12th January 2015 Update: Thanks to the wonderful generosity of the Waterloo Foundation and our Just Giving community supporters, the Seinoli lawyers have now managed to consult with those of our clients spread across the mountains, in advance of the next hearing in the Ha Lejone case. We also have the added bonus that 'International Rivers’ has joined the courtroom battle.

Although we move confidently towards victory, the case is being vigorously fought by our opponents - we need to raise more funds to keep the playing field level and fair. Will you help us? If a good number of our friends and their friends give us £20 - £50, we can take huge steps towards a groundbreaking precedent, which now has international significance. 

Ha Lejone is one of 65 cooperatives, who are now collectively owed at least 6 billion ZAR by the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA). In a test case, Ha Lejone is litigating against LHDA for their 10 years of overdue compensation.  Last week the LHDA informed the Seinoli legal team, who act for the Ha Lejone Co-operative, that they wished to settle the matter.

Although this is a tremendous step forward in the case, the Seinoli legal team only have until the next hearing  (end of January 2015) to facilitate a fairly negotiated settlement between the Ha Lejone Co-operative and the LHDA. A mere few days away.

Protimos is launching an urgent appeal for funds, to enable the Seinoli lawyers to consult their clients about the terms of a settlement. This means reaching 160,000 resettled people in remote communities spread across mountainous terrain. They must ensure that there is community consent to any proposed settlement. 

The Seinoli lawyers and the people involved have achieved so much already, please join us in helping them achieve the security of a fairly negotiated settlement.