AGP Executive Report

Public Health Boost: WHO and the Pandemic Fund handed Lesotho medical and ICT equipment worth about M2.5 million, including blood glucose monitors, stethoscopes, ECG machines and laptops, to strengthen disease surveillance and healthcare delivery. Cross-Border Security: South Africa and Lesotho destroyed 1,787 seized firearms in a joint operation, part of efforts to stop illegal weapons feeding crime across the border. Press Freedom Alarm: Amnesty International and press groups renewed calls for an independent investigation into the reported abduction and assault of journalist Kananelo Boloetse, while noting the US Embassy in Maseru has stayed silent. Mental Health Focus: Lesotho’s health ministry says 1 in 4 learners aged 13–17 seriously considered suicide, urging a wider conversation on adolescent wellbeing. Inclusive Education Push: Special education teachers called for inclusion of children with disabilities beyond classrooms, including communities and churches. Agriculture Skills: Minister Selibe Mochoboroane said knowledge sharing is key to improving food production, urging farmers to attend skills sessions and get advice based on their fields. Infrastructure Update: LHWP Phase 2 bridges Mabunyaneng and Khubelu are set to be unveiled this week, improving year-round access between Mokhotlong and Maseru.

Public Health Support: WHO and the Pandemic Fund handed Lesotho about M2.5 million worth of medical and ICT equipment to strengthen disease surveillance and response, including laptops, tablets, blood glucose monitors and stethoscopes. Inclusive Education Push: Special education teachers urged Lesotho to end the practice of hiding children with disabilities, calling for inclusion in communities and churches, not just classrooms. Food Security Focus: Agriculture Minister Selibe Mochoboroane said knowledge sharing is key to boosting grain production, urging farmers to attend skills sessions and get practical advice based on their fields. Wool & Mohair Value Addition: A Lesotho Wool and Mohair roadshow in Teyateyaneng is encouraging youths to turn raw wool and mohair into higher-value products for local and international markets. LHWP Phase 2 Progress: Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina will oversee LHWP II this week, including unveiling newly completed Mabunyaneng and Khubelu bridges in Mokhotlong. Journalism Under Threat: Amnesty International demanded an urgent, independent investigation after Lesotho journalist Kananelo Boloetse was allegedly abducted and assaulted. Travel Convenience: South Korea says Lesotho citizens can use K-ETA to enter without a visa and stay up to 60 days.

LHWP II Bridges Open Soon: Lesotho’s LHWP Phase II is set to unveil the newly completed Mabunyaneng and Khubelu bridges in Mokhotlong, restoring year-round access on the A1 Road between Mokhotlong and Maseru as Polihali’s reservoir will submerge older low crossings. K-ETA Visa Ease for Basotho: South Korea has listed Lesotho among eight African countries whose citizens can use K-ETA instead of a traditional visa, alongside Botswana, Eswatini, Mauritius, Morocco, Seychelles, South Africa and Tunisia. AGOA Duty-Free Relief: Lesotho secured a two-year extension of duty-free U.S. market access under AGOA, protecting key exports like textiles, apparel and fisheries until December 2028. Anti-Corruption Update: Opposition MP Jane Lekunya has agreed to repay M6 million and cooperate after allegations tied to a M109-million agriculture tender fraud scheme. Journalist Safety Call: Amnesty International urged Lesotho authorities to investigate the reported abduction and assault of journalist Kananelo Boloetse, saying attacks and intimidation against media must not go unpunished. Sports & Development: Lesotho Aquatics is set to get its first swimming pool at Ratjomose Barracks through World Aquatics’ Pools for All programme, while LNOC chief Letsatsi Ntsibolane downplayed “instability” fears after CEO and COO resignations.

Defence Procurement Crisis: Lesotho’s Defence and National Security PS Mpopo Tšoele has suspended the ministry’s procurement manager and taken procurement functions into his own hands, with allegations he bypassed competitive bidding and left existing suppliers in limbo. Journalist Safety Alarm: Amnesty International and other groups are calling for an independent probe into the reported abduction and assault of Newsday editor Kananelo Boloetse, after claims he was tortured and threatened for his reporting. Corruption Case Update: DC MP Jane Lekunya has agreed to repay M6 million and become a prosecution witness in the M109 million agricultural inputs tender scandal, as the DCEO pushes for asset recovery and prosecution. LEC Accountability Pressure: The prolonged suspension of Lesotho Electricity Company executive management is being criticised as costly “limbo” that must end with clear disciplinary outcomes. Maseru City Council Money Woes: Maseru City Council is reportedly considering moving to the Old Parliament Building to ease a crippling M49 million rental arrears problem, though lease complications remain. Sports & Community: Lesotho Aquatics is set to get its first swimming pool at Ratjomose Barracks, while Lesotho’s cricket coach names a 14-man squad for T20 World Cup qualifiers in Nigeria and Lijabatho chase a big CAF Champions League comeback. Trade Boost: Lesotho secures duty-free U.S. market access under AGOA extended to 2028, protecting key textile, apparel and fisheries exports.

Corruption Watch: Lesotho’s DCEO says opposition MP Jane Lekunya has agreed to repay M6-million linked to an alleged M109-million agriculture tender fraud, and will cooperate with prosecutors as investigators pursue asset recovery. Press Freedom: International and local rights groups are demanding an urgent, independent probe into the reported abduction and assault of journalist Kananelo Boloetse in Maseru, with police saying a special investigative team has resumed work. Inclusive Education: Special education experts are running a five-day workshop in Maseru to tackle barriers to inclusive schooling, using a teacher training manual and trainers’ programme to standardise support across districts. Tourism & Development: The Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation will host a Tourism Pitso in September to discuss investment, market access and strategies for growing Lesotho’s tourism ahead of the 60th independence anniversary. Telecoms: Vodacom Lesotho launched “Dynamic Airtime” for voucher-free top-ups in flexible amounts. Sports & Youth: Lesotho is drawn in Group B for the COSAFA U-20 qualifier against Angola, with the tournament in Mozambique later this month. Culture: Maseru graphic designer Teboho Hlehlehe was selected for Aranda’s 2026 Young Basotho Designers cohort, reimagining the Basotho blanket for a new generation.

Journalist Abduction: Outrage is growing in Lesotho after Newsday co-founder Kananelo Boloetse was reportedly abducted, assaulted and threatened with death in Maseru; RSF says police have resumed investigations and Amnesty International and media groups are calling for an urgent, independent probe. Special Education Push: A five-day workshop in Maseru is training teachers to improve inclusive education for learners with disabilities, using a new Teacher Inclusive Training Manual and a “training of trainers” approach. Food Security Measures: The Disaster Management Authority says food grains purchases will start on 18 September, buying registered farmers’ produce (10% per farmer) to support vulnerable households and assist farmers. Tourism Drive: Lesotho’s Tourism Pitso will run 16–17 September in Maseru, bringing government, investors and communities together to discuss investment, market access and innovation during Tourism Month. Connectivity & Airtime: Vodacom Lesotho has launched Dynamic Airtime, letting users top up with flexible amounts without needing physical recharge vouchers. EdTech Funding: Injini is opening applications for an $125,000 AI venture builder for early-stage education teams across Southern Africa, including Lesotho. Infrastructure Update: LHDA will launch the Mabunyaneng and Khubelu bridges in Mokhotlong, completing major works under Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. Sports (Regional): COSAFA U-20 qualifiers fixtures are out, with Lesotho drawn in Group B alongside South Africa and Angola.

Judicial and rights pressure: Amnesty International and other groups are demanding an urgent, independent investigation into the reported abduction, torture and assault of journalist Kananelo Boloetse, saying Lesotho must protect journalists and human rights defenders and bring suspects to justice. Infrastructure and access: The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority will launch the Mabunyaneng and Khubelu bridges in Mokhotlong, completing major works under Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project and improving year-round connectivity for communities around the Polihali Reservoir. Tourism push: The Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation will host a two-day Tourism Pitso (Sept 16–17) to attract investment and partnerships, boost market access, and showcase Lesotho’s tourism ahead of the 60th Independence anniversary. Mobile services: Vodacom Lesotho has launched voucher-free Dynamic Airtime, letting users load custom top-up amounts from LSL 1.50 for more flexible and secure airtime transactions. Sports and health: NBM Women’s Premiership Golden Boot winner Deborah Henry has undergone successful surgery after a distal fibula fracture during the CAF Women’s Champions League-COSAFA qualifier. Trade relief: Lesotho exporters get continued duty-free access to the US after AGOA was extended to December 2028, with textiles, apparel and fisheries highlighted.

Global South Representation: Lesotho scholars say China’s Global Governance Initiative could help fix the underrepresentation of the Global South, with NUL academics backing the idea of reforming the system from within. Press Freedom Under Threat: Amnesty International is calling on Lesotho authorities to urgently investigate the reported abduction, assault and death threats against journalist and human rights defender Kananelo Boloetse, after he was allegedly taken from his home and questioned about his work. Trade Boost for Lesotho: Lesotho exporters get a reprieve as the U.S. extends AGOA duty-free access to December 2028, covering textiles, apparel and fisheries, after earlier tariff-line expiry concerns. Migration Management in the Region: South Africa’s migration enforcement continues to draw attention, with an inter-ministerial update on progress against illegal migration and violence linked to anti-foreigner protests at Che Guevara. Business & Community Finance: Liberty Life Lesotho launches a partnership with the Lesotho Police Staff Association (LEPOSA) to support officers’ financial resilience through group cover and financial literacy programmes. National Events: Lesotho marks its 60th Independence anniversary with a national prayer and walk from the New Parliament to the Old Parliament.

Migration Management Update: South Africa’s inter-ministerial team says progress is being made on the President’s five-point migration plan, while condemning recent violence and warning that immigration enforcement remains government’s job. Illegal Mining Crackdown: Police and the SANDF arrested 30 suspects in Mohlakeng during Operation Prosper, seizing generators, jackhammers, explosives and other equipment; suspects include Zimbabweans, Lesotho citizens, Mozambicans and South Africans. Trade & Jobs for Lesotho: Lesotho’s Ministry of Trade says AGOA has been extended by the US for two more years to December 2028, keeping duty-free access for key sectors like textiles, apparel and fisheries. Police-Staff Partnership: Liberty Life Lesotho launches a strategic partnership with LEPOSA in Maseru, offering financial protection plus financial literacy support for police staff. Justice Sector Watch: Lesotho’s Public Accounts Committee orders an audit at Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital after allegations of nursing licence fraud, with concerns that the problem may be wider. Independence Commemoration: Lesotho will hold a national prayer this Wednesday as part of the 60th Independence anniversary celebrations, starting with a walk from the New Parliament to the Old Parliament. Human Rights Alarm: Maseru-based journalist Kananelo Boloetse says he was abducted, assaulted and dumped at Thaba-Bosiu, and has opened a police case.

Court Shake-Up: Zimbabwe swore in Justice Charles Hungwe as Court of Appeal president and elevated three High Court judges to the Supreme Court, with Hungwe having recently served on secondment in Lesotho under SADC. Justice Sector Push: Lesotho’s justice institutions are being urged to move from planning to action to speed up court and police services and rebuild public trust. Independence Build-Up: Lesotho will hold a national prayer this week to mark the 60th Independence anniversary, starting with a walk from New Parliament to Old Parliament. Quality Drive: The Ministry of Trade launched the 2026 Lesotho National Quality Awards to boost competitiveness and align local products with international standards. Health System Scrutiny: The Public Accounts Committee ordered audits at Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital after allegations of fraudulent nursing licences, including concerns about how credentials were verified. Human Rights Alarm: Maseru journalist Kananelo Boloetse says he was abducted, tortured and dumped at Thaba-Bosiu, and has opened a police case. Business Pressure: A Lesotho study says firms are squeezed by credit costs, geography and a large state, while fraud and misconduct are among the hardest problems businesses can’t easily detect. Weather Watch: Lesotho-linked regional forecasts warn of severe storms and hail affecting parts of South Africa, with risks along the Lesotho border. CAF Football: Lesotho’s Lijabatho won 2-0 at home in the CAF Champions League preliminary round first leg, setting up the return in Madagascar.

Independence Watch: Lesotho will hold a national prayer this Wednesday to mark the 60th Independence anniversary, starting with a walk from the New Parliament to the Old Parliament under the theme “National Colours,” aimed at peace, unity and pride. AI & Education: Injini has opened applications for an eight-month AI EdTech venture builder, selecting 12 teams from nine Southern African countries to build classroom-informed AI learning products, with seed funding and incubation for the strongest teams. Climate Planning: Lesotho’s Disaster Management Authority will host a National Climate Outlook Forum with Lesotho Meteorological Services to share seasonal forecasts and push preparedness across government, donors, NGOs and business. Justice & Health Scrutiny: The Public Accounts Committee ordered audits at Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital after allegations of nursing licence fraud, while it also raised concerns about how foreign doctors’ credentials are verified. Human Rights Alarm: Journalist Kananelo Boloetse says he was abducted, assaulted and dumped at Thaba-Bosiu, with questions tied to his work as a human rights defender. Business Pressure: A study on Lesotho’s private sector says firms are squeezed by credit costs, geography and a large state, but warns fraud and workplace misconduct are hardest for businesses to detect. Sports: Tebello Ramakongoana won bronze at the TCS Sydney Marathon again, improving his time to 2:04:57. Weather Link: South Africa’s severe storm warnings include areas along the Lesotho border, with risks of flooding, hail and strong winds.

Climate & Preparedness: Lesotho’s Disaster Management Authority will host a National Climate Outlook Forum with the Lesotho Meteorological Services to share the seasonal forecast and push coordinated preparedness across government, UN agencies, donors, NGOs and the private sector. Human Rights Under Threat: Human rights activist Kananelo Boloetse says he was abducted in Maseru, tortured and dumped at Thaba-Bosiu, with attackers allegedly threatening to kill him if he reports the assault. Justice Sector Pressure: The Public Accounts Committee has ordered audits at Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital after allegations of fraudulent nursing licences, and it is also scrutinising foreign doctors’ credentials and paediatric leadership qualifications. Tourism Leadership Allegations: Board sources at the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation say people close to the Prime Minister tried to influence the CEO selection, including pressure to recommend a specific candidate. Health & Safety Warnings: With severe storms expected regionally, authorities are issuing orange and yellow weather alerts for flooding, hail, damaging winds and travel disruption, including areas along the Lesotho border. Business & Jobs Reality Check: A new study says Lesotho firms are squeezed by high credit costs, geography, and a large state they can’t control, while fraud and workplace misconduct are harder for companies to detect. Sports Spotlight: Tebello Ramakongoana won bronze at the 2026 Sydney Marathon, and Lesotho’s Roof of Africa hard enduro is set for 24–26 September in Maseru.

Abduction and torture in Maseru: Journalist Kananelo Boloetse says armed men seized him from his home, handcuffed and assaulted him, then tortured him near Thaba-Bosiu before he was released from hospital; he has opened a case at Maseru Central Charge Office (Police probe: case reference 05/09/26). Health sector licence fraud at QMMH: The Public Accounts Committee ordered Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital to audit all nursing staff after a nursing assistant allegedly obtained a practising licence without sitting the required exam; the committee also demanded the Lesotho Nursing Council revoke the certificate and questioned how foreign doctors’ credentials are being checked (PAC crackdown). Tourism leadership pressure claims: Board sources allege two figures close to the Prime Minister tried to push a preferred candidate for the LTDC CEO role, with the board saying it did not recommend that person (Governance and appointments). Business squeeze study: A private sector review says Lesotho firms are hit by credit costs, geography, a large state, and delayed payments, while fraud and misconduct are the hardest constraints for companies to detect (Private sector pressure). Weather watch: South Africa’s SAWS issued Orange Level 6 severe thunderstorm warnings affecting parts of the North West, Free State and Northern Cape, with flooding, hail and travel disruptions possible along the Lesotho border (Storm alerts). Sports: Tebello Ramakongoana won bronze at the 2026 Sydney Marathon in 2:04:57, and Lesotho’s Roof of Africa hard enduro event is set for 24–26 September in Maseru (Marathon success).

Lesotho–Kuwait Trade Talks: Kuwait’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry says it wants stronger trade and investment ties with Lesotho, after meetings with Lesotho’s foreign affairs minister in Kuwait, with mining, precious stones and textiles flagged. QMMH Nursing Fraud: The Public Accounts Committee heard allegations that a QMMH nursing assistant worked for eight years using a fraudulent practising licence, with the Nursing Council ordered to revoke the certificate and the hospital told to end her employment. PAC Targets QMMH Pediatrics: PAC also questioned an “unqualified” doctor heading pediatrics at QMMH, ordering the Ministry of Health to verify his credentials with the universities he claims to have attended. Justice System Overhaul: Government, with EU support, launched a Justice Sector Coordination Forum to improve coordination across the justice chain and speed up case transitions. LNDC Leadership Dispute: A diplomat accused LNDC CEO Thabo Khasipe of “engineering” his dismissal from a Geneva posting, as the matter feeds into a wider legal fight. M50m Fraud Suspect Arrested: Lehlohonolo Selate was arrested in South Africa after absconding from Lesotho trials, and is challenging warrants tied to Lesotho’s extradition bid. Sports & Community: Lifofane FC and LNIG Hollard formalised a three-year partnership; Maseru’s Women’s Month golf events wrapped up; and the Lekhalong-La-Baroa Annual Run set for Saturday aims to draw about 400 runners. Weather Watch (Lesotho Border): SAWS issued warnings for severe thunderstorms, with flooding and hail risks along the Lesotho border.

High Court Bail Ruling: Lesotho’s High Court refused bail to Foliki Makhutle, accused of murdering LeNMO secretary-general Morephe Santi, citing risks of witness interference and prejudice to the Crown’s case. Justice System Overhaul: Government, with EU support, launched a Justice Sector Coordination Forum to improve coordination across the justice chain and speed up case flow. Labour Dispute Probe: Trade and Industry Minister Motlatsi Maqelepo ordered the LNDC to investigate Precious Garments after workers protested reduced hours, wages and delayed payments, saying the ministry needs real-time factory updates. Digital Airtime Push: Vodacom Lesotho launched “Dynamic Airtime,” letting customers buy airtime electronically from as little as M1.50 without physical recharge vouchers. Cannabis Seizure Reversed: The LMPS returned a 500kg medicinal cannabis consignment worth over M1.2 million after a High Court ruling that the seizure and detention were unlawful. Independence Drive 1,000: Sechaba Milling and ZMG Isuzu launched a 1,000km expedition across all 10 districts to mark Lesotho’s 60th Independence anniversary. Regional Courts Appointments: Two Lesotho judges were appointed acting judges of Namibia’s Supreme Court, starting September. Tourism Context: South Africa’s tourism recovery remains strong, with 5.6 million international arrivals in the first half of 2026, with Lesotho among key SADC contributors.

Justice System Overhaul: Lesotho has launched a fresh bid to fix its “troubled” justice system, creating a Justice Sector Coordination Forum to improve coordination across the judiciary, police, prosecution, corrections, anti-corruption bodies and Legal Aid. Labour Unrest Probe: Trade minister Motlatsi Maqelepo ordered the LNDC to investigate Precious Garments after workers protested reduced working hours, delayed pay and short-time arrangements, saying the ministry needs real-time updates on factory changes. Justice Appointments: Two Lesotho judges—Realeboha Mathaba and Polo Banyane—have been appointed as acting judges of Namibia’s Supreme Court, alongside other acting High Court appointments. Justice and Accountability: The Public Accounts Committee ordered the Ministry of Health to verify the academic credentials of a Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital pediatric head after concerns about inconsistencies in his documents. Police Cannabis Return: The High Court ordered the LMPS to return a 500kg medicinal cannabis consignment worth over M1.2m after ruling the seizure and detention were unlawful. Digital Airtime Push: Vodacom Lesotho launched Dynamic Airtime, letting customers buy airtime electronically from as low as M1.50 without physical recharge vouchers. Tourism Gap Admitted: Government says it failed to fully harness tourism and economic opportunities created by the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, despite meeting key treaty obligations. Sports—AFCON Qualifiers: CAF confirmed the 2027 AFCON qualifiers schedule, with Lesotho set to play Morocco in the opening rounds. Health Recall: Woolworths recalled WBeauty Complete Clarifying Shampoo after a bacterium was found in a limited batch sold across several countries including Lesotho.