AGP Executive Report

SADC Rule-of-Law Row: Lesotho’s opposition says its push to have SADC address alleged government non-compliance with court orders was left out of the agenda at the bloc’s Durban summit, despite warnings that constitutional reforms are being undermined. Refugee Crisis: Refugees in Lesotho say a government freeze on issuing identity cards and travel documents is now in its second year, leaving them “trapped” and unable to access banking, healthcare, education and referrals. HIV Prevention Boost: The US delivered nearly 14,000 more lenacapavir doses to expand Lesotho’s twice-yearly HIV prevention injection rollout. Livestock Health Support: Botswana donated 100,000 foot-and-mouth disease vaccine doses to help protect Basotho farmers and livestock. Lesotho–China Cooperation: Lesotho and China held their first quarterly dialogue in Maseru to make cooperation “result-oriented and action-focused,” including follow-ups on earlier agreements. Courts and GBV: A magistrates’ dialogue heard warnings that narcissistic, manipulative abusers can pressure survivors to withdraw SODV cases. Sports—COSAFA Qualifiers: ZESCO Ndola Girls reached the CAF Women’s Champions League-COSAFA semis after beating Lesotho Defence Force 1-0; Lesotho’s teams also featured in qualifier coverage. Business & Community: Econet Telecom Lesotho says its education support has topped M100 million, while SABA ran a spelling competition with business pitches for learners.

CAF Women’s Champions League–COSAFA Qualifier: ZESCO Ndola Girls booked a semi-final spot after Enelesi Phiri scored the only goal in a 1-0 win over Lesotho Defence Force, keeping a clean sheet and topping Group A on goal difference ahead of a decisive group clash. HIV Prevention: Lesotho received nearly 14,000 more lenacapavir PrEP doses from the US, boosting the twice-yearly HIV prevention injection rollout that began in March. Refugee Crisis: Refugees say a government freeze on identity cards and travel documents has dragged on for a second year, leaving them unable to travel, access money, healthcare, education, or referrals. Politics & Rule of Law: The opposition’s bid to raise alleged government non-compliance with court orders at the SADC summit was left off the agenda, though it says it remains hopeful. Sports & Identity: Lesotho Taekwondo Association confirmed Michelle Tau has been released to represent South Africa after a formal request. Business & Youth: Econet Telecom Lesotho says its education support now tops M100 million, backing over 2,000 learners since 2011, while SABA ran a spelling competition paired with business pitches for high school students. Justice: A High Court acting judge sentenced Moruti Mapola to 30 years for the murder of Tšeliso Chabalala after a knife fight linked to allegations of infidelity. Health & Support: Rotary and Vodacom donated mobility and medical equipment for persons with disabilities, reaching over 1,500 beneficiaries since 2023.

SADC Summit Snub: Lesotho’s opposition says its rule-of-law grievances over alleged non-compliance with court orders were left out of the agenda at the 46th SADC Heads of State meeting in Durban, though it insists it remains hopeful SADC will act. Refugee Crisis: Refugees in Lesotho report being effectively trapped after a government freeze on identity cards and travel documents entered its second year, cutting them off from banking, education, healthcare and referrals. HIV Prevention Boost: The US delivered nearly 14,000 more lenacapavir PrEP doses to expand Lesotho’s twice-yearly HIV prevention injection rollout. RFP Internal Tension: Revolution for Prosperity leader Sam Matekane faces a party challenge over a circular requiring members to seek headquarters approval before holding gatherings outside constituencies. LCA Political Interference Claim: Former LCA chief licensing officer Thato Ponya alleges political interference cost him his job, as he questions his own 2021 appointment and challenges his contract non-renewal. Justice and Court Updates: Ex-magistrate Peter Murenzi returns to practice and appeared in the M5 billion Mofomobe drug case, while a High Court sentenced Moruti Mapola to 30 years for murder after a knife-fight linked to alleged infidelity. Community and Business: Spring Jump Off is set for 5 September in Maseru, and Econet’s education support tops M100 million, backing thousands of Basotho learners since 2011.

Gender Equality Watch: Southern Africa’s expanded Gender and Development Index scores 58%, with only South Africa, Namibia, Seychelles, Mauritius and Lesotho above 60%, while pressure on women’s rights gains is rising. Justice & Rights: The Khubetsoana drug case faces a push to quash charges before trial, with the court urged to protect fair-trial rights while keeping serious allegations for full hearing. Local Courts: A farmer in Mokhotlong was sentenced to 30 years for killing a fellow villager after a knife fight linked to alleged marital infidelity. Legal Battle at Home: A former NSS officer is taking a 12-year fight for reinstatement to the High Court, challenging his transfer and dismissal as unlawful. Health Support: Rotary and Vodacom backed a third donation drive for people with disabilities, delivering wheelchairs, crutches, walking frames and other assistive devices to hundreds nationwide. Education & Youth: Econet Telecom Lesotho says its education bridge has topped M100 million since 2011, supporting over 2,000 learners; SABA also combined spelling with business pitches to spur youth entrepreneurship. Business & Women: RSL marked Women in Business, urging formal registration and proper bookkeeping for growth. Sports & Community: Maseru braces for Spring Jump Off on Sept 5, with major South African and local acts; Silver Strikers Ladies opened CAF/COSAFA qualifiers with a 2-1 win over Costa Do Sol. Diplomacy: Lesotho and India reaffirm ties as India marks 80 years since independence, while Lesotho and China held their first quarterly dialogue under a bilateral cooperation mechanism. Remittances Plan: Lesotho, with UN ECA, ran a workshop to turn diaspora remittances and skills into productive investment through a practical national framework. Infrastructure Spotlight: Polihali Major Bridges—Senqu Bridge in Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase 2 was recognised at the CESA Aon Engineering Excellence Awards.

SADC Diplomacy: Lesotho missed out on chairing the SADC Troika on politics, defence and security after slow constitutional reforms, with Angola recommended to take over from 2027-28. Diaspora & Investment: Lesotho, with the UN Economic Commission for Africa, held a workshop to turn remittances and diaspora skills into a practical investment framework, stressing better rules and stronger engagement. AI & Data: Lesotho’s ICT ministry and UN Lesotho are running a Maseru workshop to shape a National AI Strategy and Data Centre Blueprint. China Ties: Lesotho and China held their first quarterly dialogue under a bilateral cooperation mechanism, focusing on follow-up to high-level visits and cooperation priorities. Court Update: The Mahao murder trial involving nine LDF members was postponed to December and January, as cross-examination continued. Women in Business: Revenue Service Lesotho marked Women in Business, urging formal registration and proper bookkeeping. Sports: Lesotho Defence Force Ladies were drawn into the COSAFA Women’s Champions League qualifier group alongside ZESCO Ndola Girls and hosts Gaborone United. Community & Justice: A man accused of vandalising a DMA house in Lepereng was denied bail.

Diaspora & Investment: Lesotho is pushing to turn diaspora remittances into development investment, with an ECA-backed workshop mapping a practical remittances–investment framework and calling for better data on who the diaspora is and where they are. Digital Strategy: The ICT ministry and UN Lesotho are drafting a National AI Strategy and Data Centre Blueprint in a Maseru workshop, aiming for responsible AI and secure digital infrastructure. Lesotho–China Ties: Foreign Affairs and the Chinese Embassy held the first quarterly dialogue under a bilateral cooperation mechanism, focusing on political trust, high-level exchanges and follow-up to FOCAC outcomes. Women in Business: Revenue Service Lesotho marked Women in Business in Maseru, urging formal registration and proper bookkeeping to help enterprises grow. Justice & Safety: A man accused of maliciously damaging a DMA-built home was denied bail and will return to court on 1 September, while an LDF murder case involving Brigadier Mahao was postponed to December and January. Sports: Lesotho Defence Force Ladies face Gaborone United Ladies in COSAFA Women’s Champions League qualifiers, with Lesotho Defence Force Ladies listed among group opponents. Infrastructure: Mokhotlong’s Mabunyaneng and Khubelu bridges reached practical completion, securing permanent access along the A1 highway ahead of the Polihali dam.

National AI push: Lesotho’s ICT ministry and UN Lesotho are running a five-day Maseru workshop to shape a National AI Strategy and Data Centre Blueprint, with leaders urging a careful, forward-looking approach. Data governance for the region: UNESCO is backing Southern Africa to harmonise data governance, bringing Lesotho and neighbours together to build a roadmap for smoother cross-border data flows and AI readiness. Court update—Mahao murder trial: The prosecution in the Mahao murder case involving nine LDF members, including retired Lt Gen Tlali Kamoli, has continued cross-examination, with the matter now set for December and January dates. Identity debate in sport: Olympic taekwondo athlete Michelle Tau’s post sparked online debate after a photo appeared to show a South African passport, raising questions about possible dual citizenship. Women in business: Revenue Service Lesotho urged women entrepreneurs to formally register and keep proper financial records to grow and access support. Lesotho–China ties: Lesotho and China held their first quarterly dialogue under a bilateral cooperation mechanism to track cooperation projects and follow up on recent high-level visits. Water security financing: Abu Dhabi Fund for Development highlighted support for Lesotho’s Metolong Dam programme, aimed at boosting drinking water supply and broader development benefits. Women’s football qualifiers: Lesotho Defence Force Ladies are in the COSAFA Women’s Champions League qualifier group alongside Gaborone United, ZESCO Ndola Girls and Herentals Queens. Disaster shelter vandalism: A DMA-built house in Lepereng was vandalised soon after handover, with repair costs estimated at nearly M100,000.

CAF Women’s Champions League-COSAFA qualifier: Silver Strikers Ladies have arrived in Gaborone, Botswana, for their Friday opener against Mozambique’s Costa do Sol, with Lesotho’s Defence Force Ladies also in the mix as all matches are set to stream on CAF TV, FIFA+ and COSAFA channels. Jobs and markets at risk: Farmer’s Meat Mariental Abattoir is set to close permanently at end-September, threatening more than 100 jobs and disrupting supply for over 100 producers who sell into EU and regional markets. Court update: Prosecution has begun cross-examination in the Mahao murder trial involving nine LDF members, including Retired Army Commander Lt Gen Tlali Kamoli. Drugs case under tight security: Police say the illegal drugs docket involving BNP MP Machesetsa Mofomobe has not disappeared and is being kept under high security ahead of the next court date. Digital connectivity push: Vodacom Lesotho and Starlink launched satellite broadband aimed at improving internet access in remote, mountainous areas. Diaspora investment focus: Lesotho is working on a framework to turn diaspora remittances into development investment, with officials citing remittances at about 21% of GDP. Sports and youth: FIFA’s Football for Schools programme will be piloted in 10 primary schools in Mokhotlong, while Team Lesotho returned from Eswatini’s National Youth Games with 13 medals. Infrastructure milestone: Concor-Nthane Brothers’ joint venture completed the Mabunyaneng and Khubelu bridges in Mokhotlong, key for A1 access ahead of the Polihali dam.

FMD Vaccines Boost: Botswana has donated 100,000 doses of Foot-and-Mouth Disease vaccines to Lesotho, with officials handing them over in Maseru as Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane urged stronger regional cooperation on surveillance, vaccination and livestock movement control. Satellite Internet Launch: Vodacom Lesotho and Starlink unveiled a satellite broadband solution aimed at improving connectivity in remote, mountainous areas where fibre and towers are costly, as the government pushes digitisation and wider access to online services. El Niño Preparedness: Lesotho’s Disaster Management Authority convened a national forum to plan early action for anticipated El Niño impacts, focusing on food security, livelihoods, livestock, water, health and other shocks. Diaspora Remittances Push: Lesotho is working on a National Diaspora Remittances Investment Framework to shift remittances from household spending toward productive investment, targeting a rise from about 21% of GDP to around 30% by mobilising savings held abroad. Local Governance Input: Basotho have submitted views to Maseru City Council on proposed by-laws covering sanitation, smoking areas, liquor outlet rules, construction permits and regular business inspections. SADC Politics & Security: King Mswati III assumed the SADC Troika chairmanship for politics, defence and security cooperation, pledging continuity and focus on emerging regional threats.

Digital Connectivity Boost: Vodacom Lesotho and Starlink launched a satellite broadband solution in Maseru, targeting remote and mountainous areas where fibre and towers are costly, to help close the country’s digital divide. Diaspora Money for Development: Lesotho is pushing to turn diaspora remittances (about 21% of GDP) into productive investment, aiming to mobilise savings held abroad and build a transparent, digital framework for investment. Food Security Warning: The Disaster Management Authority convened stakeholders on anticipated El Niño conditions, focusing on preparedness for impacts on food, livelihoods, livestock, water, health and markets. Maseru City By-Laws Input: Basotho submitted views to Maseru City Council on proposed by-laws covering sanitation, smoking areas, liquor outlet rules, construction permits, temporary structures and business inspections. Telecom Leadership: Vodacom named Khumo Shuenyane as its next chairman, with the handover set for 21 July 2027. Court Case in Maseru: The High Court heard evidence in the murder trial of Police Constable Kali ‘Matli, accused of killing friend Hlaele Hlaele. Regional Sports: CAF Champions League-COSAFA qualifiers are set to continue in Botswana, with Lesotho Defence Force Ladies listed in Group A.

SADC Summit Update: Zambia will host the 47th SADC Summit after Durban’s 46th Ordinary Summit, where South Africa assumed the chairpersonship and leaders backed plans including the SADC Tourism UNIVISA and a Regional Development Fund, with peace, health and trade also on the agenda. North–South Corridor Push: King Mswati III urged full inclusion of landlocked states like Lesotho and Eswatini in the North–South Economic Corridor, stressing feeder routes to avoid them being left on the margins of regional trade and industry. Migration Tensions: South Africa’s SADC hosting is shadowed by anti-migrant protests, with March and March planning marches and pickets under “It’s time to fetch your people,” demanding tighter visa rules and limits on access to services for undocumented migrants. Lesotho City By-Laws: Basotho have submitted views to Maseru City Council on proposed by-laws covering sanitation, smoking areas, liquor outlet regulation, construction permits and inspections. AGOA Hope for Lesotho: Lesotho’s trade union welcomed the US Senate’s endorsement of a two-year AGOA extension, urging government to engage the US to secure renewal. Local Health Fundraising: Fundraising for Mrs. ‘Makarabo Letsoela has been reactivated, with IBC College offering its facilities and pledging M5,000 to support treatment. Labour Administration: Lesotho’s Labour Minister urged ARLAC to update systems and policies to stay relevant to Africa’s changing jobs and youth unemployment challenges.

Maseru Court Update: The High Court in Maseru heard testimony in the murder case against Police Constable Kali “Matli”, accused of shooting and killing Hlaele Hlaele on 18 April 2021 at Ha ‘Majane Thoteng, with witnesses describing a night out that ended after the vehicle ran out of fuel and the accused allegedly blamed birds disturbing the area. Local Governance: Basotho have submitted public opinions to Maseru City Council on proposed by-laws covering public smoking, sanitation, liquor outlets, construction permits, temporary structures and regular business inspections. Jobs & Trade: The US Senate endorsed a two-year extension of AGOA, with Lesotho’s Economic Freedom Trade Union welcoming the move and urging government to engage the US to secure renewal benefits. Labour Systems: Lesotho’s Minister of Labour urged ARLAC in Maseru to update its labour administration systems and policies to match Africa’s changing world of work. Regional Politics & Migration: As South Africa hosts the SADC summit in Durban, Lesotho’s foreign affairs ministry says migration affects the whole region, while South Africa faces renewed pressure amid anti-migrant protests. Health & Rights: A UNAIDS-linked report highlights Lesotho’s “triple threat” for girls and young women, tying HIV risk, pregnancy and gender-based violence to limited access to health and opportunity. Sports: Lesotho Defence Force and other teams are set for COSAFA U-20 qualifiers, while Lesotho athletes won medals at Eswatini’s National Youth Games.

SADC Summit Watch: South Africa takes over the SADC chair as leaders meet in Durban, with migration, trade, critical minerals, industrialisation and security on the agenda, and Lesotho’s Foreign Affairs Minister Limpho Tau saying the issue affects the whole region. Migration Pressure: Ahead of the summit, South Africa faces fresh scrutiny after BMA data showed 4,229 undocumented people intercepted at borders between April and July, with most caught along the northern corridor and areas bordering Lesotho. Local Impact in Lesotho: Lesotho is also pushing for stronger youth participation in the proposed Youth Bill, with Parliament’s Social Cluster Committee chair Mokhothu Makhalanyane calling for real decision-making power for young people, not just consultations. AGOA Boost for Jobs: The US Senate extended AGOA for two more years, preserving Lesotho’s preferential access that supports the textile and apparel sector. Health and Rights: A UNAIDS-linked report highlights Lesotho among countries reaching major HIV targets, while a separate Lesotho girls-focused piece warns that HIV, pregnancy and gender-based violence are intertwined crises. Sports: Lesotho’s athletes won medals at the Eswatini National Youth Games, including gold in the girls’ 1,500m by Matebatso Lelaka.

Trade Stability for Lesotho: The US Senate has extended AGOA for two more years, keeping Lesotho’s preferential access for its textile and apparel sector and giving local exporters more certainty on jobs and production. Regional Politics: South Africa takes over the SADC chair as leaders meet in Durban, with migration, trade, critical minerals, industrialisation and security set to dominate talks. RFP Party Turmoil: Within Lesotho’s Revolution for Prosperity, the Lephema faction says it will go to court to force an elective conference and remove deputy leader Nthomeng Majara, after Matekane barred unsanctioned political gatherings. Courts and Governance: The High Court acquitted Makoebetane Qalabatsane on self-defence after a stabbing at Ha Foso, while NUL Pro-Vice-Chancellor Kananelo Mosito heads to the Court of Appeal alleging contempt over his blocked campus access and a disputed acting VC appointment. Youth Bill Debate: Parliament’s Social Cluster Committee chair Mokhothu Makhalanyane calls for a rethink of the Youth Bill so it centres youth development and real participation in decision structures. Electricity Access Anger: Ha-Koili residents in Roma Valley complain they’re left without power lines while nearby villages get electricity, demanding a clear rollout plan. Food Prices Watch: Lesotho vegetable market prices (7–14 Aug) show tomatoes up, potatoes down, and peppers/cabbage mostly steady, with most supply still tied to South African wholesale markets.

AGOA Boost for Lesotho Textiles: The US Senate has extended the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for two more years, preserving Lesotho’s preferential access that underpins its textile and apparel exports and jobs. RFP Power Struggle in Ruling Party: Prime Minister Sam Matekane has moved to curb Lebona Lephema-aligned activity in the Revolution for Prosperity, while Lephema’s faction says it will go to court to force an elective conference and remove deputy leader Nthomeng Majara. SADC Chair Handover: South Africa is set to take over the SADC chair at the Durban summit, with migration, trade, critical minerals, industrialisation and security expected to dominate talks that include Lesotho. High Court Self-Defence Ruling: The High Court acquitted Makoebetane Qalabatsane after accepting his self-defence claim in a stabbing case, saying the Crown failed to disprove his version of events. NUL Leadership Fight Heads to Court of Appeal: Pro-Vice-Chancellor Kananelo Mosito is challenging NUL’s early termination of his contract and alleges contempt over a June 1 order affecting acting vice-chancellor succession. Local Economy Watch: Lesotho vegetable prices stayed mostly steady in the 7–14 August period, with tomatoes up and potatoes down in Maseru-linked retail estimates. Youth Bill Debate: Parliament’s Social Cluster Committee chair Mokhothu Makhalanyane called for a rethink of the Youth Bill so it focuses on development and real youth participation in decision structures. Electricity Equity Complaint: Residents of Ha-Koili in Roma Valley say they are being skipped in rural electrification rollouts while nearby villages get power, demanding a clear plan and timeline. Business vs LDF: A Maseru businesswoman has sued the Lesotho Defence Force for over M6m, alleging unpaid debt over military jersey supply dating back to 2013. HIV Progress Note: UNAIDS reports Kenya has cut new HIV infections by nearly 80% since 2010, listing Lesotho among the few countries with similar major reductions.

RFP Power Struggle: Prime Minister Sam Matekane has barred Revolution for Prosperity (RFP) officials from holding unsanctioned party activities, as Lebona Lephema pushes to build support for a leadership challenge. Opposition vs Courts: Leader of the Opposition Mathibeli Mokhothu says court orders must be followed, rejecting government claims that pending litigation justifies non-compliance with national reforms. NUL Court Fight: Fired National University of Lesotho (NUL) Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof Kananelo Mosito is challenging his early termination and alleges contempt after being blocked from campus and an acting VC was installed despite a court order. Electricity Exclusion: Ha-Koili residents in Roma Valley complain they are left without power lines while nearby villages get electricity, citing lost study time, spoiled food and broken access roads. Public Finance Scrutiny: The Auditor-General’s office spent about M12.0m on a forensic audit into Lesotho Electricity Company (LEC), with lawmakers questioning whether the OAG’s budget is adequate. Business & Justice: A Maseru businesswoman sues the Lesotho Defence Force for over M6m over unpaid jersey supply money from 2013. Sports & Youth: Eswatini leads the athletics medal table at the National Youth Games after day one, while Lesotho is among the medal contenders. Agriculture & Risk: Farmers are urged to prepare for looming El Niño conditions with climate-smart practices and earlier action.