotten by the anti apartheid regime within and outside the Republic of South Africa" he added.

The Prime Minister added that High Commissioner Ndlovu contributed immensely to the now joint bilateral Commission of cooperation between Lesotho and South Africa, signed by President Thabo Mbeki and him as Prime Minister of Lesotho. He said through this cooperation agreement, the  South African government is assisting Lesotho to emerge and graduate from the category of the Least Developed Countries (LDC's).

The Dean of of the Diplomatic Missions in Lesotho, the ambassador of the Republic of China, Mr. Zhang Xianyi said High Commissioner  Ndlovu was humble and honest. He said the deceased's stay in Lesotho made him of one of the Basotho as he understood the locals, and added that he was always  ready to lend a hand. The Dean of Diplomatic Missions said Mr. Ndlovu devoted his life to work for his country and contributed in the building of good relations between Lesotho and South Africa.

Representing the South African government was Mr Kinsley Mamabolo who expressed gratitude Lesotho and Basotho for their support, which dates backto the era of apartheid in South Africa.Mr Mamabolo said by supporting Mr Ndlovu, Lesotho participated in thestruggle with South Africans.The late died on Oct 12 at the Maseru Private Hospital where he died a fewminutes after seeing the doctor. He died at the age of 64.

23 October, 2002