Earlier, South Africa’s Presidency said Majoro would be at Ramaphosa’s Mahlamba Ndlopfu official residence in Pretoria to discuss bilateral co-operation and regional and continental issues of mutual interest amid the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

“This will be the first courtesy call by the Right Honourable Dr Majoro on His Excellency President Ramaphosa since his swearing-in as the prime minister of the Kingdom of Lesotho on 20 May 2020,” said the Presidency. 

“Prime Minister Majoro was appointed leader of the kingdom’s government following the resignation of his predecessor, Dr Thomas Thabane. It will be recalled that President Ramaphosa expressed his profound congratulations to Prime Minister Majoro and wished him well during his tenure.” 

The courtesy call also presents an opportunity for the two countries to elevate existing strong relations. 

“Furthermore, President Ramaphosa, in his capacity as the SADC (Southern African Development Community) facilitator to the Kingdom of Lesotho, will exchange views with Prime Minister Majoro on the continued implementation of agreed constitutional and security sector reforms in Lesotho, among others.” 

Thabane resigned as prime minister of Lesotho under a dark cloud last month. He had been under immense pressure to resign following his implication in the murder of his former wife, Lipolelo Thabane. He and his current wife, Maesiah, are both implicated in the murder of Lipolelo, a charge they have denied.

Lipolelo was gunned down on June 14, 2017, in Maseru two days before Thabane's inauguration as the prime minister. The couple had been living separately since 2012 and were going through a prolonged divorce.

Two months later, Thabane married Maesiah, who is charged with Lipolelo's murder. She is also charged with the attempted murder of Thato Sibolla, who survived the shooting.

According to media reports, Thabane is linked to Lipolelo's murder through cell phone records. His cell phone was allegedly traced to the murder scene.

In January, Thabane announced that he would resign in July, but earlier this month he indicated that he might resign as early as June 12 if all the necessary conditions for his retirement were put in place.

African News Agency (ANA)