The impact of cross-border movement on South African towns on the Lesotho border

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Date
2007
Authors
Viljoen, Johan
Wentzel, Marie
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Free State
Abstract
English: This article investigates the impact of cross-border movement from Lesotho to the eastern Free State towns of Ficksburg, Ladybrand and Wepener. The many Basotho who visit these towns have a tangible impact on economic activity and service provision. The findings include, among other things, the major economic benefits for the border towns and the impact on South Africa’s health and education services. Stakeholders attributed both the fast growth of informal settlements and the high rate of unemployment to the movement of Lesotho citizens, but this could not be verified. Policy recommendations include the need to facilitate the flow of people and to garner reliable information on which to base planning and decision-making.
Description
Keywords
Cross-border movement, Lesotho, Lesotho citizens, Eastern Free State towns, Economic benefits, Lesotho/South African border posts
Citation
Viljoen, J., & Wentzel, M. (2007). The impact of cross-border movement on South African towns on the Lesotho border. Acta Academica, 39(2), 118-138.