AGP Executive Report

Public Accountability: Lesotho’s Auditor-General met private audit firms and the Lesotho Institute of Accountants to discuss audit fees, standards and the next framework agreement, aiming to strengthen public-sector accountability. Government Performance: A ministry workshop in Mohale’s Hoek identified political interference, leadership changes, budget limits and weak technology as factors affecting departmental performance. Workplace Safety: The Public Service Ministry is developing guidelines to address workplace violence, harassment and sexual exploitation. Courts: Lesotho national Tisetso Maoeng was sentenced in South Africa to an effective 40 years in prison for abducting and repeatedly raping an 18-year-old. Infrastructure & Connectivity: LHDA plans to start a Phase II programme building 100 kilometres of feeder roads and eight bridges; Vodacom Lesotho has also launched Starlink-powered satellite internet for businesses and public institutions. Sport: Lesotho will compete in Abuja’s T20 World Cup Africa qualifying tournament from October 18, with two of six teams advancing to the next stage.

Workplace Safety: Lesotho’s Public Service Ministry is developing guidelines to address workplace violence, harassment and sexual exploitation, with support from the ILO and UNFPA. Highlands Project: LHDA plans 100 km of feeder roads and eight bridges under Phase II, aiming to restore community access and create opportunities for local and South African firms. Justice: A Lesotho national has been sentenced to an effective 40 years in an Eastern Cape court for abducting and repeatedly raping an 18-year-old woman. Public Health: Lesotho has confirmed a measles outbreak in two northern districts. Connectivity: Vodacom Lesotho has launched Starlink-powered satellite internet for businesses and public institutions, including those in remote areas. Education: Five renovated classrooms have been handed over at Matelile Primary School in Mafeteng. Girls’ Rights: A Lesotho campaigner is urging stronger enforcement of laws against child marriage and better support for survivors of sexual violence.

Cross-Border Justice: Lesotho national Tisetso Maoeng, 34, was sentenced to an effective 40 years in prison in South Africa’s Eastern Cape for raping an 18-year-old and violating immigration law. Infrastructure: The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority plans 100km of feeder roads and eight bridges for communities affected by the Polihali dam project, with contracts designed to involve firms from Lesotho and South Africa. Police Accountability: The National Assembly Speaker has asked the Home Affairs and Police Minister to clarify how many officers will be retained past retirement: lawmakers say the figure may be 79, not the 29 previously stated. Girls’ Rights: Lesotho Girl Guides advocate Nomsa George is urging stronger enforcement against child marriage and sexual violence, alongside survivor support and funding to keep girls in school. Connectivity: Vodacom Lesotho has launched Starlink-powered satellite internet for businesses and public institutions, including in remote areas. Industry: A seven-year textiles roadmap aims to shift Lesotho towards higher-value garments and wool and mohair products, as factory employment and exports have fallen.

Police Retention: The National Assembly Speaker has asked the Home Affairs and Police Minister to clarify which officers will be retained pending retirement. An opposition leader says the list names 79 officers, against the minister’s earlier figure of 29. Girls’ Rights: Lesotho Girl Guides advocate Nomsa George says ending child marriage and sexual violence requires enforcing laws, funding survivor services and keeping girls in school. Connectivity and Education: Vodacom Lesotho launched Starlink-powered satellite internet for businesses and public services, and handed over five renovated classrooms at a Mafeteng primary school. Textile Jobs: A seven-year industry roadmap aims to move Lesotho into higher-value garments and develop its wool and mohair; textile employment has fallen from 38,000–40,000 to 30,000–35,000. Development Support: Lesotho and the African Legal Support Facility agreed on a three-year framework for legal and technical help with priority projects in energy, infrastructure, natural resources and finance. Public Health: Lesotho has confirmed a measles outbreak in two northern districts.

Textiles and Jobs: Lesotho is drawing up a seven-year plan to revive its textile industry, which has lost orders and thousands of jobs. The strategy aims to move beyond basic assembly into higher-value garments using local wool and mohair. Police Investigation: The Chief of Police has rejected a video interview with abducted Newsday editor Kananelo Boloetse, asking him to meet investigators in person and provide medical records. Police say they can meet him at a secure venue inside or outside Lesotho. Power for Industry: Prime Minister Sam Matekane is due to commission the Ha Belo electrification project on November 13, connecting the Botha-Bothe industrial estate to the national grid. Education: Vodacom Lesotho has refurbished five classrooms at Matelile Primary School in Mafeteng, replacing leaking roofs, cracked walls and damaged floors. Public Safety: LMPS has urged Basotho to stay alert following violent anti-foreigner protests in South Africa. Community Support: M-Pesa operator VCL Financial Services has renewed its sponsorship of the Maletsunyane Braai Festival, continuing a partnership that has supported the event in eight of its nine years.

Textile Industry: Lesotho has unveiled a seven-year plan to revive apparel manufacturing and move into higher-value garments using local wool and mohair. The sector has lost thousands of jobs since 2023, as factories closed and US exports fell. Police Investigation: Police chief has rejected a video interview with abducted Newsday editor Kananelo Boloetse, insisting investigators meet him in person. Police offered a secure venue inside or outside Lesotho and requested his medical records. Energy: Prime Minister Sam Matekane is due to commission the Ha Belo electrification project on November 13, connecting an industrial estate with 16 factory shells to the national grid. Regional Safety: Lesotho police have urged Basotho to stay alert amid anti-foreigner violence in South Africa, where protests turned into looting and arson. Health: Measles cases have been confirmed in Butha-Buthe and Leribe; health teams are tracing contacts and checking vaccination gaps. Police Welfare: Home Affairs Minister Voeswa Tsheka says police allowance changes remain under review and still need technical work and approval from other ministries.

Basotho Safety: Lesotho’s police have urged Basotho to stay alert after anti-foreigner protests turned violent in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province, where shops were looted and vehicles torched. Police Welfare: Home Affairs and Police Minister Voeswa Tsheka says police allowances remain under consideration, pending technical work and approval from Finance and Public Service; she says the delay is not a rejection. Courts: Lephuthela Ntsie’s murder appeal has been delayed again because a ballistics report is missing from the court record. His lawyer says it could support the defence, and the appeal had also stalled over incomplete records in 2025. Public Health: Lesotho has confirmed a measles outbreak in Butha-Buthe and Leribe, with 12 confirmed and 20 suspected cases reported by September 30. Health teams are tracing contacts and assessing vaccination gaps. Water Services: The Public Accounts Committee is scrutinising WASCO’s security contract and a metering project, questioning procurement decisions and a China trip paid for by a company bidding for the work.

Corrections: Lesotho Correctional Service says rehabilitation and education programmes are for convicted inmates, not people held on remand. Culture: Chinese Wu Opera performers drew a standing ovation in Maseru at a gala marking Lesotho’s 60th independence anniversary. Health: Measles cases have been confirmed in Butha-Buthe and suspected in Leribe; response teams are tracing contacts and checking vaccination gaps. Education: Teachers’ association president Keketso Leteba urged schools and parents to recognise talents beyond classroom grades and support learners at science and technology fairs. Public Oversight: Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee questioned WASCO’s security contract and requested fuller documentation on tenders. Jobs: Lesotho’s textiles strategy targets more than 70,000 jobs by 2033, with a push towards higher-value manufacturing and local wool and mohair processing.

Culture: Chinese Wu Opera drew a standing ovation in Maseru at a gala marking Lesotho’s 60th independence anniversary, attended by senior government and royal figures. Public Health: Health authorities report 12 confirmed and 20 suspected measles cases in Butha-Buthe and Leribe. Teams are tracing contacts and checking vaccination gaps. Creative Industries: Lesotho’s draft Digital Roadmap aims to connect artists with global markets, while addressing weak intellectual-property protection and limited access to funding. Accountability: Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee questioned WASCO’s security contract and the company’s handling of its smart-meter tender, demanding fuller documentation. Policing: A go-slow is looming as officers dispute the government’s reversal on a planned increase to their risk allowance. Jobs: A new textiles strategy targets more than 70,000 jobs by 2033, with a push toward higher-value production and local wool and mohair processing.

Measles Outbreak: Lesotho has recorded 12 confirmed and 20 suspected cases in Butha-Buthe and Leribe. Health teams are tracing contacts and checking vaccination gaps. Public Oversight: The Public Accounts Committee questioned WASCO’s security contract, saying its tender report lacked convincing support. It also wants answers on the smart-meter contract. Jobs and Industry: A new textiles strategy targets 70,000 jobs, US$1 billion in annual exports and US$400 million in investment by 2033, with more local processing of wool and mohair. Police Dispute: A go-slow is looming as officers challenge the government’s reported reversal on a phased increase to their risk allowance. Clean Energy: UK-backed funding for projects in eight African countries includes Lesotho, supporting efforts to expand reliable power.

WASCO Scrutiny: Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee questioned the water utility’s security contract and smart-meter tender, saying its explanations lacked supporting documents and demanding a fuller report. Public Health: Lesotho has confirmed 12 measles cases in Butha-Buthe, with suspected cases also reported in Leribe; response teams are tracing contacts and checking vaccination gaps. Jobs and Industry: A new textiles strategy targets 70,000 jobs, US$1 billion in annual exports and US$400 million in investment by 2033, with more local processing of wool and mohair. Economic Outlook: The World Bank says Lesotho’s growth has held up despite regional pressures. Inflation eased to 2.6% in August, though it is forecast to rise next year. Clean Energy: UK-backed funding for 10 African energy projects includes Lesotho, supporting efforts to expand reliable power.

Public Health: Lesotho has confirmed 12 measles cases in Butha-Buthe and 20 suspected cases across Butha-Buthe and Leribe, mostly among schoolchildren. Response teams are tracing contacts and checking vaccination gaps. WASCO Scrutiny: Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee is questioning the smart-meter tender awarded to FocalPoint, including company-funded trips to China while it was bidding and concerns over its partner’s withdrawal. Water and Power: Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project is set to lift annual water delivery capacity from 780 million to 1.27 billion cubic metres and increase domestic hydropower generation. Jobs and Industry: Apparel accounts for more than 80% of manufacturing value added, but employment has fallen to 30,000–35,000 from 38,000–40,000 in 2023, as exports to the US dropped by more than a third. Economic Pressures: The World Bank says Lesotho’s currency weakened by up to 7.2% in the second quarter amid regional exchange-rate strain.

Food & Farming: King Letsie III is due to address the FAO World Food Forum in Rome on October 12, as Lesotho calls for a proposed $1 billion African seed fund to deliver grants and support directly to small farmers. NUL Dispute: Suspended Pro-Vice Chancellor Kananelo Mosito has asked the Court of Appeal to require the university to disclose records behind a forensic firm’s appointment and his suspension. Public Procurement: Lesotho’s Public Accounts Committee questioned WASCO’s China trip, funded by FocalPoint while it was bidding on a smart-meter project; the company said site visits were part of the bidding process. Jobs & Industry: Apparel makes up more than 80% of manufacturing value added, but sector employment has fallen to 30,000–35,000 from as many as 40,000 in 2023. Household Costs: WASCO’s new water connection fee of M3,335.60 takes effect November 1. Economic Pressures: The World Bank says the loti, alongside currencies in South Africa, Namibia and Eswatini, fell by as much as 7.2% in the second quarter. Culture: Lesotho has nominated the Basotho hat for possible UNESCO intangible heritage listing.

Public Spending: Lesotho’s Public Accounts Committee questioned why FocalPoint funded WASCO executives’ China trip while bidding for the company’s smart-meter project, saying the arrangement could amount to bribery. Jobs and Industry: Apparel makes up more than 80% of manufacturing value added, but textile exports to the US fell by over a third between 2022 and 2023, and employment has dropped to 30,000–35,000, the Trade Ministry says. Household Costs: WASCO’s new water connection fee of M3,335.60 takes effect on November 1. Fuel prices have also risen, with petrol 95 now M28.60 a litre and diesel 50 at M34.90. Climate and Farming: A new five-year, US$10 million project will support 80 small businesses developing climate-resilience solutions. Lesotho has also urged that a proposed US$1 billion African seed fund reach smallholder farmers. Regional Ties: Lesotho and Eswatini plan to expand trade, education and agricultural cooperation, with progress reviewed annually.

Agriculture: Lesotho urged African leaders to ensure a proposed US$1 billion seed fund reaches smallholder farmers, calling for grants and flexible financing for countries facing climate pressures. The Ha Foso food-storage facility is meanwhile being used temporarily to store farming inputs; the government says it will announce when grain storage begins. Regional Ties: Lesotho and Eswatini plan to revive education programmes and expand trade and agricultural cooperation, with progress to be reviewed annually. NUL Dispute: Suspended Pro-Vice Chancellor Kananelo Mosito has asked the Court of Appeal to require the university council to produce records supporting the appointment of Active Forensics and decisions behind his suspension. Household Costs: Lesotho’s new fuel prices took effect on October 7, with petrol 93 at M28.20 a litre, petrol 95 at M28.60 and diesel at M34.90. Shared Water: A basin survey running through December 15 will assess water quality and ecosystem health across the Senqu, Vaal and Orange river systems, including sites in Lesotho.

Fuel Prices & Cost of Living: Motorists in Maseru rushed to fill up ahead of Lesotho’s fuel price changes coming into effect on 7 October, with petrol 93 rising to M28.20 and petrol 95 to M28.60 per litre, while diesel 50 goes to M34.90 and illuminating paraffin to M25.90. Agriculture & Food Security: The Ministry of Agriculture says the new Ha Foso agricultural food storage facility is temporarily being used for farming inputs for summer cropping due to storage shortages, with grain storage operations expected to start once the facility is fully operational. Independence & Sovereignty: As Lesotho marks 60 years of independence, coverage highlights the push for cultural and digital sovereignty, including moves to strengthen copyright enforcement and protect creators’ royalties. Regional Water Planning: A Senqu Basin survey has begun, running until 15 December 2026, under ORASECOM’s Fourth Joint Basin Survey to track water quality and ecosystem health across shared river systems. Sports—Beach Soccer: Lesotho-linked match coverage notes Lesotho’s Khiba Herbert Mohoanyane appointed commissioner for Ghana’s Black Sharks vs Nigeria’s Sand Eagles in the 2026 Beach Soccer AFCON qualifiers in Kaduna. Sports—Lesotho in the spotlight: Lesotho’s 60th independence celebrations in Maseru drew attention to the kingdom’s regional role in shaping Southern Africa’s political and economic landscape.