AGP Executive Report

Campaign Finance Clarification: The Help Nnete Heal Campaign says no M400,000 was received by Minister Nthati Moorosi or her family, and that an earlier M1.3 million figure wrongly mixed received funds with unverified pledges. Women in Business: Revenue Service Lesotho (RSL) marked Women in Business in Maseru, urging women entrepreneurs to register properly and use tax education to grow sustainable enterprises. Rural Independence Reality Check: As Lesotho nears its 60th independence anniversary, elderly residents in Ha-Khoeli and Ha-Mothetsi say development has stalled—no roads, water or electricity—leaving them with hunger and poverty. Child Nutrition Focus: Dr. ‘Mamotheo Daemane warned of a “triple burden” of malnutrition as a workshop examines childhood overweight and obesity and how schools and food systems drive healthy eating. Football for Kids: LEFA will pilot FIFA’s Football for Schools in 10 primary schools in Mokhotlong, targeting ages 6–13 and including a push to develop girls’ football skills. Diaspora Investment Push: Lesotho is working on a National Diaspora Remittances Investment Framework to turn remittances into productive investment, backed by better data and trust-building. Regional Data Governance: UNESCO convened Southern African policymakers, including Lesotho, to harmonise data governance for smoother cross-border cooperation and readiness for AI. Lesotho–China Talks: Lesotho and China held their first quarterly bilateral dialogue, focusing on mutual trust, the One-China principle, and follow-ups to recent high-level visits. Court Update: A Maseru court denied bail to Mosito Ratefane accused of maliciously damaging a DMA-built household, citing risk of danger and absconding.

Court & Community Safety: Mosito Ratefane, accused of maliciously damaging a family house built by Lesotho’s Disaster Management Authority, was denied bail after the prosecution said he used a spear and hammer and that he could be a danger or abscond; he returns to court on 1 September. Women in Business: Revenue Service Lesotho marked Women in Business in Maseru, urging women entrepreneurs to register properly, access tax education, and support each other to grow sustainable enterprises. Regional Data & Governance: UNESCO convened Southern African policymakers and regulators, including Lesotho, to harmonise data governance and build a roadmap for smoother cross-border data flows. Lesotho–China Cooperation: Lesotho and China held their first quarterly bilateral dialogue, focusing on mutual trust, the One-China principle, and follow-ups to FOCAC outcomes. Independence Anniversary Reality Check: As Lesotho marks 60 years, rural elderly residents in areas like Ha-Khoeli and Ha-Mothetsi say independence has brought little beyond hunger and poverty, citing lack of roads, water, electricity and access to health services. Youth, Sport & Inclusion: FIFA’s Football for Schools programme will be piloted in 10 Quthing primary schools, with jerseys and footballs aimed at developing skills from age six and supporting girls’ participation. Diaspora Investment Push: Lesotho is working on a National Diaspora Remittances Investment Framework to shift remittances from household support to transparent, productive investment, backed by research and reliable data. Health & Nutrition Focus: A workshop on childhood overweight and obesity warns of a “triple burden” of malnutrition and calls for stronger coordination across food, health and education systems. SADC Summit Agenda: SADC leaders backed industrialisation, integration and a tourism visa, while migration remains a hot topic as South Africa seeks regional dialogue.

Independence anniversary mood in Maseru: As Lesotho marks 60 years, elderly residents in rural areas like Ha-Khoeli and Ha-Mothetsi say independence has brought “hunger and poverty,” with decades-long gaps in roads, water and electricity leaving them cut off from health centres and forced to buy costly food locally. Football for early development: LEFA will pilot FIFA’s Football for Schools in 10 Mokhotlong primary schools, handing out jerseys and balls and targeting kids aged 6–13, with a push to build skills and support girls’ participation. Diaspora investment push: Lesotho is working on a National Diaspora Remittances Investment Framework, aiming to shift Basotho abroad from being seen only as senders of money to partners in development, business growth and technology transfer. Education and youth entrepreneurship: In Quthing, students took part in the Spelling a Business Africa competition, with winners set to represent the district at the national stage. Child nutrition alarm: The Prime Minister’s office warns of a “triple burden” of malnutrition as Lesotho tackles childhood overweight and obesity through a landscape analysis workshop. Fundraising for Letsoela reactivated: Appeals for Mrs. ‘Makarabo Letsoela’s treatment have restarted, with IBC College offering its hall for fundraising events. SADC summit direction: SADC leaders back industrialisation, infrastructure, agricultural transformation and regional integration, with Lesotho’s President-elect Hichilema named incoming chair for the next summit in Zambia. Regional migration tensions: Coverage around SADC and South Africa highlights rising pressure over undocumented migrants, including calls for stricter controls—an issue Lesotho says affects the whole region.

SADC Summit Focus: Lesotho’s President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah backed a regional push for industrialisation, infrastructure, agricultural transformation and critical minerals as SADC leaders adopted a “Resilient, Sustainable, and Inclusive Industrialisation” agenda in Durban, with Ramaphosa chairing and Zambia set to host the next summit. Youth & Business Skills: In Quthing, students took part in “Spelling a Business Africa” to spark entrepreneurship and reduce youth unemployment, with winners set to represent the district at national level. Child Nutrition Alarm: Lesotho flagged a “triple burden” of malnutrition—under-nutrition, overweight/obesity and micronutrient gaps—urging stronger school and multisector action to protect children. Diaspora as Partners: Lesotho is working to turn diaspora remittances into development investment via a National Diaspora Remittances Investment Framework, aiming for a transparent, digital channel for productive returns. Health Milestone in the Region: UNAIDS highlighted Lesotho among countries reaching HIV targets like 95-95-95, stressing community-government-health partnerships. Community Fundraising: Fundraising for Mrs. ‘Makarabo Letsoela was reactivated, with IBC College offering its hall for events to support treatment. Culture & Exchange: Lesotho’s Ireland embassy renewed ties with Action Ireland Trust through knowledge sharing, education partnerships and cultural exchange. Regional Migration Tensions: As South Africa hosts SADC talks, migration remains a flashpoint, with Lesotho urging thorough discussion of the issue across the bloc.

Women in Culture: A Women’s Month reflection argues that real cultural leadership is about building lasting platforms and sharing power and profits, with an upcoming Joy of Jazz event set to honour Mama Abigail Kubeka and today’s women leaders. Child Nutrition & Health: Lesotho’s nutrition officials warn the “triple burden” of malnutrition is hitting the young, pushing a workshop on childhood overweight and obesity and the need for stronger school, food and education systems. Diaspora for Development: Lesotho is reframing remittances as partnership—aiming for a transparent, digital framework so Basotho abroad invest in business and technology transfer, not just household support. Lesotho–Ireland Links: The Lesotho embassy in Ireland renews plans for knowledge sharing, education partnerships and cultural exchange with Action Ireland Trust. Fundraising for ‘Makarabo Letsoela: A new drive is reactivated to help cover medical costs for a woman with growths near her eyes, with IBC College offering its facilities for events. Regional Spotlight (SADC): Zambia will host the 47th SADC summit after Durban’s 46th meeting, where migration, peace and health stayed on the agenda. Youth Voice: Parliament’s Social Cluster chair calls for a Youth Bill that puts young people in decision structures, not just consultations. Court Case (Maseru): A Maseru High Court hears testimony in a case alleging a police constable killed a friend, including claims about gun “showing off” and talk of “poison” bullets.

SADC Summit, migration pressure: As South Africa hosts the 46th SADC Heads of State summit in Durban, Lesotho says migration is a regional issue and urges leaders to put it properly on the agenda, with Ramaphosa expected to address the bloc on Monday. Anti-migrant protests spill into diplomacy: The March and March movement plans a march and picket outside the summit under “It’s time to fetch your people,” renewing demands for stricter visa controls and limits on access to services for undocumented migrants. Lesotho fundraising reactivated: In Maseru, a campaign to raise over M300,000 for Mrs. ‘Makarabo Letsoela’s eye-area growths has restarted, with IBC College offering its hall for fundraising events and pledging M5,000. Youth, culture, and learning: Lesotho’s Sharing Olympism Forum in Maseru brought together young people across Africa for debates, poetry, quizzes and essays, while a Lesotho-based spelling group is preparing a team for the SADC Spelling Bee. Women’s craft under strain: Hatoa Mose Mosali says weaving still supports women’s independence, but buyers and affordable marketing/exhibitions remain major hurdles. Global spotlight on Lesotho-linked HIV progress: UNAIDS notes that Lesotho is among the countries that have reached the 95-95-95 HIV targets, highlighting community and health-system partnerships. Royal charity twist with Lesotho ties: Reports say Prince Harry has redirected Diana Fund income away from Sentebale to Botswana’s Elephants Without Borders, where Archie and Lilibet’s names were used for tracked elephants—an update that keeps Lesotho-linked Sentebale in the headlines.

Royal Philanthropy Shift: Prince Harry has redirected his share of the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund away from Sentebale to Botswana’s Elephants Without Borders, with the money used to fit satellite-tracking collars for elephants named Archie and Lilibet in the Okavango Delta. Regional Migration Tensions: Anti-migrant group March and March is staging marches and pickets around the SADC summit in Durban, demanding stricter visa rules and limits on access to services for undocumented migrants, as border interceptions and repatriations continue to strain the region. Labour & Youth Policy: Lesotho’s Minister of Labour urged ARLAC to update labour systems for a changing world of work, while Parliament’s Social Cluster Committee chair called for a Youth Bill that puts young people into real decision structures. HIV & Girls’ Rights: UNAIDS highlights Lesotho’s place among countries reaching major HIV targets, and a Lesotho girls’ story spotlights the “triple threat” of HIV risk, gender-based violence, and early pregnancy. Culture & Creative Economy: Lesotho weaving groups say tradition survives but markets are the bottleneck, and Lesotho’s copyright and music royalty system is slowly catching up for artists. Sports & Learning: A Sharing Olympism forum in Maseru brought youth from across Africa, and a Lesotho-based spellers’ group is preparing for a regional SADC spelling bee.

Creative Entrepreneurship: Création Africa 2 has picked 15 Southern African creative businesses (from 340 applicants) for intensive incubation and investment-readiness support, with women making up 67% of the top cohort—spanning fashion, publishing, music, gaming and revived craft. Migration & Community Pressure: In Johannesburg’s Diepsloot, protests against undocumented immigrants are squeezing backyard-rental income as landlords demand ID checks and some tenants are told to leave. Border Reality Check: South Africa’s Border Management Authority says 4,229 undocumented people were intercepted between April and July, with most along the Zimbabwe corridor and others near Lesotho and Mozambique. SADC Summit Focus: President Ramaphosa is set to address the SADC Heads of State summit in Durban, with migration on the agenda; Lesotho’s Foreign Affairs Minister Limpho Tau says the issue affects the whole region. Lesotho Youth Policy: Parliament’s Social Cluster Committee chair Mokhothu Makhalanyane urges a rethink of the Youth Bill so it becomes a Youth Development Bill with real youth participation built into decision structures. Girls, HIV & Safety: A Mokhotlong initiative highlights Lesotho’s “Triple Threat” for adolescent girls—HIV risk, limited prevention knowledge, and gender-based violence—calling for action “no more and not alone.” Culture & Craft Markets: In Maseru, the Hatoa Mose Mosali weaving group says weaving still empowers women, but buyers and affordable market access remain the biggest hurdle. Music Royalties: A Qacha’s Nek musician reflects on how Lesotho’s copyright system (LESCOSAA) is finally helping artists get paid for their work.

Local Culture & Craft: In Maseru, Hatoa Mose Mosali women say weaving still brings income and independence, but they struggle to find buyers and afford equipment, with fewer exhibitions making marketing harder. Youth & Sports Values: The Sharing Olympism Forum in Maseru brought together young people across Africa for debates, poetry, quizzes and essays, with officials urging fair competition and youth participation. Women’s Rights Through Tradition: Basotho women weavers are keeping tradition alive despite market challenges, with groups calling for better access to markets and support for skills. Education & Opportunity: A Maseru youth-focused push asks NMDS to sponsor students even when parents have outstanding bursary debts, and to improve the Bokamoso E-Portal so applicants can access it without data costs. Culture, Health & Community: Lesotho’s tourism and hospitality sector is set to adopt a three-year joint reform roadmap to tackle inefficiencies, skills gaps and infrastructure issues. Health Milestone (Regional): UNAIDS highlights Lesotho among the countries that reached the 95-95-95 HIV targets, stressing partnerships between health systems and communities. Business & Law: A Maseru businesswoman sues the Lesotho Defence Force for over M6m over unpaid military jersey orders from 2013, arguing the debt harmed her business financing.

Youth Bill Debate: Lesotho’s Social Cluster Committee chair Mokhothu Makhalanyane wants the proposed Youth Bill reframed to keep “development” at its core, with real youth representation built into boards, councils and committees—not just consultations. Tourism Reform Roadmap: Lesotho’s tourism and hospitality sector is moving from talk to a three-year reform plan, targeting market visibility, skills gaps and infrastructure, with clearer rules to protect local products and attract private investment. Women Weavers’ Market Struggles: In Maseru, Hatoa Mose Mosali says weaving still empowers women and preserves skills, but buyers and affordable marketing remain the biggest hurdles. Spelling for Regional Pride: Bacha Ba Dichaba Explorers is recruiting young spellers for the SADC Spelling Bee in South Africa (Sept 23–26), aiming to send a team of up to 22. HIV Progress Spotlight: A UNAIDS update highlights Lesotho among countries hitting the 95-95-95 targets, stressing community partnerships as the engine of sustained results. Music Royalties in Lesotho: A profile traces how Basotho artists like Mants’a learned about royalties, and why registering with LESCOSAA (2021) matters for fair pay. Choral Music Support Call: Young choral leaders urge more funding and infrastructure so choirs can turn talent into jobs and keep Lesotho’s culture visible abroad. Basotho Business Fundraiser: The We Care initiative is raising funds for ‘Nete Leotlela’s recovery, with a festival set for Aug 29 at Manthabiseng Convention Centre. Anglican Leadership Change: Bishop Grant Bradley Walters has taken over as Anglican bishop in Port Elizabeth, pledging church engagement on poverty, corruption and service delivery.

Prince Harry & Diana Legacy: Prince Harry has stopped sending Diana memorial fund income to Sentebale and redirected the latest payment to Botswana’s conservation group Elephants Without Borders, with two elephants named after his children Archie and Lili. Lesotho Culture & Craft: In Maseru, women weavers from Hatoa Mose Mosali say weaving keeps tradition alive and supports independence, but they struggle to find buyers and afford equipment and exhibitions. HIV & Community Health: UNAIDS highlights the 95-95-95 push, noting Lesotho among countries reaching major HIV treatment milestones, stressing that progress depends on real partnerships with communities. Music Royalties in Lesotho: A Maseru-based artist story traces how Basotho musicians have long relied on South African systems for royalties, and why local registration with LESCOSAA (set up in 2021) matters. Tourism Reform Roadmap: Lesotho’s tourism and hospitality sector is adopting a three-year joint reform plan to tackle inefficiencies, weak market visibility, skills gaps, and infrastructure shortfalls. Youth & Participation: Parliament’s social cluster calls for the Youth Bill to focus on youth empowerment and decision-making power, not just “youth development.” Basotho Business Support: The Basotho Business Community (We Care) launches a fundraising festival for ‘Nete Leotlela’s surgeries, aiming to raise M1 million.

Lesotho Tourism & Hospitality Reform: Lesotho’s tourism sector is set to adopt a first joint, three-year reform roadmap, targeting inefficiencies, weak market visibility, skills gaps and infrastructure problems, with a push to open pathways for private investment and update outdated rules. Women’s Craft & Markets: In Maseru, women weavers from Hatoa Mose Mosali say weaving still supports independence and preserves skills, but buyers are hard to find and costs for equipment and exhibitions keep growth out of reach. HIV Progress Spotlight: UNAIDS highlights the “95-95-95” push, noting Lesotho among countries reaching the targets, and stressing that community partnerships and health-system support drive lasting results. Music Royalties in Lesotho: A Qacha’s Nek musician traces how royalties took decades to become real at home, from early earnings via SAMRO to registering with LESCOSAA in 2021—an important story for creators’ rights. Choral Music Needs Backing: Young choral leaders urge more funding, training and infrastructure, arguing choirs can create jobs and spread Basotho culture beyond borders. Youth & Education Access: Section 2 calls on the NMDS to sponsor students even when parents owe bursary debts, and wants the Bokamoso E-Portal made data-free and better communicated. Youth Bill Framing: Parliament’s social cluster chair says the Youth Bill should focus on youth participation and decision-making, not just “youth development,” with stronger representation in boards and committees. Basotho Business Fundraiser: The Basotho Business Community launches a drive to raise M1 million for ‘Nete Leotlela’s reconstructive surgeries, with a major event planned for August 29. Regional Sports & Culture: The Sharing Olympism Forum brings African youth to Maseru for debates, poetry and essays, while Eswatini’s National Games officially kick off with regional participation.

Women & Craft Economy: In Maseru, Hatoa Mose Mosali says Basotho women weavers are keeping tradition alive, but buyers are scarce and marketing costs—plus expensive and imported equipment—are holding growth back. Youth & Sport Values: The Sharing Olympism Forum in Maseru brings African youth together for debates, poetry, quizzes and essays, with officials urging fair competition as part of education. Court & Business: A Maseru businesswoman sues the Lesotho Defence Force for over M6m, claiming unpaid balances and damages linked to a long-ago jersey supply. HIV & Community Health: UNAIDS highlights Lesotho among the countries reaching 95-95-95 targets, stressing that partnerships between government, health systems and communities drive results. Music Royalties: A Lesotho musician traces the long road to royalties, from recording in South Africa to registering with LESCOSAA in 2021. Tourism Jobs Push: Lesotho’s tourism and hospitality sector adopts a three-year joint reform roadmap targeting market visibility, skills and infrastructure gaps. Youth Policy Debate: Parliament’s social cluster calls for the Youth Bill to be framed around youth development and real participation in decision-making. Choral Music Support: Young choral leaders urge more funding and infrastructure so choirs can keep competing and creating jobs. Fundraising for ‘Nete Leotlela: Basotho business leaders launch a drive aiming to raise M1m for ‘Nete’s reconstructive surgeries, with a festival set for Aug 29. Regional Migration Pressure: South Africa’s border and repatriation costs keep spilling into politics, with reimbursement requests and tougher enforcement affecting the wider region.

HIV & Health Partnerships: UNAIDS highlights Lesotho among the countries reaching the 95-95-95 HIV targets, stressing that real progress comes from government, health systems, and community partnership. Tourism Reform: Lesotho’s tourism and hospitality sector is set to adopt a three-year joint reform roadmap to tackle inefficiencies, weak market visibility, skills shortages, and infrastructure gaps. Youth & Culture in Focus: Parliament’s Social Cluster Committee urges that the Youth Bill be framed as a “Youth Bill” to protect youth participation in decisions, not just “youth development” language. Music as Jobs: Young choral leaders call for stronger support for choral music, saying it can create employment and carry Lesotho’s cultural heritage beyond borders. Youth & Agriculture: On International Youth Day, the agriculture minister urged young people to embrace farming and other productive sectors, backed by training and tractor support. Basotho Business Fundraiser: In Maseru, the Basotho Business Community (We Care) is rallying for a fundraising festival to support ‘Nete Leotlela’s reconstructive surgeries. Regional Culture Events: ECOFEST in Eswatini reveals early comedian line-up for its September festival, while FAME Week Africa announces its 2026 conference programme in Cape Town. Cross-Border Reality Check: South Africa’s border and migration crackdown continues to ripple through the region, including reports of Basotho nationals among those affected.

Basotho Fundraising for ‘Nete Leotlela: The Basotho Business Community (We Care) is rallying support for a fundraising festival on Aug 29 at Manthabiseng Convention Centre to raise M1 million for ‘Nete Leotlela’s reconstructive surgeries and recovery, with music, DJs, comedy, poetry, and a student debate competition. Tourism Reform Roadmap: Lesotho’s tourism and hospitality sector is adopting its first three-year joint reform roadmap, targeting inefficiencies, weak market visibility, skills shortages, and infrastructure gaps, with a push for clearer laws and better protection of local products. Youth Bill Focus: Parliament’s Social Cluster Committee chair Mokhothu Makhalanyane says the Youth Bill should be framed as a Youth Bill (not only “youth development”), with stronger youth representation in decision-making structures. Choral Music Support: Young choral leaders urge more funding and infrastructure for Lesotho’s choirs, arguing the sector can create jobs and export Basotho culture. Youth & Agriculture Push: Youth are being encouraged to pursue agriculture and other productive sectors for economic independence, with government pointing to tractor support and training. ECOFEST Line-up Tease: Eswatini’s ECOFEST reveals early performers for its Sept 25 festival, including Masapo (Lesotho), alongside regional comedy talent. South Africa Migration Costs Spill Over: South Africa is seeking reimbursement from Malawi, Ethiopia, and Nigeria for repatriation expenses after mass deportations and repatriations amid anti-illegal migration tensions—an issue that also affects Basotho communities. Border Crackdowns: South Africa’s Border Management Authority reports thousands intercepted at borders, including routes involving Lesotho, as enforcement tightens.

Youth & Culture: Lesotho’s choral music community is calling for stronger government and stakeholder support, arguing that choirs can create jobs for young people and carry Basotho heritage beyond the country’s borders. Youth & Livelihoods: In Maseru, young people were urged to embrace agriculture and other productive sectors for economic independence, with government pointing to tractor support and plans for training and loans. Border & Migration Pressure (Region): South Africa’s Border Management Authority says it intercepted 4,229 people trying to enter illegally between April and July, with Lesotho and Mozambique among the next-highest sources after Zimbabwe. Migration Costs (Region): South Africa is also seeking reimbursement from Malawi, Nigeria and Ethiopia for repatriation expenses after deportations and repatriations amid anti-immigration tensions. Workplace Compliance (Region): Labour blitz inspections in South Africa reportedly found Lesotho nationals working without valid permits, highlighting ongoing scrutiny of employers. Culture Loss: Cape Malay cuisine pioneer Cass Abrahams has died at 82, remembered for decades of pushing her food into the spotlight.