South Africa and Lesotho establish a consultative committee to resolve border disputes

South Africa and Lesotho decided to establish a consultative committee to resolve misunderstandings arising from the movement of people across their common border. The relationship between the two countries in 1970s and early 1980s was fraught with friction. This was the case particularly under government of Basutoland National party (BNP) led by Chief Leabua Jonathan who came to power as Prime Minister in 1966. For instance, Jonathan repeatedly criticised the South African government's policy of apartheid while declaring his support for the African National Congress (ANC). Five years later, January 1986 the South African Government closed its borders with Lesotho, cutting off fundamental food and fuel supplies.