Lesotho Prime Minister Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane led a Basotho delegation in bilateral talks with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Durban on Sunday.
The discussions focused on issues affecting the two neighbouring countries, including Lesotho’s access to the sea, regional transport corridors and the welfare of Basotho nationals working in South Africa.
The leaders also discussed the development of the Tele Bridge and plans to open and upgrade additional border posts to support commercial activity. 
The meeting took place on 16 August 2026 alongside the SADC Summit in Durban and was aimed at strengthening cooperation between Lesotho and South Africa.
Lesotho and South Africa share longstanding social and economic ties, with thousands of Basotho living and working in South Africa. The two governments said closer cooperation was needed to improve the movement of people, goods and services, expand trade and create more economic opportunities for citizens.
The talks also formed part of ongoing cooperation through the Lesotho South Africa Bi National Commission. The commission provides a framework for addressing shared priorities, including trade, infrastructure, water resources and cross border movement.
The two countries are continuing to explore measures that can improve transport links, support commercial activity and strengthen economic relations between their communities.
