AGP Executive Report

Border-Post Murders: Two Lesotho nationals have been sentenced to life in South Africa for a 2024 double murder at the Maseru Bridge border post; they were also convicted of attempted murder. Regional Leadership: Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane has been elected incoming chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, a key role focused on regional peace and stability. Youth: A UN Day festival at Makoanyane Square is bringing young people together for music, health services and activities promoting entrepreneurship and creativity. Public Accountability: The IEC has admitted breaking financial rules by diverting M80 million in unspent election funds to buy its Maseru West headquarters. Separately, the Prime Minister’s adviser Joseph Jankie Setšabi has been charged with sexual assault and released on bail. Jobs and Infrastructure: Lesotho’s science minister says innovation must translate into businesses and jobs, while construction has begun on a Tebellong bridge project intended to make crossings of the Senqu River safer.

Regional Leadership: Prime Minister Sam Matekane has been elected incoming chair of SADC’s Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, a post that puts Lesotho at the helm of a key regional peace and security body. Cricket: Lesotho sit third in the Abuja T20 World Cup qualifier with two points after one win and one loss. The top two teams advance to the next stage. Public Accountability: The IEC has admitted breaking financial rules by using M80 million in unspent election funds to buy its Maseru headquarters. The PAC is examining the transaction. Courts: Prime Minister’s adviser Joseph Jankie Setšabi has been charged with sexually assaulting a female priest in 2020; he was released on bail. Jobs and Innovation: UNDP’s Lesotho chief says young innovators need sustained coaching, financing and market access to turn ideas into businesses and jobs.

Court: Prime Minister’s adviser Joseph Jankie Setšabi has been charged with allegedly sexually assaulting a female priest in 2020. He was released on bail and says he is ready for trial. Regional Role: Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane has been elected incoming chair of SADC’s Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, ending a months-long deadlock with Angola. Public Finances: The IEC admitted breaking financial management laws when it diverted M80 million in unspent election funds to buy its Maseru West headquarters. The PAC is investigating the deal. Cannabis Industry: A parliamentary committee says weak oversight and unpaid licence fees from about 75 companies have cost Lesotho millions in potential cannabis revenue. Jobs and Growth: Science Minister Nthati Moorosi urged the country to turn research and innovation into practical solutions, businesses and jobs. Infrastructure: Work is set to begin on the Tebellong Bridge in Qacha’s Nek, a 24-month project that includes a tarred road to Tebellong Hospital and aims to end dangerous river crossings.

Trade and Investment: Lesotho’s trade and investment forum has opened in London, pitching the country as a destination for investment and closer UK business ties. Regional Leadership: Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane has been elected incoming chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, which works to promote regional peace and stability. Defence Spending: The Lesotho Tribune reports allegations that the army is preparing a M50 million uniform purchase from a Chinese supplier without a tender; the claims have not been independently confirmed. Jobs and Growth: Lesotho’s growth forecast has fallen to 0.8%, while 25,000 young people reportedly applied for 500 police posts, underscoring pressure on the jobs market. Cricket: Lesotho were bowled out for 87 and lost to Uganda by five wickets in the T20 World Cup qualifying tournament in Abuja.

Regional Leadership: Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane was elected incoming chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, which works to promote peace and stability across the region. Health: US oncology specialists are at Queen ’Mamohato Memorial Hospital this week, providing cancer surgery, clinical mentoring and training to local health workers. Jobs and Industry: Trade Minister Motlatsi Maqelepo urged government and businesses to turn cooperation into action, including aligning vocational training with factory skills needs and diversifying beyond textiles. Workers’ Benefits: A government outreach campaign is helping former and current mineworkers claim unpaid benefits, with officials warning people to avoid fraudulent middlemen. Food and Growth: Lesotho’s growth forecast has fallen to 0.8%, while food insecurity is worsening. Press Freedom: Journalist and activist Kananelo Boloetse has called for a commission of inquiry into his abduction, saying official comments have undermined his recovery. Agriculture: The government is developing an AI chatbot to give farmers practical information and advice.

Regional Security: Lesotho has been elected chair of the SADC Organ Troika on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, taking a lead role in regional diplomacy, conflict resolution and security efforts. Cricket: Uganda beat Lesotho by five wickets in Abuja, bowling the Mountain Kingdom side out for 87 in its T20 World Cup qualifying campaign. Press Freedom: Journalist and activist Kananelo Boloetse is calling for a commission of inquiry into his abduction last month, saying official comments have set back his recovery. Connectivity: Vodacom Lesotho has urged a national response to vandalism of telecom sites, warning that damaged networks disrupt emergency calls, education and business. Economy and Livelihoods: The IMF projects Lesotho’s growth will slow to 0.8% in 2027, while the government is running an outreach campaign to help mineworkers claim unpaid benefits and developing an AI chatbot to give farmers practical advice.

Connectivity: Vodacom Lesotho is urging a national response to vandalism of telecoms sites, warning that damaged cables and equipment disrupt emergency calls, digital learning and other essential services. Starlink has also listed Lesotho among countries where it plans direct-to-cell service, though local regulatory approval still applies. Jobs and Livelihoods: A government outreach campaign is helping former and current mineworkers claim unpaid benefits and avoid fraudsters. Separately, Lesotho is developing an AI chatbot to give farmers practical agricultural advice. Economic Outlook: The IMF projects growth will slow to 0.8% in 2027, raising concerns about jobs, incomes and poverty. Sport: Defending champions Likatola open their BOLESWA Tri-Nations Cup title defence against hosts Eswatini on Saturday. Lesotho is also competing in the T20 World Cup Africa qualifier in Abuja, where the top two teams advance. Education: Lesotho ranks seventh among Africa’s most literate countries, with a reported adult literacy rate of 90.45%; the underlying figures come from different years.

Connectivity: Vodacom Lesotho is urging a national response to vandalism of telecom sites, warning damaged networks can disrupt emergency calls, education, banking and public services. Mineworkers: A two-week government campaign will help former and current Basotho mineworkers claim unpaid benefits and open bank accounts; officials warn people to avoid fee-charging middlemen who may steal their money. Agriculture: Lesotho is developing an AI chatbot to give farmers practical advice, as the IMF projects growth slowing to 0.8% in 2027. Food Security: Poor households in several regions could face crisis-level shortages through January after a below-average harvest, with a late, dry rainy season posing further risk. Cricket: Lesotho is competing in Abuja’s T20 World Cup qualifying tournament, where six teams are chasing two places in the next stage. Sentebale: The charity co-founded by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso has reportedly paused its defamation case against Harry amid financial concerns; it supports young people in Lesotho and other southern African countries.

Network Disruption: Vodacom Lesotho is calling for a national response to vandalism at telecom sites, warning that damaged cables and equipment can cut communities off from emergency calls, mobile payments and other essential services. Economic Outlook: The IMF projects Lesotho’s growth will slow to 0.8% in 2027, raising concerns about jobs and household incomes. Food Security: Below-average harvests and a forecast of late, dry rains could leave some households facing crisis-level food shortages through January. Cricket: Lesotho is competing in the T20 World Cup Africa qualifier in Abuja, where six teams are chasing two places in the next qualifying round. Children’s Rights: Maseru is hosting the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, where Gambia presented its first report on implementing the charter.

Cricket: Lesotho begin their T20 World Cup qualifying campaign in Abuja on Tuesday, alongside five other teams. The top two advance to the next stage. Parliament: Prime Minister Sam Matekane is expected to face questions from MPs for the first time since taking office in 2022. Food Security: Poor households in parts of Lesotho could face crisis-level shortages through January, with a below-average harvest and El Niño-related dry spells threatening crops. Jobs: More than 25,000 people have applied for 500 police posts, highlighting the fierce competition for work. Water Costs: LEWA withdrew approval for a M3,335.60 WASCO connection fee, saying required regulatory steps were skipped; the charge will not take effect on November 1. Athletics: Lesotho’s Neheng Khatala won the women’s 10km at Johannesburg’s Hollywoodbets race.

Sport: Lesotho’s Tsepo Ramashamole finished second in Sunday’s inaugural Nelson Mandela Marathon, just 10 seconds behind winner Arthur Jantjies. Neheng Khatala also claimed the women’s title at Johannesburg’s 10km race. Cricket: Lesotho begins its T20 World Cup qualifying campaign in Abuja on October 20, joining five nations in a contest for two places in the next qualification stage. Jobs: More than 25,000 people have applied for 500 police constable posts, highlighting the pressure of youth unemployment. Parliament: Prime Minister Sam Matekane is expected to face questions from MPs on Tuesday for the first time since taking office in 2022. Mineworkers: A government outreach running through October 30 will help former and current mineworkers claim unpaid benefits and avoid fee-charging fraudsters. Water charges: LEWA has withdrawn approval for a proposed M3,335.60 WASCO connection fee, saying required public consultation and regulatory steps were missed.

Parliament: Prime Minister Sam Matekane is expected to face MPs’ questions on Tuesday for the first time since taking office in 2022, following a ruling by Speaker Tlohang Sekhamane. Jobs & Pay: More than 25,000 people applied for 500 police posts, while about 450 census workers say wages and allowances remain unpaid nearly five months after their work ended. A government outreach campaign is also helping former mineworkers claim unpaid benefits from October 19 to 30. Sports: Lesotho’s cricket team is competing in Abuja from October 20, with two places in the next World Cup qualifying stage at stake. Runner Neheng Khatala won the women’s Joburg 10km race. In AFCON 2027 qualifying, Lesotho remain without a point after two defeats. Water & Environment: LEWA withdrew approval for a M3,335.60 WASCO connection charge, saying required procedures were skipped. Meanwhile, residents near the Polihali project have raised fresh concerns about wastewater reaching the Sekoai River.

Parliament: Prime Minister Sam Matekane is expected to face MPs’ questions on Tuesday for the first time since taking office in 2022, after Speaker Tlohang Sekhamane ordered him to appear. Youth Jobs: More than 25,000 people have applied for 500 police posts, underscoring the scale of unemployment among young Basotho. Water Charges: LEWA has withdrawn its approval of a M3,335.60 WASCO connection fee, saying required public consultation and Board review were bypassed. Cricket: Lesotho’s men begin their T20 World Cup qualifying campaign in Abuja, where six teams compete for two places in the next stage. Anti-Corruption: DCEO investigators will gain access to INTERPOL databases under a new agreement; separately, a South African border official was arrested at the Maseru post over allegations involving 22 stamped Lesotho passports. Public Services: The Environment Ministry will hold waste-management workshops next week, while census workers are seeking overdue wages and allowances nearly five months after finishing their assignments. Water Quality: Residents near the Polihali tunnel works report foamy water in the Sekoai River; concerns persist over possible pollution from the construction site.

Waste Management: The Environment and Forestry Ministry will hold stakeholder workshops next week to validate findings on waste characterisation, informal waste workers and producer responsibility. Mineworkers’ Benefits: A two-week outreach campaign from October 19 will help former and current mineworkers claim unpaid entitlements in five districts, with officials warning against fraudsters who charge for assistance. Education and Sport: Lesotho footballer Kabelo Ngatane, 21, is the first Kick4Life participant to begin studies at Wrexham University, combining football and community-development training. Child Protection: Maseru is hosting the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child through October 20, with delegates focused on violence against children and harmful practices, including online threats. Unpaid Wages: About 450 temporary census workers say wages and allowances remain outstanding nearly five months after their assignments; they have asked Parliament to intervene. Major Projects: Concerns persist over wastewater near the Polihali tunnel construction site, after residents reported foamy water in the Sekoai River.

Mineworker Support: A two-week outreach from October 19 will help current and former Basotho mineworkers claim unpaid benefits across five districts; officials warn against paying intermediaries who may steal their money. Education and Sport: Lesotho footballer Kabelo Ngatane has begun a football and community development degree at Wrexham University through the Kick4Life initiative. Border Scandal: A South African border official stationed at Maseru Port of Entry was arrested over alleged corruption and possession of 22 stamped Lesotho passports. Unpaid Census Workers: About 450 temporary census staff say wages and allowances remain outstanding nearly five months after their work ended; they have asked Parliament to intervene. Water Pollution: Residents near a Lesotho Highlands Water Project construction site report foamy water in the Sekoai River, renewing concern about suspected discharges. Child Protection: Lesotho is hosting an African child rights session in Maseru focused on violence, harmful practices and digital threats. Contractor Payments: Prime Minister Sam Matekane has urged ministries to pay contractors promptly, saying delays hurt businesses and development.

Food Security: King Letsie III spoke at the FAO’s World Food Day ceremony in Rome on 16 October, as the World Food Forum closed with calls to accelerate innovation in food systems. Diplomacy: At the UN, Lesotho reaffirmed the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination and called for respect for human rights. Child Protection: Maseru is hosting an African Union child-rights session through 20 October, focused on violence against children and harmful practices, including online. Water and Infrastructure: Concerns persist over wastewater near the Polihali tunnel works entering the Sekoai River; the contractor had previously been suspended over pollution. Public Accountability: About 450 census workers say wages and allowances remain unpaid nearly five months after their assignments ended, and have asked Parliament to intervene. Regional Cricket: Lesotho joins five teams in Abuja from 18 October, with the top two advancing to the 2027 Africa Regional Final.