Southern Africa

Migration and development : dependence on South Africa

Upphovsperson:	Winai Ström, Gabriele
Utgivare:	Nordiska Afrikainstitutet | Uppsala : Nordiska Afrikainstitutet
År:	1986
Ämnesord:	Lesotho, South Africa, Southern Africa, Labour migration, Bilateral relations, History, Politics, Political science, Statsvetenskap

Migrant labour is the main source of income of Lesotho society. Its dependence on wage employment as defined by South Africa and the restrictions of foreign contract labour has made Lesotho and its government increasingly vulnerable. The geo-political situation does not seem to give much hope either. Still, the political strategy and the mechanisms of dependence have changed as a result of conscious actions undertaken by the Lesotho government. The dramatic development of this migrant labour society illustrates the realities and the potetial for change. It gives crucial insights into the South African conflict today.