The Landlocked Nations and Their Borders
Lesotho
Lesotho, a kingdom nestled high in the Drakensberg Mountains, presents a striking example of a nation entirely enveloped by the territory of South Africa. Its rugged terrain and mountainous geography give it a distinct identity, yet its fate is inextricably linked to its larger neighbor.
Lesotho’s story is one of historical interactions, marked by a history of seeking protection from South Africa. The Basotho people, under the leadership of King Moshoeshoe I, strategically sought British protection in the 19th century, to prevent annexation by the expanding Boer republics. This colonial past shaped Lesotho’s boundaries and its relationship with the surrounding territory. It gained independence in 1966, but its location continued to shape its destiny. Its economy, its access to ports, its imports, and its exports are all primarily dictated by its interactions with South Africa. Lesotho’s dependence on South Africa is undeniable.
Eswatini (Swaziland)
Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, presents a slightly different, but equally important, case. While not entirely surrounded by South Africa in the same manner as Lesotho, Eswatini borders South Africa on three sides. Its location provides significant connectivity to the South African economy, and the country’s borders are a major conduit for trade. Eswatini also borders Mozambique, offering the country a valuable, albeit more distant, alternative route to the sea.
The history of Eswatini also includes the influence of the British and the impact of interactions with their powerful neighbor. The Swazi Kingdom, like Lesotho, also sought protection from European expansion, leading to an independent state within a context of South African influence. Eswatini obtained full independence in 1968, but South Africa’s influence on trade and access to external markets remains significant.
The Trials and Triumphs of Being Landlocked
Challenges
The condition of being landlocked presents a variety of significant hurdles. The most obvious is the problem of access to the sea, as it requires reliance on transit countries.
This dependence on neighbors inevitably increases the costs of imports and exports. Landlocked nations must navigate the complexities of negotiating transit agreements, paying for transportation across foreign territory, and dealing with potential delays and bureaucratic hurdles. These increased costs reduce competitiveness, hampering economic growth and development. This can make it difficult to attract foreign investment, particularly in manufacturing and other sectors that rely on efficient and cost-effective access to global markets. Furthermore, reliance on neighboring countries can make landlocked nations vulnerable to political instability or economic downturns in those transit nations. Political unrest, border closures, or changes in transit policies can disrupt trade flows and harm the economies of the landlocked nations.
Opportunities
However, the proximity to a major economic power like South Africa does offer significant opportunities. South Africa boasts a well-developed infrastructure, including ports, railways, and roads, which can provide access to the sea and global markets. This infrastructure reduces transportation costs and helps to move imports and exports more efficiently.
Landlocked countries can benefit from increased access to South Africa’s markets. They can trade goods and services with South Africa, helping to spur economic growth and job creation. South Africa’s regional economic dominance also brings the possibility of economic integration. Partnerships and trade agreements can create a more stable environment for economic development, and a reduction in trade barriers can boost the flow of goods and services between the nations. The proximity to South Africa also supports tourism.
The tourism industry also presents a potential opportunity for growth. Eswatini and Lesotho’s proximity to South Africa creates an opportunity to capitalize on South African tourists and international travelers.
The Role of South Africa: A Regional Anchor
Transportation Infrastructure
South Africa’s influence on the landlocked countries in its orbit is multifaceted. The nation’s transportation infrastructure is vital for Lesotho and Eswatini’s access to global markets. The Durban port, for example, is a critical gateway for goods coming in and out of these countries. The efficiency and capacity of South African railways and roads directly impact the cost and speed of trade for its neighbors.
Economic and Political Relations
Beyond transportation, South Africa plays a crucial role in the economic and political landscapes of both Lesotho and Eswatini. South Africa is a key trading partner for both nations. Many businesses, particularly in the retail sector, import goods and services from South Africa.
South Africa’s economic strength creates a degree of influence over its neighbors. Political stability in South Africa is also key to the stability and security of Lesotho and Eswatini. The two smaller nations depend on South Africa for security cooperation. South Africa is a major player in regional security. South Africa’s financial institutions, such as banks, are also key economic actors, with a significant presence in Lesotho and Eswatini.
Economic Interdependence and Social Impact
Economic Dependence
The economies of Lesotho and Eswatini are significantly intertwined with that of South Africa. Lesotho’s economy is heavily dependent on South African trade, labor exports, and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU). Eswatini is also integrated into the SACU, a customs union that fosters trade among its members, including South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini. This interdependence presents both advantages and challenges.
While access to South African markets and infrastructure provides benefits, it also creates significant economic vulnerability. Fluctuations in the South African economy directly impact Lesotho and Eswatini. Diversifying the economy is a challenge in its own right, with the dependence on South Africa making it harder to create new sectors and new employment opportunities.
Social Implications
The social and cultural impacts are also significant. The proximity of South Africa leads to considerable migration patterns. Many people from Lesotho and Eswatini seek employment opportunities in South Africa, and migration can create challenges related to brain drain. On the other hand, remittances sent by migrants play a crucial role in supporting the economies of their home countries.
The influence of South Africa extends to language, culture, and education. The media, television and radio, often originate from South Africa. The prevalence of the South African Rand as legal tender in Lesotho, alongside the Loti, further demonstrates this economic interdependence.
The relationship between South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini demonstrates the challenges and opportunities that landlocked nations encounter. While the proximity to a powerful neighbor can provide economic benefits, these relationships also highlight the vulnerability inherent in geographical isolation and dependence.
Looking Ahead
The future of Lesotho and Eswatini is closely tied to their relationship with South Africa. A stable, prosperous South Africa is beneficial for its neighbors. South Africa’s investment in infrastructure and support for regional trade initiatives can support the economic development of its neighbors.
Further research is needed to evaluate the long-term sustainability of these relationships. There is a need to explore the opportunities to reduce the reliance of Lesotho and Eswatini on South Africa, while also building on the mutual benefits of a regional partnership. Addressing these challenges will be critical for securing the future prosperity and stability of both landlocked nations. They are geographically close, but their destinies are connected by an evolving network of economics and security.
