Lesotho: Mauteng rises from ashes

MASERU --- Following the 1992-2004 conflicts in Mauteng in the outskirts of Maseru town which robbed people of their human and constitutional rights as some were left dead, children orphaned, women widowed, some homeless and displaced, the community has managed to pick-up the pieces and rebuilt their lives.

The community members, community leaders and the police joined hands to bring an end to the conflicts, and their efforts were not in vain, there are signs that restoration of the glory of the area is possible.

With the current peace and stability in the area, the community has started believing in themselves and that they have a potential to contribute meaningfully to the development of the country instead of making headlines for the wrong reasons.

Although illegal mines, commonly known as 'Litotomeng', among Basotho, which are found in South Africa have attracted a large number of young men from Lesotho, and are a problem in most parts of the country, the community of Mauteng is singing a different tune.

Illegal miners, commonly known as zama zamas often engage in criminal activities and conflicts which result in deaths and destruction of property. This are often a result of the fights which occur between them through their rivalry groups, and they take them back into the country. The conflicts often affect innocent lives as well as the country's peace and stability. 

They also affect relations between Lesotho and South Africa as they are often in the latter unlawful. This makes it difficult for other job seekers from Lesotho to secure employment or stay in South Africa.

For the community of Mauteng, the zama zamas are ordinary community members who continue to contribute to the development of the area. They say they significantly participate in rebuilding the area adding that they are not a threat to the progress already made to restore peace.

The Agency took a trip to Mauteng to see the current state of the area and how the community is copping since the conflicts stopped.

The chief of Mauteng, Chief Sanaha Tumaki-Leuta who was forced to flee the country and stay in South Africa as his parental home was burned down and his wife injured, stated that after the situation came back to normal, he returned home adding that he is gradually rebuilding the home. He indicated that there are more people who are returning to their homes where they reconstruct the damaged houses, erect new ones and get their lives back.

He said people are now united, adding that they are working together towards a common goal which is to rebuild their area and ensure sustainable peace, stability and development. 

The Chief indicated that life is normal at Mauteng adding that the youth engage in sports especially soccer, further adding that they are eager to develop their talent. He also added that women are playing a significant role in the restoration process. He said they are involved in community development through their various associations. He further said the community is always united in looking after the sick and the orphans adding that no one is alone in the area.

He indicated that lack of access to electricity and absence of woolshed, frequently maintained roads as well as telecommunications network, which makes communication difficult for the community, have not discouraged them from wanting what is best for them and the area together with the entire country. He said they continue to focus on enhancing agriculture to ensure food security and that their livestock is well taken care of.

Chief Tumaki-Leuta remarked that in the past, visibility of the law enforcement agencies used to scare members of the community. He however said there is currently a relationship, trust and cooperation between them. He acknowledged the police through the Mofoka Police Station, members of the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) and the community for their joint efforts to restore peace and stability in Mauteng.

The Chief pointed out that he is confident that the zama zamas from his area will not do anything to reignite the conflicts and jeopardize the prevailing peace. He said they are law abiding citizens adding that they participate in all community activities. He added that instead of engaging in criminal activities or causing instability, they are focused on improving their lives and developing the place.

"I am now proud to stand before the Principal Chief to present reports because they are always positive", he said.

A still hurting 'Mamothobi Thakabanna related how she survived a shooting that left her husband dead, thus rendering her widowed, and their houses burned down.

She stated that on the fateful day, while still at home, she only heard gunshots, the next thing she was in hospital. She said she was hospitalised for a month and lost her memory. She pointed out that she was able to recover in 2000, although she still battles with chronic diseases which she contracted following the incident.

Mrs. Thakabanna lamented that no one from the government has ever come to the village to check on the victims since the conflicts occurred and stopped. 

"The government abandoned us. What happened to us was a disaster, but nothing was done about it. We were left to pick up the pieces on our own," she added. 

She indicated that they had hoped that the government would relocate them. She stated that the intervention they got was from God as all the perpetrators are now dead. She added that the only organisation that came to their rescue is the SOS Children's Village which introduced a programme intended to uplift the community.

Just like the chief, Mrs. Thakabanna expressed confidence in the zama zamas of their area saying that they jealously guard the peace in their area. She said they have seen worse adding that the suffering was unbearable. She added that no one would want to go back to the past.

Responding to the question of why her office did not intervene in the situation, Disaster Management Authority (DMA) Assistant Public Relations Officer Ms. Mahlape Koali, stated tthat anincident is considered a disaster when a large number of people in one area have been affected. She gave an example of COVID-19 and poverty adding that a disaster is declared.

She indicated that in situations where the DMA assists people is when a report is made about the incident and an assessment is carried out before action is taken. She pointed out that in cases where assistance is required, the Ministry of Social Development is the right one to approach.

Another member of the community Mrs. 'Mampho Abele attested to what was said by the previous interviewees about Mauteng being a peaceful place.

"Living in Mauteng has never been as enjoyable as it currently is," she said. She stated that people who caused the conflicts are now dead, hence the peace and stability. 

She pointed out that although she was deeply hurt when her father was killed after his house was burned down as he was accused of being a snitch, she learned to live with the pain and eventually managed it. She said her male relatives who wanted revenge were convinced to drop it and they relocated.

Mrs. Abele indicated that illegal mining is working in their favour as the Mauteng community. She stated that it is an answer to the escalating unemployment rate adding that as soon as boys come of age, they are recruited into the illegal mines. 

She said when they come back home, they bring along development while also ensuring sustainability of peace. She emphasised that they are breadwinners in their families adding that whatever conflicts they get involved in, back at the mines, have never affected the Mauteng villagers.

Former Councilor for the Makhoarane Community Council in the Mauteng Electoral Division, Mr. Tlhako Telekoa told the Agency that when he was first elected as the Councilor in 2005 at the age of 21, dealing with the aftermath of the conflicts was challenging. He however said through concerted efforts between the community leaders, villagers and the Mofoka Police resolutions were made. He said a lot of sacrifices and dedication were made in order to secure peace for Mauteng.

He stated that crime prevention committees were established through which tip-offs were provided about possible criminal activities. He indicated that there were times when, after suspicious movements were reported, armed suspects would be apprehended.

He added that they would also receive tip-offs from South Africa about people planning to cause havoc in the village. He said criminal activities were addressed before they could be committed.

Mr. Telekoa said the involvement of members of the community in curbing the conflicts made a huge impact. He said that there was unity adding that those who alienated themselves were often overpowered further adding that troublemakers could be easily spotted.

He acknowledged the SOS Children's Village Lesotho for their contribution in rebuilding Mauteng and bringing hope to those who had lost it.

According to information from the SOS Children's Village Lesotho, a three-year Family Strengthening Programme implemented in Mauteng which started in 2017 focused on children from struggling homes. It stated that the programme was intended to promote self-reliance, access to education and ability for families to provide for the essential needs of the children.

The information also shows that working together with a Community Based Organisation (CBO) called Nts'etsopele Ea Basotho, the community was provided with training on psychosocial support, and economic strengthening projects. It further added that income generating projects were established with the aim to promote access to education and improve livelihoods of the community members.

It revealed that primary schools in Mauteng were also equipped with skills on economic empowerment so that they could establish income generating projects.

Secretary for Ntsétsopele Ea Basotho Association Mrs. 'Makhotso Ntoi said the SOS Children's Village Lesotho provided an intervention when most needed. She stated that through the association, information about access to social grants is shared. She added that vulnerable children who are eligible for the grant are assisted with funds to cover transport, when need arises, in order to access the service.

She stated that they have been able to instill the spirit of job creation among the youth. She indicated that about 20 youths received training after which they were able to establish their own businesses.

A 30-year-old Motloli Makhotla who benefitted from the training organised under the Family Strengthening Programme stated, although he has not been able to secure employment after going to a driving school, he has not lost hope. He stated that the training has taken him a step further adding that he just has to improve his skills so he can get employed in the transport sector as he now has code B driver's licence.

He pointed out that regardless of being unemployed, he has a vision to have a sustainable business in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) eight, (Decent work and Economic Growth). He said he now owns a small business which he hopes to expand in future.

Speaking on the issue of the Zama zamas, Makhotla stated that despite being unemployed, he is not interested in taking that route. He pointed out that he has heard that people die in the illegal mines therefore he is scared to explore it.

He indicated that the people in his village who work in the mines are progressing in life. He added that they always ensure that their rivalries do not spread to the village adding that they often reprimand those who try to cause trouble because of their issues from the mines. He insisted that, for him, illegal mining is a risk not worth taking.

The Mofoka Police through Detective Police Constable (DPC) Moloi Modia confirmed Mauteng image has been restored, further noting that the place, which was known for serious crimes, especially murder, is now an ordinary place. 

He indicated that the crime rate has significantly dropped adding that in the past five months, no crime has been reported from Mauteng. He said the work done by crime prevention committees from that area is outstanding and they are swift to address crime.

DPC Modia shared the same sentiments with the people of Mauteng that there is no sign that the zama zamas are posing a threat to the progress made in ensuring that the area is peaceful. He remarked that it seems they belong to one group and are united, therefore being involved in conflicts that might spread back home is difficult.

He appealed to the Mauteng Community and surrounding areas to comply with the law, report crime and provide the police with information. He emphasised that policing is everyone's responsibility therefore every community member must take part in it.

A member of Parliament (MP) for Matsieng Constituency Mr. Makotoko Moshe stated that the only solution to everlasting peace for Mauteng and its surrounding areas is job creation. He indicated that it is only when the people have something to do when the conflicts will come to a complete stop.

"All over the world, women are leading movements for peace and rebuilding communities in the aftermath of conflict", said UN Women on this year’s International Day of Peace. They called for inclusion of women in peace processes in order to achieve a peaceful and gender equal world.

While men are always at the forefront of conflicts and when resolutions are made ending the same, the women of Mauteng are seen taking a participatory role in rebuilding the homes and the lives. They have demonstrated strength, courage and resilience as they travel with their community through the journey to recovery.

Despite the devastation left behind by the conflicts in Mauteng and the credibility the area together with its people lost, the community  still believes in the area and its potential to contribute to the country's economic development as well as maintain the peace that  Basotho are known for, the peace which the founder of the nation King Moshoeshoe I so cherished.

Written by Makhaba Masekonyela. This article, first published by Lesotho News Agency, is part of the Media Parity Capacity Building Programme and republished as part of the programme series.