AGP Executive Report

Football and Education: Lesotho’s Kabelo Ngatane, 21, is the first Kick4Life participant to join Wrexham University, where he’ll combine football studies with hands-on community work. The initiative aims to open more opportunities for young Basotho. Children’s Rights: Lesotho is hosting an African child-rights session in Maseru through 20 October, with delegates focused on protecting children from violence and harmful practices, including online. Farming Success: Former lecturer Dr Mampiti Matete has grown a venture that began with 200 cabbages into a diversified farm with 21,000 laying hens and around 50 permanent and seasonal workers. She recently won an international agricultural business award. Creative Enterprise: South African design brand Neimil, inspired by African stories and craft, is taking part in an incubation programme supporting cultural entrepreneurs across South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi. Sporting Pathways: Lesotho and Botswana’s badminton associations have signed an agreement for an annual rotating tournament, giving young players regular regional competition and experience.

Sport and Education: Lesotho footballer Kabelo Ngatane, 21, has become the first Kick4Life participant to study at Wrexham University. He is taking a football and community development course, combining academic study with practical experience through Wrexham AFC Foundation. Children’s Rights: Maseru is hosting an African child-rights session through 20 October, with delegates focusing on violence, harmful practices and children’s safety online. A parallel event is urging schools to include social-emotional learning as part of children’s right to education. Farming: Dr Mampiti Matete has turned a modest start into a diversified business with 21,000 laying hens, other farm ventures and about 50 permanent and seasonal workers. She recently won an agricultural business award in Nairobi. Badminton: Lesotho and Botswana’s associations have agreed to hold an annual tournament that will give young players, coaches and officials more chances to compete and develop.

Creative Enterprise: Johannesburg-based fashion and homeware label Neimil has joined a seven-month cultural entrepreneurship programme supporting creatives in Lesotho, South Africa and Malawi. Its handmade designs draw on African stories and local materials. Children’s Rights: Maseru is hosting an African Union session on protecting children from violence and harmful practices, including risks in digital spaces. Partners are also urging schools to include social-emotional learning. Farming: Waterlogged fields have left Lesotho smallholders facing heavy losses, renewing questions about how agricultural insurance could protect livelihoods. Women in Business: Former lecturer Mampiti Matete has grown a Covid-era cabbage venture into a diversified farm with 21,000 laying hens and about 50 permanent and seasonal workers; she recently won an agricultural business award in Kenya. Sport: Lesotho and Botswana’s badminton associations have agreed to hold an annual rotating tournament, opening a more affordable competitive pathway for young Basotho players.

Child Rights: Lesotho is hosting the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, with delegates focusing on violence, harmful practices and threats to children online. A related event is urging African education systems to include social-emotional learning. Farming & Enterprise: Dr Mampiti Matete has grown a pandemic-era crop of 200 cabbages into a diversified farm with 21,000 laying hens, dairy cows and around 50 permanent and seasonal workers. She recently received an international award for agricultural business. Sport & Community: Chinese golfer Shane Xu capped his Lesotho stay with a playoff win at Maseru Golf Club’s October Monthly Mug. He leaves as a two-time champion, after taking up the sport in 2024. Arts & Culture: Chinese Wu Opera recently dazzled audiences in Lesotho, bringing a traditional performance to local stages.

Education & Wellbeing: World Vision and partner organisations will meet in Maseru to push for social-emotional learning in schools, helping children build resilience, manage emotions and form healthy relationships. Culture & Arts: Chinese opera brought traditional performance to Lesotho, while a new digital roadmap aims to strengthen the country’s creative sector. Sport & Community: Maseru Golf Club member Shane Xu signed off with a second Monthly Mug win before leaving Lesotho. A new Lesotho–Botswana badminton agreement will also create an annual tournament, giving young players more chances to compete and develop. Children’s Rights: Girl Guides advocacy champion Nomsa George called for stronger action against child marriage and sexual violence, including survivor support and investment in girls’ education. Learning Spaces: Vodacom Lesotho Foundation handed over five renovated classrooms at Matelile Primary School in Mafeteng, replacing damaged rooms with safer spaces for learning.

Border Integrity: A 56-year-old official at the Maseru port of entry was arrested after allegedly being found with 22 stamped passports belonging to Lesotho nationals and R2,100. He is expected to face corruption and immigration-related charges in Ladybrand. Court Watch: Prime Minister Sam Matekane’s adviser Janki Setšabi is expected in court on 21 October on a rape charge. He has not yet appeared or entered a plea. Safer Workplaces: The Public Service Ministry is developing guidelines to address workplace violence, harassment and sexual exploitation. Creative Scene: Lesotho’s planned digital roadmap aims to strengthen the creative sector, while Chinese Wu Opera recently brought traditional performance to local audiences. Food and Culture: Wine, food and culture took centre stage at Maseru Club, celebrating local lifestyle and flavours.

Court Watch: Janki Setšabi, an adviser to Prime Minister Sam Matekane, is expected in Maseru Magistrate’s Court on 21 October over an alleged rape involving a pastor at State House. He has not yet appeared or entered a plea. Safer Workplaces: The Public Service Ministry is drafting guidelines to address workplace violence, harassment and sexual exploitation, following training on international labour standards. Girls’ Rights: Girl Guides advocate Nomsa George says ending child marriage and sexual violence requires stronger enforcement, survivor support and investment in girls’ education. Arts & Culture: Chinese Wu Opera has dazzled audiences in Lesotho, while a new digital roadmap aims to strengthen the country’s creative sector. Community Life: A Maseru Club event put local food, wine and culture in the spotlight; meanwhile, a Lesotho-Botswana badminton pact promises young players more chances to compete and develop.

Justice and Safety: Prime Minister Sam Matekane’s adviser Janki Setšabi is expected in court on 21 October on a rape charge linked to an alleged incident at State House. He has not yet appeared or entered a plea. Separately, the Public Service Ministry is drafting guidelines to address workplace harassment and violence. Girls’ Rights: Lesotho Girl Guides advocate Nomsa George is urging stronger action against child marriage and sexual violence, including survivor support and keeping girls in school. Sport and Learning: A new Lesotho–Botswana badminton pact will give young players more regional competition, while Vodacom Lesotho has refurbished five classrooms at Matelile Primary School. Culture: Wu Opera performances brought Chinese culture to Lesotho, as Basotho hats, Bôgôlan and felt crafts await possible UNESCO listing.

Workplace Safety: Lesotho’s Public Service Ministry is developing guidelines to address workplace violence, harassment and sexual exploitation, with unions and international partners involved. Girls’ Rights: Girl Guides advocate Nomsa George called for stronger enforcement against child marriage and sexual violence, alongside survivor services and support to keep girls in school. Youth Sport: Lesotho and Botswana’s badminton associations have agreed to hold an annual rotating tournament, giving young Basotho players more chances to compete and develop. Education: Five refurbished classrooms at Matelile Primary School in Mafeteng offer learners safer, more welcoming spaces. Culture and Heritage: Recent coverage has spotlighted Chinese Wu Opera in Lesotho and Basotho hat, Bôgôlan and felt crafts awaiting possible UNESCO recognition.

Justice for Girls: Lesotho national Tisetso Maoeng has been sentenced to an effective 40 years in prison for abducting and repeatedly raping an 18-year-old in South Africa’s Eastern Cape. Sport: Lesotho and Botswana’s badminton associations have signed a pact for an annual rotating tournament, giving young players more regional competition and training opportunities. Girls’ Rights: Girl Guides advocate Nomsa George is calling for stronger action against child marriage and sexual violence, including survivor support and keeping girls in school. Education: Five classrooms at Matelile Primary School in Mafeteng have been refurbished after years of leaking roofs and damaged floors. Arts and Heritage: Lesotho’s proposed Digital Roadmap aims to help artists reach global markets, while local crafts including the Basotho hat, Bôgôlan and felt are being considered for UNESCO listing. Chinese Wu Opera performances also drew a standing ovation in Maseru during the country’s independence celebrations.

Girls’ Rights: Lesotho Girl Guides advocate Nomsa George says child marriage and sexual violence rob girls of dignity and opportunity. Her “Her Voice, Her Justice” campaign calls for stronger enforcement, survivor support and funding to keep girls in school. A regional menstrual-health forum in Maseru also stressed that girls need information and emotional support, not just hygiene products. Learning Spaces: Five renovated classrooms at Matelile Primary School in Mafeteng replace leaking roofs and damaged floors, giving pupils safer places to learn. Cultural Exchange: Chinese Wu Opera performers drew a standing ovation in Maseru during celebrations marking Lesotho’s 60th independence anniversary, blending music, dance, martial arts and acrobatics. Creative Industries: Lesotho’s proposed Digital Roadmap aims to help local artists reach global markets, while addressing weak intellectual-property protection and limited earnings. Basotho hats, bôgôlan and felt are also among crafts awaiting UNESCO listing.

Education: Vodacom Lesotho has handed over five refurbished classrooms at Matelile Primary School in Mafeteng, replacing leaking roofs, cracked walls and damaged floors with safer spaces for learning. Girls’ Health: An advocacy group brought menstrual health to a regional children’s-rights forum in Maseru, stressing that girls need information and emotional support as well as menstrual products. Creative Industries: Lesotho’s draft Digital Roadmap aims to help local artists reach global markets, strengthen intellectual-property protection and build more sustainable livelihoods. Living Heritage: Basotho hats, Bôgôlan fabric and felt are among the crafts awaiting UNESCO listing, while a Chinese Wu Opera performance in Maseru offered audiences a lively showcase of traditional music, dance and acrobatics. Festival Culture: M-Pesa has renewed its partnership with the Maletsunyane Braai Festival, backing one of Lesotho’s popular cultural gatherings.

Textiles & Livelihoods: Lesotho has unveiled a seven-year plan to shift its garment industry towards higher-value production, building on local skills and wool and mohair as the sector faces falling exports and factory closures. Youth & Sport: The National Youth Games wrapped up, giving young athletes from across the country competition experience in athletics, beach volleyball and boxing. Creative Industries: A proposed Digital Roadmap aims to help local artists reach global markets, while addressing weak intellectual-property protection and limited access to buyers. Cultural Heritage: Basotho hat, Bôgôlan and felt crafts are among those awaiting UNESCO recognition. Cultural Exchange: Chinese Wu Opera performers drew a standing ovation in Maseru at a gala marking Lesotho’s 60th independence anniversary. Food & Lifestyle: The 13th Lesotho Wine Festival brought wine tastings, food, crafts and music to Maseru, showcasing the kingdom as a regional wine-tourism destination.

Girls’ Rights: UNFPA renewed its call to end child marriage, saying it cuts short girls’ education, choices and futures. Youth Talent: Lesotho’s National Youth Games wrapped up after bringing young athletes together across several sports, while teachers urged schools and parents to recognise talents that classroom grades may miss. Creative Industries: A proposed Digital Roadmap aims to connect Basotho artists with global markets and support sustainable jobs, while tackling weak intellectual-property protections and limited access to buyers. Cultural Exchange: Chinese Wu Opera performers drew a standing ovation in Maseru at a gala marking Lesotho’s 60th independence anniversary. Arts and Heritage: The Lesotho Wine Festival brought wine, food, crafts and highland culture to Maseru; meanwhile, the Basotho hat, Bôgôlan and felt are among crafts awaiting consideration for UNESCO listing.

Performing Arts: A Chinese Wu Opera troupe won a standing ovation in Maseru at a gala marking Lesotho’s 60th anniversary of independence, blending singing, acrobatics and martial arts. Creative Sector: Lesotho’s proposed Digital Roadmap aims to help artists reach global markets and build sustainable jobs; UNESCO will also consider the Basotho hat for intangible heritage listing. Education: The teachers’ association says science and technology fairs can reveal talents that classroom grades miss, after a second student was unable to attend an international young scientists’ expo. Public Health: Measles cases have been confirmed in Butha-Buthe and suspected in Leribe, prompting contact tracing and a review of vaccination coverage. Music: Lesotho-born artist Jazzwrld is taking his 3-Step sound to wider audiences, with a growing international following.

Performing Arts: Chinese performers drew a standing ovation in Maseru with Wu Opera’s mix of singing, martial arts and acrobatics at a gala marking Lesotho’s 60th independence anniversary. Public Health: Measles has been confirmed in Butha-Buthe, with suspected cases also reported in Leribe, mainly among school-age children; health teams are tracing contacts and checking vaccination coverage. Creative Industries: A proposed Digital Roadmap aims to help Basotho artists reach global markets and earn sustainable incomes, while addressing weak copyright protection and limited access to contracts. Food & Culture: The Lesotho Wine Festival returns to Maseru Club on October 10, bringing more than 45 producers, tastings, food stalls and an artisan craft market. Heritage: Lesotho has nominated the Basotho hat, or Moliea-Nyeoe, for UNESCO intangible heritage recognition. Music: Basotho-born artist Jazzwrld is taking the 3-Step sound to international audiences, building on a string of major streaming successes.