AGP Executive Report

Immigration & Xenophobia: In South Africa’s Western Cape, at least 100 immigrants—including many from Lesotho—have been held in police cells across five towns for visa overstays, with claims of arrests even after people produced documents and concerns about overcrowded, inhumane conditions. Anti-Trafficking: In Berea, the IOM is stepping up awareness and training with Lesotho departments to strengthen how trafficking cases are identified, investigated, prosecuted, and how victims get survivor-centred support. Elections & Civic Life: A SADC report says Lesotho’s 2022 election turnout was low, with many registered voters unable to vote due to roll and verification problems, plus gaps in voter education. Gender & Health: A Lesotho story spotlights male midwives joining maternal care in rural clinics, challenging tradition as the country works to cut childbirth deaths. Education & Child Safety: The Ministry of Education and Training rolls out Safe and Inclusive Schools in 300 primary schools to prevent, report, and respond to violence. Culture & Youth: UNDP and partners in Maseru hosted a Creative Challenge using art to tackle GBV, substance abuse, and mental health. Power & Development: Prime Minister Samuel Matekane launched an upgraded Semonkong hydropower station aimed at bringing more reliable electricity to the mountain town. Labour & Rights: Precious Garments workers in Maseru staged a strike over unpaid wages, short time, and alleged diversion of production to cheaper factories.

Anti-Trafficking Push: IOM is stepping up awareness in Berea, training Heads of Departments to help spot trafficking risks and strengthen prosecution and survivor support across Lesotho’s 10 districts. Voter Turnout Reality Check: A SADC Electoral Observation Mission report says turnout in Lesotho’s 2022 elections was just 35.44%, with many voters blocked by roll and verification problems and poor civic education. Crime and Community Safety: Free State police report fewer murders but more attempted murders, urging tougher prevention in hotspots and repeat-offender areas, with residents asked to report crime. Gender & Health in Focus: Lesotho is seeing more male midwives, with one in Mohale’s Hoek travelling hours to support women through pregnancy and childbirth as the country tackles maternal deaths. Youth Creativity Against Harm: UNDP in Maseru backed a Creative Challenge where young artists tackle GBV, substance abuse and mental health through performances and ideas. Labour Rights at Precious Garments: Workers at a Maseru factory staged a strike over reduced hours, unpaid wages, and claims production is being diverted to cheaper factories. Education Safeguarding: The Ministry of Education is rolling out Safe and Inclusive Schools in 300 primary schools to prevent, report and respond to violence. Power for Semonkong: Prime Minister Matekane launched an upgraded hydropower station to bring more reliable electricity to the mountain town. Culture & Heritage: A spotlight on Ha Kome Cave Dwellings in Berea highlights how Lesotho’s past still lives in community spaces. Regional Migration Debate: Commentary on undocumented migration raises questions about fairness and human dignity in border enforcement.

Illegal mining fallout: Johannesburg roads are collapsing and buildings are cracking as zama zamas blast underground, bringing sinkholes, power and water damage, and rising violence. Sustainable farming push: In Maseru, climate-smart advocate Tiisetso Sefatsane promotes aeroponics as a soil-free way to grow herbs, lettuce and seedlings year-round, urging young people to treat farming like a business. Gender and health in focus: A growing number of male midwives in Lesotho are challenging tradition to help cut pregnancy deaths, while the Ministry of Education rolls out Safe and Inclusive Schools in 300 primary schools to prevent and respond to violence. Youth creativity against harm: UNDP’s Creative Challenge in Maseru spotlights young creatives tackling GBV, substance abuse and mental health through art. Labour tensions: Precious Garments workers in Maseru strike over unpaid wages, reduced hours and alleged diversion of work to cheaper factories. Governance and culture: China hands ICT equipment to Lesotho Parliament; Semonkong’s upgraded hydropower station is launched to improve reliable electricity. Sports and identity: Cossasa Games highlight heritage-based learning across Southern Africa, while Thaba-Bosiu’s Linotsí group gears up to mentor youth through culture and tourism branding.

Male midwives in Lesotho: In Mohale’s Hoek, a growing number of men are training as midwives to help cut pregnancy deaths, with clinics seeing relief from women who once hesitated about male care. Education with a cultural edge: Zimbabwe’s Heritage-Based Curriculum is being spotlighted at the Cossasa Games in Bulawayo, with Lesotho among the participating countries sending learners to compete in sport and arts. Youth creativity tackling harm: UNDP and partners in Maseru hosted a Creative Challenge urging young people to use art to address GBV, substance abuse and mental health. Labour unrest: Workers at Maseru’s Precious Garments staged a strike over unpaid wages, reduced hours and claims that production is being diverted to cheaper factories. School safety push: Lesotho’s Safe and Inclusive Schools programme is rolling out across 300 primary schools to prevent, report and respond to violence. Governance and accountability: Civil society groups urged the New Development Bank to engage directly on LHWP II complaints, including livelihoods, relocation and gender-based violence. Power and infrastructure: Prime Minister Matekane launched an upgraded hydropower station in Semonkong, promising more reliable electricity for the mountain town. Culture and development ambassadors: Princess Senate was appointed UNDP National Goodwill Ambassador for Equality and Sustainable Development, linking advocacy with Lesotho’s identity. Media credibility warning: The information ministry urged broadcasters to stop copying social media and return to accurate, original reporting. Football business partnership: Lesotho’s football body LeFA teamed up with Radisol Global Investments to professionalise and commercialise the sport.

Labour & Rights: Precious Garments workers in Maseru staged a strike over unpaid wages, reduced hours and claims that production is being shifted to other factories at lower cost, with staff also alleging missing severance and poor management oversight. Child Protection: Lesotho’s Ministry of Education launched Safe and Inclusive Schools in 300 primary schools to prevent, identify and respond to violence, training teachers and setting up child-friendly reporting and referral links. Culture & Youth Advocacy: Princess Senate Mohato Seeiso was appointed UNDP Lesotho National Goodwill Ambassador for Equality and Sustainable Development, pledging to back equality as part of Lesotho’s cultural values. Health & Gender Roles: A growing number of male midwives in Lesotho are challenging tradition while helping improve access to skilled birth care in rural areas. Water & Power: Prime Minister Samuel Matekane officially launched an upgraded hydropower station in Semonkong, aiming to deliver reliable electricity through the night. Civic Accountability: Communities affected by the Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase II urged the New Development Bank to engage directly and share a draft independent accountability mechanism for consultation. Sports & Community: Lesotho Football Association and Radisol Global Investments announced a strategic partnership to professionalise and commercialise football in the kingdom.

Gender & Health: Male midwives in Lesotho are increasingly stepping into a role long seen as women’s work, helping ease prenatal care in rural clinics and supporting safer births. Governance & Culture Tech: China has handed ICT equipment to the Lesotho Parliament in Maseru, aiming to modernize how lawmakers communicate, store information, and serve the public. Energy & Daily Life: Prime Minister Samuel Matekane launched an upgraded hydropower station in Semonkong, promising more reliable electricity beyond the town’s past solar-and-diesel limits. Youth, Arts & Discipline: Choral music is being promoted as a tool for discipline and responsibility ahead of inter-district competitions in Mohale’s Hoek. Equality & Development: Princess Senate Mohato Seeiso was appointed UNDP Lesotho National Goodwill Ambassador for Equality and Sustainable Development, linking advocacy with Basotho cultural values. Community Safety: Learners at Sefate Sa Bophelo English Medium School were warned against drugs and gangsterism as probation and police teams push child-focused prevention campaigns. Heritage & Tourism Branding: Lesotho’s Thaba-Bosiu identity logo was soft-launched to position the site as a branded tourism destination tied to the country’s 60th independence celebrations. Health Compensation Watch: The Tshiamiso Trust says it has paid over R2.53bn to 26,300 ex-miners for TB and silicosis, but beneficiaries still report delays and access problems.

ICT & Parliament: China handed over new information and communication technology equipment to Lesotho’s Parliament in Maseru, aiming to modernize how lawmakers communicate and serve the public. Power & Local Development: Prime Minister Samuel Matekane launched an upgraded hydropower station in Semonkong, promising more reliable electricity through the night and reducing reliance on costly diesel. Gender, Youth & Culture: Princess Senate Mohato Seeiso was appointed UNDP National Goodwill Ambassador for Equality and Sustainable Development, pledging to back equality as part of Lesotho’s cultural values. Health & Community Care: A report highlights male midwives in Lesotho, showing how changing roles can support maternal health. Education & Media Quality: The Information Minister warned that journalists are losing credibility by chasing social media trends instead of doing original, in-depth reporting. Justice & Safety: Learners at Sefate Sa Bophelo were warned against drugs and gangsterism as probation and police teams step up child protection campaigns. Heritage Tourism: Built for survival, the Kome Cave Dwellings in Berea are spotlighted as a living cultural attraction. Sports Business: LeFA and Radisol Global Investments announced a strategic partnership to professionalize and commercialize football in Lesotho.

Women in Politics: A fresh call to “give women in politics real power” argues that while women are already the backbone of city life, they’re often only appointed once municipalities are in crisis—so the focus must shift from maternal praise to real competence. UNDP Equality Role: Princess Senate Mohato Seeiso has been named UNDP Lesotho National Goodwill Ambassador for Equality and Sustainable Development, pledging to back girls and young people while linking equality to Basotho cultural values. Youth, Culture & Tourism: Thaba-Bosiu’s identity logo launch is set to boost youth mentoring through culture, with groups like Linotsí pushing young people toward heritage-led opportunities and tourism. Media & Trust: Lesotho’s information minister warns that broadcasters are losing credibility by chasing social media trends instead of doing original, in-depth reporting. Health & Justice: The Tshiamiso Trust says it has paid R2.53bn to 26,300 ex-miners for TB and silicosis, but claimants still report delays and access problems. Sports Business: Lesotho Football Association and Radisol Global Investments announce a strategic partnership to professionalise and commercialise football in the kingdom. Community Safety: Learners at Sefate Sa Bophelo were warned against drugs and gangsterism as probation and police teams step up school campaigns.

UNDP & Equality: Princess Senate Mohato Seeiso has been appointed UNDP Lesotho National Goodwill Ambassador for Equality and Sustainable Development, pledging to back girls and equality while framing it as part of Basotho culture’s values. Youth, Culture & Tourism: Thaba-Bosiu Mokhibo group “Linotsí” launched a Thaba-Bosiu identity and branding push to get young people into cultural activities and use tourism to tackle unemployment. Community Music & Discipline: Berea conductor Samuel Motšoeli says choral music builds discipline and responsibility, urging teachers and children to stay healthy and avoid alcohol and cigarettes ahead of inter-district competitions in Mohale’s Hoek. Health & Compensation: Tshiamiso Trust says it has paid R2.53bn to 26,300 mineworkers with TB and silicosis, but many still wait—especially in Zimbabwe—due to documentation and medical access delays. Sports Business: Lesotho Football Association and Radisol Global Investments announced a strategic partnership aimed at professionalising and commercialising football in the Kingdom. Public Safety for Learners: Sefate Sa Bophelo learners were warned against drugs and gangsterism as probation and police teams step up child-focused prevention campaigns. Tourism Branding: The Ministry of Tourism soft-launched the Thaba-Bosiu identity logo as part of Lesotho’s 60th independence build-up and a bid to attract domestic and international visitors. Learning & Media Trust: The Information Minister warned that broadcasters are losing credibility by copying social media without depth or verification, calling for stronger local-language skills and original reporting.

UNDP & Royal Advocacy: Princess Senate Mohato Seeiso has been appointed UNDP Lesotho National Goodwill Ambassador for Equality and Sustainable Development, pledging to push inclusive change while framing equality as part of Basotho culture. Youth, Culture & Discipline: Sefate Sa Bophelo learners were warned against drugs and gangsterism, while Berea conductor Motšoeli says choral music builds discipline and responsibility—urging adults to model good behaviour. Health & Justice for Mineworkers: Tshiamiso Trust says it has paid R2.53bn to 26,300 TB and silicosis claimants, but ex-miners and widows report delays and access problems as the mandate nears its final years. Tourism Identity & Heritage: Tourism officials soft-launched the Thaba-Bosiu identity logo ahead of Lesotho’s 60th independence celebrations, and the Linotsí group is gearing up to mentor youth through culture and tourism. Sports Development: Lesotho Football Association and Radisol Global Investments announced a strategic partnership to professionalise and commercialise football. Education & Skills Links: Nine Basotho students are heading to China on scholarships, as Lesotho-China cooperation deepens. Community Safety: A drug lab bust in South Africa reportedly included a Lesotho national among five foreign suspects.

Thaba-Bosiu Identity & Tourism Branding: Lesotho’s Tourism Ministry soft-launched the Thaba-Bosiu identity logo in Masekoeng, aiming to brand the heritage site for both domestic and international visitors and link culture to livelihoods. Youth Mentorship Through Culture: The Thaba-Bosiu Mokhibo group “Linotsí” launched a Mokhorong oa Khotla logo and branding push to pull young people into cultural activities, with tourism seen as a route to jobs. Princess Senate in the Spotlight: Princess Senate Mohato Seeiso was unveiled as a UNDP National Goodwill Ambassador for Equality and Sustainable Development, building on her earlier work on girls’ rights and child marriage. Football Development Deal: Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) and Radisol Global Investments signed a strategic partnership to professionalise and commercialise the sport, creating new opportunities across the football ecosystem. Public Service Implementation Focus: Lesotho will host the AAPAM summit in Maseru (8–11 Dec 2026) under “From Ambition to Implementation,” tackling the policy-to-results gap. Drug Bust Cross-Border Link: Police arrested five foreign nationals, including a Lesotho citizen, after a R1m hydroponic dagga lab discovery in Sedibeng. Health & Resilience: An El Niño preparedness action plan is being developed in Leribe after a district workshop, while livestock deaths in Mokhotlong highlight disaster-preparedness gaps for winter storms.

Thaba-Bosiu Identity & Youth Mentorship: Lesotho’s Thaba-Bosiu Mokhorong oa Khotla branding was soft-launched in Maseru, with the Linotsí group pledging to mentor youth through Basotho culture and use tourism to tackle unemployment. Royal Advocacy & Equality: Princess Senate Mohato Seeiso was unveiled as UNDP National Goodwill Ambassador for Equality and Sustainable Development, linking her child-and-girl rights work to Lesotho’s 60th Independence push for inclusion. Football Development Deal: The Lesotho Football Association and Radisol Global Investments announced a strategic partnership to professionalise and commercialise football, aiming to turn the sport’s social and cultural value into sustainable opportunities. Tourism Branding Push: The Ministry of Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture launched the Thaba-Bosiu identity logo to position the heritage site as a branded destination ahead of the golden jubilee. Digital Connectivity for Remote Work: Vodacom Lesotho rolled out enterprise satellite broadband to keep institutions online where terrestrial networks are hard to deploy. Culture on Stage: Lesotho Wine Festival returns for its 13th edition on 10 October, spotlighting wines plus artisans, fashion, food and live acts. Climate Preparedness: An action plan for anticipated El Niño impacts is being developed in Leribe after a disaster-management workshop, with food insecurity already flagged. Livestock Losses Expose Gaps: Winter livestock deaths in Mokhotlong are raising calls for stronger disaster preparedness beyond warnings.

Tourism & Identity: Lesotho’s Ministry of Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture soft-launched the Thaba-Bosiu identity logo in Maseru, positioning the mountain as a branded destination ahead of the 60th independence celebrations. Football Business: The Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) and Radisol Global Investments announced a strategic partnership to commercialise and professionalise football, aiming to create sustainable opportunities across the sport. Disaster Preparedness: In Leribe, an action plan is being developed to prepare for El Niño impacts, after warnings that food insecurity could worsen. Digital Connectivity: Vodacom Lesotho launched enterprise satellite broadband using Starlink tech, targeting reliable connectivity for businesses and public institutions in hard-to-reach areas. Culture & Lifestyle: The Lesotho Wine Festival returns for its 13th edition on 10 October in Maseru, promising curated tastings, gastronomy experiences, and live entertainment. Environment & Livelihoods: Winter livestock deaths in Mokhotlong are highlighting gaps in disaster preparedness and protection for subsistence farmers. Health & Women: New research highlights the growing burden of tuberculosis and drug-resistant TB among women of childbearing age, with projections to 2030. Heritage Skills: UNESCO and partners are running training for return and restitution of cultural property, including participants from Lesotho.

UNESCO & Heritage Training: UNESCO, AUDA-NEPAD and the University of Pretoria are running two Southern Africa certificate courses (11–28 Aug) to build legal and ethical skills for the return and restitution of cultural property, with Lesotho among nine participating countries. Lesotho Wine Festival: The 13th edition returns to Maseru on 10 October, spotlighting 240+ wines, curated high-end food experiences, and local arts and live acts. Connectivity for Business: Vodacom Lesotho launched enterprise satellite broadband in Maseru, aiming to keep organisations online where land networks are slow or costly. Livestock Winter Shock: In Mokhotlong, heavy snowfall has killed dozens of sheep, exposing gaps between weather warnings and the infrastructure farmers need to protect animals. Watershed Volunteer Legacy: Sebapala’s four-year integrated watershed project is closing after restoring rangelands and strengthening community action in the Lower Senqu Basin. Tourism Sector Workshop: LTDC is taking a tourism sensitisation programme to Qacha’s Nek, focusing on service standards, tourism data reporting, and community participation. Lesotho–China Talks: Lesotho and China held their first quarterly dialogue in Maseru to speed up cooperation and follow through on past agreements. Regional Livestock Support: Botswana donated 100,000 FMD vaccine doses to Lesotho to protect farmers’ cattle, sheep and goats.

Livestock & Disaster Readiness: Winter snowfall is killing large numbers of sheep, goats and cattle in Mokhotlong, exposing gaps in infrastructure and financial protection even when weather warnings reach farmers. Community Restoration: The Sebapala Integrated Watershed Management project in the Lower Senqu Basin is officially closing after four years of rangeland and watershed rehabilitation—driven by nearly 1,000 volunteers across 123 villages. Digital Lifestyle & Business: Vodacom Lesotho has launched enterprise satellite broadband (Starlink-powered) to keep connectivity steady for businesses and public institutions in hard-to-reach areas. Wine & Culture Calendar: The Lesotho Wine Festival returns for its 13th edition in Maseru on 10 October, spotlighting wines, curated gastronomy, and local creative talent. Education & Human Capital: Lesotho has held its first quarterly China talks under a new cooperation mechanism, while Chinese scholarships continue to send Basotho students abroad to build skills for home. Tourism Sector Push: The LTDC is running tourism sensitisation workshops (next stop Qacha’s Nek) to improve service standards, compliance, data reporting and community participation. GBV Justice Training: Magistrates’ dialogues in Eswatini focus on stronger Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act implementation, aiming to close handling gaps and improve access to justice. Regional Health & Farming Support: Botswana donated 100,000 FMD vaccine doses to Lesotho to protect herds and livelihoods. Women’s Economic Empowerment: FWAA is reframing awards from trophies to real economic empowerment—spotlighting women’s business impact beyond ceremonies. Youth Creativity for Change: In Maseru, youth were urged to use creativity to campaign against gender-based violence, substance abuse and mental health.

Migration & Remittances: A South Africa-based economist warns that intensified migrant departures could hit remittances and household spending across the SADC region, as thousands are repatriated from South Africa. Xenophobia & Accountability: President Cyril Ramaphosa tells Parliament perpetrators of xenophobic violence against foreign nationals will be arrested and charged, while also saying some anti-foreigner activity may be influenced from outside SA. Lesotho–China Cooperation: Lesotho and China hold their first quarterly dialogue under a new cooperation mechanism, aiming to make agreements more action-focused and faster to implement. Education & Scholarships: Lesotho hails Chinese scholarships for building human capital, with students urged to return skills to support national development. Tourism Sector Push: The Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation takes a sensitisation programme to Qacha’s Nek, focusing on service standards, tourism data reporting, and community participation. Health & Livestock Support: Botswana donates 100,000 FMD vaccine doses to help protect Basotho farmers’ herds, stressing regional disease control. GBV Justice Focus: Magistrates in Eswatini meet to strengthen Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act implementation, with attention on gaps in how cases are handled. Youth & Creativity: In Maseru, youth are encouraged to use creativity to campaign against gender-based violence, substance abuse, and mental health challenges. Women in Business: Lesotho’s FINITE Magazine Women Appreciation Awards expands beyond galas into women’s economic empowerment. Sports & Community: Maluti Mountain Cement sponsors the Lesotho International Basketball Tournament with M100,000, boosting regional athlete opportunities. Refugee Rights: Refugees in Lesotho say a freeze on identity cards and travel documents is trapping them in limbo, blocking access to services and opportunities.