LESOTHO AND SOUTH AFRICA STRENGTHEN TIES IN SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

By Precious Mupenzi

• The Kingdom of Lesotho and South Africa continue to build on their historic relationship, marked by shared borders, cultural ties, and cooperative efforts in social development. A recent knowledge-sharing mission by Lesotho’s Ministry of Gender, Youth, and Social Development in Pretoria aimed to enhance collaboration on issues affecting older persons.
• During the visit, South Africa’s Department of Social Development presented on various topics, including welfare services, community development, and social security. Ms. Civil Legodu, Acting Chief Director of Professional Social Services and Older Persons, highlighted South Africa’s legislative framework, focusing on the Older Persons Act of 2006 and the shift towards community-based care.
• The existing Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries, signed in 2015, governs cooperation in areas like welfare services and social assistance. The mission reaffirmed their shared commitment to sustainable development and improving the well-being of vulnerable groups, particularly the elderly.

The Kingdom of Lesotho and South Africa continue to strengthen their longstanding relationship, underscored by shared borders, cultural ties, and a history of mutual cooperation. This deep bond was further solidified during a knowledge-sharing mission to South Africa by the Ministry of Gender, Youth, and Social Development of the Kingdom of Lesotho, currently underway in Pretoria from 2 to 5 September 2024. The visit aimed to foster collaboration on key social development issues, particularly those concerning the well-being of older persons.

During the opening session, Mr. Peter Netshipale, Acting Director-General of South Africa’s Department of Social Development, welcomed the delegation, emphasising the importance of cooperation between the two countries. “Lesotho and South Africa have always enjoyed a close relationship, working together to promote stability, development, and the well-being of our most vulnerable citizens,” said Netshipale. He highlighted the significance of knowledge-sharing in addressing common challenges and adopting best practices, particularly in social development.

The mission began with presentations from various branches of the Department of Social Development, covering critical areas such as Welfare Services, Community Development, and Comprehensive Social Security. Among the key presentations was one by Ms. Civil Legodu, Acting Chief Director of Professional Social Services and Older Persons, who provided a detailed overview of South Africa’s legislative framework and policy approach to services for older persons.

Ms. Legodu outlined the constitutional principles that guide South Africa’s policies, focusing on the Older Persons Act of 2006 and its regulations, which govern the registration of residential facilities for the elderly. “The Constitution is the supreme law of the Republic,” she explained, adding that the Older Persons Act of 2006, along with other key legislation such as the National Health Act and the Criminal Procedure Act, provides a robust framework for protecting the rights and well-being of older persons.

She further elaborated that services for older persons in South Africa are designed with a two-pronged approach, catering to both frail older persons and those who remain active and mobile. “Older persons in South Africa are defined as men and women who are 60 years and above,” said Legodu. “Our policy mandates the development of community-based care and support services, as well.”

Ms. Legodu explained that prior to 1994, South African policy frameworks favoured institutional care for older persons, specifically targeting the white population. Only 2% of the older population benefited from the Aged Persons Act of 1967. Over time, a series of studies and policy evaluations revealed gaps in service provision, necessitating a shift toward more inclusive legislation. This led to the enactment of the Older Persons Act of 2006, which prioritises community-based care and seeks to protect older persons from abuse within residential facilities.

In contrast, Lesotho’s Policy for Older Persons of 2014 defines older persons as individuals aged 60 and above, with a further classification into three categories: “young olds” (60-69), “middle olds” (70-79), and “oldest olds” (80+). This categorisation reflects the varying needs and abilities within the ageing population, necessitating tailored programmes and services. According to the 2021 Lesotho Demographic Survey, older persons make up 9.11% of the country’s population, signalling a growing elderly demographic that requires comprehensive care and support.

Ms. Legodu also discussed the registration and compliance requirements for residential facilities in South Africa, noting the importance of adhering to established norms and standards. “Operators must adhere to strict norms and standards outlined in the Older Persons Act and ensure that records such as health reports, daily care plans, and incident reports are meticulously maintained,” she said. She further emphasised the collaborative nature of the approach, adding that “the South African model prioritises interdepartmental cooperation, involving the Department of Health to ensure proper nutrition and medical care for residents.”

The two countries have an existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2015, which governs their cooperation in areas such as welfare services, social assistance, and community development. This MoU includes provisions for inter-country adoptions, international social services, and enhanced collaboration on social security measures.

This collaboration reflects the shared vision of South Africa and Lesotho in promoting sustainable development and improving the well-being of their people, particularly the elderly and other vulnerable groups.