AGP Executive Report

Cyber & Civilians: Lesotho urged greater African participation in shaping global cybersecurity talks, stressing that international humanitarian law and protection of civilians must guide how emerging technologies are used in conflict. GBV Coordination: In Maseru, officials called for reviving and strengthening Lesotho’s Anti-GBV Coordination Forum, pushing better coordination across government, faith groups, health services and community structures to prevent, protect and support survivors. Children’s Rights: The Senate adopted the Children’s Protection and Welfare (Amendment) Bill, aiming to better safeguard children from abuse, neglect and exploitation. Water & Gendered Burden: In Matukeng near Maseru, women still haul water from distant streams, protesting inequality between Lesotho’s water exports and local access to clean, reliable drinking water. Local Justice: A Lesotho man received life imprisonment for the premeditated murders of his employer and colleague on a farm near Komani, with the court citing anger and revenge. Highlands Water Project Fallout: Villagers in Mokhotlong filed a complaint over alleged harm from the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, including damaged homes, contaminated water and inadequate compensation. Regional Tensions: Across South Africa, anti-migrant unrest has triggered travel warnings and diplomatic disputes, with Mozambique and South African police disagreeing on deaths linked to xenophobic violence.

Water & Accountability: Villagers in Mokhotlong say the Lesotho Highlands Water Project has damaged homes, contaminated water, and disrupted farms, with claims of inadequate compensation and weak consultation as they petition AfDB for redress. Justice: A Lesotho national, Selebalo Mokoena, received life imprisonment for the premeditated Komani farm murders in South Africa, also convicted for entering and remaining without valid documents. Sport & Governance: Bafana Bafana’s World Cup visa saga keeps sparking fallout in South Africa, with officials trading blame and questions lingering over SAFA administration and leadership accountability. Diaspora Safety & Xenophobia: After anti-immigrant violence in South Africa’s Western Cape, Mozambique says Mozambicans were killed while police confirm only two deaths, and multiple countries—including Lesotho—issued travel warnings to citizens. Gender & Sport: ZOC leads an ANOCA Zone VI Gender Equality and Diversity Forum in Victoria Falls, pushing women’s leadership, safe sport, safeguarding, and maternity rights in athletics. Climate & Youth Harm: A study links prolonged drought in Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique to a higher risk of violence against adolescents. Culture & Faith: Lesotho marked Queen ‘Masenate’s 50th birthday with Holy Mass at Mofumahali oa Tlholo Roman Catholic Church, blending royal celebration with Basotho cultural pride. Food Security & Nutrition: Lesotho Red Cross and UNICEF partners strengthen nutrition messaging in Leribe under the Ntlafatsa Bana push, using community engagement to close gaps. Local Development: Government and dairy stakeholders in Maseru call for a practical roadmap to revive Lesotho’s dairy sector, citing low production and heavy import reliance.

Disaster Risk Communication: Lesotho Meteorological Services is pushing for media involvement in Impact-Based Forecasting training, so weather warnings reach communities fast and translate into practical action. Youth & Learning: Hermitage High School’s Likeleli Binyane won the LNOC public speaking contest and will represent Team Lesotho in a regional competition. Food & Nutrition: The Lesotho Red Cross Society, with UNICEF, is strengthening nutrition messaging in Leribe under the Ntlafatsa Bana project, using risk communication and community engagement. Gender-Based Violence Response: LMPS held a men’s gathering in Teyateyaneng urging men to prevent violence against women and children, with rape case figures highlighted. Agriculture & Jobs: Government and dairy stakeholders met in Maseru to tackle low milk production and import dependence, calling for a practical roadmap and stronger public-private partnerships. Indigenous Knowledge: SADC advanced a regional Indigenous Knowledge Systems policy push, aiming to preserve and commercialise local knowledge for sustainable development. Royal Milestone: Queen ‘Masenate’s 50th birthday was marked with Holy Mass at Mofumahali oa Tlholo Roman Catholic Church, blending faith and Basotho cultural pride. Regional Tensions: South Africa’s anti-migrant violence in the Western Cape has triggered Mozambique’s repatriation efforts and fresh travel warnings across the region.

Mozambique–South Africa Tensions: Mozambique says five Mozambicans were killed in “xenophobic attacks” in Mossel Bay, while South African police only confirm two deaths and say an investigation is ongoing after protests against undocumented migrants. Lesotho GBV Push: In Teyateyaneng, LMPS held a men’s gathering urging men to take a stand against violence against women and children, with child rape figures cited and consent stressed. Nutrition Messaging Boost: Lesotho Red Cross, with UNICEF support, met Leribe’s District Nutrition Team to strengthen community nutrition messages under the Ntlafatsa Bana project. Queen ‘Masenate at 50: Maseru churches marked Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso’s golden milestone with Holy Mass, blending faith, jubilee themes, and Basotho cultural pride. Gender & Census Inclusion: The People’s Matrix praised Lesotho’s census move to include options beyond strict gender binaries, while calling for better enumerator training. STEM & Youth Learning: South Africa’s Curiosity Cube™ brought hands-on science to Pretoria students, spotlighting practical pathways into STEM careers. Sports Admin Fallout: South Africa’s Bafana Bafana World Cup visa saga continues to spark criticism over delays and accountability.

Royal Jubilee in Lesotho: Maseru marked Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso’s 50th birthday with a special Holy Mass at Mofumahali oa Tlholo Roman Catholic Church, where Basotho ‘Seshoeshoe’ colours and prayers highlighted her service and faith. Gender & safety in the community: In Teyateyaneng, LMPS brought men together to tackle violence against women and children, with reminders on consent and reporting abuse. Nutrition push in Leribe: The Lesotho Red Cross Society met the District Nutrition Team to strengthen UNICEF-backed Ntlafatsa Bana nutrition messaging through risk communication and community engagement. Census inclusion: The People’s Matrix welcomed expanded gender options in Lesotho’s census, including an “others” category for gender-diverse people, while calling for better enumerator sensitisation. Regional tensions & xenophobia: Reports from South Africa’s Mossel Bay describe killings of Mozambicans amid anti-migrant protests, with police confirming two deaths while Mozambique cites five linked to xenophobic attacks. Drought and adolescent violence: A new study linking drought severity to higher risk of violence against adolescents in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Lesotho adds urgency to climate and youth protection conversations. STEM for youth: Pretoria hosted Merck’s Curiosity Cube™ hands-on science programme, bringing interactive learning to students and inspiring future STEM careers.

Bafana Bafana Visa Drama: South Africa’s World Cup departure hit a snag after SAFA’s administration left players without US visas, but Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie says the team will finally fly on Monday after visas were secured. Lesotho Youth & AI Skills: Sebabatso Youth Training launched in Maseru, using American Corner AI tools to help young entrepreneurs reach new markets. Gender & Census Inclusion: Lesotho’s LGBTQ community group welcomed expanded gender options in the national census, though it wants better training for enumerators. GBV Reporting Focus: UNFPA trained Lesotho journalists on ethical, survivor-centred, gender-sensitive reporting to help end gender-based violence. Waste Management Alarm: Lesotho’s Ombudsman warns 80% of waste is unmanaged, with serious health risks from illegal dumps and open burning. Arts Under Pressure: Serumula Performing Arts Academy closed after 19 years, citing harsh economic conditions and mounting debts. Winter Safety: Health workers urged caution as heating-related burns rise during the cold season. Local Culture & Travel: A Lesotho waterfalls guide and “hidden destinations” travel piece spotlight Maletsunyane Falls and Sani Pass.

Youth & Jobs: US-backed Sebabatso Youth Training was officially launched in Maseru, using American Corner AI tools to help young entrepreneurs reach new markets and create more employment. Civic Participation: Lesotho’s IEC rolled out a Civic and Voter Education Strategy and voter registration push in Maseru, stressing trust, inclusion, and the move toward national identity documents for registration. Gender & Media: UNFPA trained Lesotho journalists on ethical, survivor-centred GBV reporting, as the GBV Centre is now operational and already housing victims. LGBTQ Inclusion: The People’s Matrix welcomed expanded gender options in the national census, while calling for better enumerator sensitisation. Public Health: Health workers warned of rising winter burn injuries and urged immediate first aid and faster clinic visits. Environment & Health Risks: An Ombudsman report says 80% of Lesotho’s waste is unmanaged, with serious pollution and dangerous healthcare waste exposure. Arts & Culture: Serumula Performing Arts Academy closed after 19 years, citing financial strain. Sports & Community: LMPS Leribe launched an athletics club to get members active and reduce hospital admissions linked to lack of exercise. Travel & Nature: A Lesotho waterfalls guide highlights Maletsunyane and other adventure-friendly falls, boosting local tourism ideas.

Trade & Industry: China’s zero-tariff offer for 53 African countries is being welcomed, but Lesotho and other exporters are warned they still need export standards, logistics, and support to turn duty-free access into real growth. Football & Identity: Bafana Bafana’s World Cup trip hit a visa snag at OR Tambo, delaying departure as SAFA and officials trade blame—players’ visas are now sorted, with travel set for Monday. Xenophobia & Belonging: A viral Julius Malema funeral clip reignites debate on foreigners in South Africa, arguing borders are blurred across African nations and that locals also cross for family without papers. Gender & Safety Nets: Lesotho’s GBV Centre is now operational, with victims receiving counselling and psychosocial support, while media training pushes more responsible GBV reporting. Winter Health: Health workers warn of rising burn injuries as households use heaters, open flames, and braziers—cool burns with clean running water and seek care fast. Waste & Public Health: The Ombudsman says 80% of Lesotho’s waste is unmanaged, with illegal dumping and open burning endangering communities, including children and healthcare workers. Arts & Youth: Serumula Performing Arts Academy shuts down after 19 years due to financial strain, while Quthing youth sit for ICT exams at a digital hub. Access to Justice: EU-backed decentralised legal aid offices launch in Qacha’s Nek to help remote communities reach legal support. Culture Spotlight: Eswatini’s Bushfire Schools Festival spotlights youth creativity under heritage expert Allington Ndlovu.

World Cup Travel Drama: South Africa’s Bafana Bafana flight from OR Tambo to Mexico was delayed, with visa paperwork issues blamed; Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie says all players now have US visas and the charter will leave Monday. Xenophobia Debate: Julius Malema’s viral funeral speech challenges calls to expel foreigners, arguing borders and identities across Southern Africa are deeply intertwined, including Basotho ties to Lesotho. Lesotho Waste Crisis: An Ombudsman report warns 80% of Lesotho’s waste is unmanaged, with illegal dumping and open burning driving health and environmental risks, especially from healthcare waste. Arts Under Pressure: Serumula Performing Arts Academy in Maseru shuts down after 19 years, citing harsh economic conditions, declining support, and mounting debts. Mining Job Losses: Storm Mountain Diamonds (Kao) will close on 30 June, leaving over 800 workers unemployed. Elections & Civic Life: Lesotho’s IEC launches civic and voter education strategy and registration push, while South Africa’s IEC highlights youth-driven voter registration momentum. GBV Reporting Focus: UNFPA and partners train journalists on ethical GBV coverage; Lesotho’s GBV Centre is now operational. Winter Safety: Health workers urge caution on heating-related burns as cold season approaches. Local Culture & Youth: Quthing youth complete ICT exams at the Digital Community Hub, and LMPS Leribe launches an athletics club to promote healthier lifestyles.

Youth & Culture: Zimbabwean heritage expert Allington Ndlovu helped kick off Eswatini’s 2026 EU Bushfire Schools Festival, with 600+ pupils from 42 schools filling the stage with music, dance, poetry, drama and storytelling under “Art in Action: Future in the Making.” Digital Skills for Youth: In Quthing, 25 young people sat for ICT exams at the SOS Quthing Digital Community Hub after a free six-month computer skills training, with organisers urging more youth to register for the next intake. Elections & Civic Life: Lesotho’s IEC launched a Civic and Voter Education Strategy and voter registration push in Maseru, stressing trusted identity documents and practical outreach ahead of upcoming electoral processes. GBV Support & Media: UNFPA says Lesotho’s GBV Centre is now operational, with victims receiving counselling and psychosocial support, while workshops urged journalists to report GBV ethically and responsibly. Waste & Public Health: Lesotho’s Ombudsman warns that 80% of waste is unmanaged, with open dumping and burning driving soil, water and air pollution and putting healthcare workers and waste pickers at risk. Arts Under Pressure: Serumula Performing Arts Academy in Maseru closed down after 19 years, citing harsh economic conditions and mounting debts. Sports & Community: LMPS Leribe will launch an Athletics Club to get members active and reduce hospital admissions linked to lack of exercise. Winter Safety: Health workers in Maseru District Hospital urge families to prevent fire burn injuries by cooling burns with clean running water and seeking care quickly.

Youth & Culture: Zimbabwean heritage expert Allington Ndlovu helped kick off Eswatini’s 2026 EU Bushfire Schools Festival, with 600+ pupils from 42 schools filling the stage with music, dance, poetry and storytelling under “Art in Action: Future in the Making.” Digital Skills for Youth: Quthing ICT hub hosted final exams for 25 learners in a free basic computer training, with organisers urging more youth to register for the next intake. Elections & Civic Education: Lesotho IEC launched a Civic and Voter Education Strategy and voter registration push in Maseru, stressing practical outreach and trust in the electoral process. GBV Support & Media Training: UNFPA and partners trained journalists on reporting GBV responsibly, as Lesotho’s GBV Centre is now operational and already housing victims. Gender Identity Debate: A Senate proposal would require doctors to validate LGBTQIA+ identities, sparking public debate in Maseru. Winter Safety: Health workers warned of rising household fire burn cases as people use heaters, open flames and braziers indoors—urging immediate cooling with clean running water and fast clinic referral. Waste Crisis: The Ombudsman says 80% of Lesotho’s waste is unmanaged, with illegal dumps and open burning driving health and environmental risks. Arts Under Pressure: Serumula Performing Arts Academy shut down after 19 years, citing harsh economic conditions and mounting debts. Mining Jobs at Risk: Kao Mine operator Storm Mountain Diamonds will cease operations on 30 June 2026, leaving 800+ workers facing unemployment. Access to Justice: EU-backed decentralised legal aid offices launched in Qacha’s Nek to help vulnerable communities reach legal support. Street Economy Hit: Maseru street vendors face sudden tax obligations, warning of possible closures as profits shrink. Sports & Community: LMPS Leribe plans to launch an athletics club to get members exercising and reduce hospital admissions linked to inactivity.

Winter Safety: A nurse in Maseru is warning of rising household fire-burn cases as people use heaters, open flames and braziers indoors—urging immediate cooling with clean running water and faster hospital care for serious burns. Waste Crisis: Lesotho’s Ombudsman says 80% of the country’s waste is unmanaged, with illegal dumps and open burning driving soil, water and air pollution and putting healthcare workers and waste pickers at risk from contaminated sharps. Arts Under Pressure: Serumula Performing Arts Academy has shut down after 19 years, citing harsh economic conditions, debts and lack of sustainable funding. Mining Jobs at Risk: Storm Mountain Diamonds (Kao Mine) will cease operations by 30 June, leaving over 800 workers unemployed in Mokhotlong. Youth & Skills: Quthing’s Digital Community Hub has hosted ICT exam sittings for 25 youth, with a second intake registration set to begin next week. Elections & Civic Life: Lesotho’s IEC launch in Maseru rolls out civic and voter education ahead of upcoming electoral processes, while South Africa’s IEC highlights youth-driven voter registration momentum. GBV Support & Media: UNFPA says Lesotho’s GBV Centre is now operational and urges responsible, survivor-centred reporting; workshops also stress that men’s GBV cases must be reported too. Community & Culture: LMPS Leribe is set to launch an athletics club to get members moving and reduce hospital admissions linked to inactivity. Local Governance & Access: EU-backed decentralised legal aid offices have opened in Qacha’s Nek to improve access to justice for remote communities. Street Economy Shock: Reports say street vendors face sudden tax obligations that could force closures, threatening livelihoods.

Winter Safety: Maseru health workers warn that as households heat up, burn injuries rise—cool burns with clean running water, skip toothpaste/oils/herbs, and rush big or facial burns to a clinic. GBV Reporting & Support: UNFPA and partners trained journalists on ethical, survivor-centred GBV coverage; Lesotho’s GBV Centre is now operational with at least 20 victims receiving counselling and psychosocial support, while officials urge that men’s abuse also be reported. Gender Identity Debate: A Senate proposal would require doctors to validate LGBTQIA+ identities, sparking debate over who gets authority over identity. Youth & Community Development: Teachers are urged to enrol learners in the Prince Mohato Award Scheme, a non-competitive volunteer programme building leadership, resilience, and service. Access to Justice: EU-backed decentralised legal aid offices launched in Qacha’s Nek to help remote, vulnerable communities get representation. Everyday Livelihoods: Street vendors in Lesotho fear sudden tax demands could force closures as profits stay low. Public Health & Environment: The Ombudsman flags poor solid waste management across districts, with unsafe dumping sites near homes and schools.

Gender & Identity in Focus: Lesotho’s Senate debate on whether doctors should validate LGBTQIA+ identities is stirring fresh courtroom and public debate in Maseru, as LGBTQIA+ people push back on being defined by medical authority. GBV Reporting, Reframed: UNFPA and UNFPA/UNFPA partners ran a media workshop urging ethical, survivor-centred coverage of Gender Based Violence, with the GBV Centre now operational and already accommodating at least 20 victims. Men Also Need Protection: Officials say GBV against men remains underreported, and journalists are urged to help break the silence. Youth Health Policy Pressure: Civil society is pushing for teen reproductive health law changes as pregnancies surge, arguing access should be based on maturity not age alone. Justice & Accountability: A mother convicted for killing her infant received an 18-year prison sentence. Access to Justice Locally: EU-backed decentralised legal aid offices were launched in Qacha’s Nek to help vulnerable, remote communities. Everyday Livelihoods Under Strain: Street vendors report shock from surprise taxes that could force closures. Public Health & Environment: The Ombudsman warns solid waste mismanagement is threatening health and human rights, with unsafe dumping sites flagged.

Local Justice Access: Qacha’s Nek has officially launched decentralised legal aid offices, aiming to bring fair hearing and legal representation closer to remote and vulnerable communities, with EU support. Everyday Livelihoods: In Maseru, street vendors say surprise tax demands could force many to shut down, as profits are already squeezed by low sales and rising costs. Public Health & Environment: The Ombudsman warns that Lesotho’s solid waste management is endangering health and rights, citing dumping near homes and schools and urging action on failing sites like Ts’osane. Youth, Culture & Learning: Princess Senate Mohato Seiso urged Basotho youth to stay proud of their culture while avoiding drug abuse and early marriages, during a school visit in Morifi. Women, Peace & Community: The International Women’s Peace Group marks Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso’s 50th birthday with a peace monument and 50 fruit trees at Matsieng Royal Palace. Biodiversity & Food Security: Lesotho marked International Day for Biodiversity in Semonkong with a focus on highland wetlands, and separately, the Red Cross rolled out a nutrition messaging project targeting hard-to-reach areas. Sports & Community Energy: The NMB Half Marathon is nearing capacity as demand surges, with the race set for June 27.

Electoral Integrity & Youth Participation: South Africa’s IEC urged tolerance and respect for its work ahead of the 4 November local elections, as online registration added 376,000 new voters since January–May and youth-focused “Beats for My Peeps” aims to boost turnout. Community Peace & Royal Milestones: In Maseru, the International Women’s Peace Group will mark Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso’s golden jubilee with a peace monument and planting 50 fruit trees at Matsieng Royal Palace. Biodiversity on the Ground: Lesotho’s Environment and Forestry Ministry commemorated International Day for Biodiversity in Semonkong, spotlighting highland wetlands and community-led conservation and education. Nutrition Support in Hard-to-Reach Areas: The Lesotho Red Cross launched a three-month nutrition messaging project in Mafeteng, working with nutrition clubs to improve infant feeding practices in targeted villages. Disability Inclusion: Lesotho’s Persons with Disability Advisory Council will launch a report on disability mainstreaming in Maseru. Culture & Identity: Princess Senate Mohato Seiso urged Basotho youth to stay proud of their culture, avoid drugs and early marriages, and keep education rooted in identity. Health & Services Accountability: Parliament’s Social Cluster ordered ministries to urgently clear unpaid wages, contractor debts, village health worker salaries, and student sponsorship failures. Lifestyle & Creativity: A Lesotho-born photographer, Koto Bolofo, is featured in a Soweto-focused exhibition exploring how township life is seen and reshaped through image-making.