Why did many Sotho workers migrate to South African mines during the 20th century?

During the 20th century, many Sotho workers migrated to South Africa primarily due to a lack of domestic employment opportunities and the persistent poverty within Lesotho. Lesotho’s economy has historically been insufficient to support its population, leaving the country heavily dependent on its neighbor for jobs.12

Throughout the 20th century, the South African mining industry served as a major source of labor for Sotho men. These migrant workers provided essential labor for the mines, and the remittances they sent home became a critical component of Lesotho’s economy, contributing significantly to its gross national product. Despite the government's efforts to modernize and develop infrastructure, the country remained unable to create enough local jobs to alleviate its long-standing economic dependence on South African employment. Consequently, migration remained a vital survival strategy for a large portion of the Sotho labor force.2314