Cabinet Shake-Up: Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane has dismissed two ministers and reshuffled portfolios after King Letsie III’s approval, leaving the rationale unclear and raising fresh questions about loyalty and direction in government. Local Government Power Struggle: A growing stand-off between the Minister of Local Government, Lephema, and PS Tšoele continues to dominate political talk, with Public Eye framing Tšoele as a “PS with a spine.” Public Finance & Delivery Warnings: The Auditor-General’s latest report flags a serious implementation gap at the Competitiveness and Financial Inclusion Project (CAFI), with spending capacity at just 41% of the revised budget. Human Rights Accountability: The Ombudsman says government has failed to implement almost all recommendations on prison conditions and Mohlomi Mental Hospital, calling it a continuing rights crisis. Transport Costs Bite Hard: MRTO’s planned 79% taxi fare hike is set to spark commuter backlash, with disabled Basotho warning the increase will be a “triple blow” to access essential services. Border Rules That Affect Daily Life: SARS is ending a long-standing SACU vehicle exemption, requiring Lesotho commuters to make temporary import declarations when crossing into South Africa. Health Alerts: The Ministry of Health reports influenza-like illness clusters in seven districts, with rapid response teams deployed while lab tests continue. US-Lesotho Ties: A US Africa Command official reaffirmed friendship with Lesotho and discussed border security, disaster response and the role of the Lesotho Defence Force. Youth & Skills: The Ministry of Gender and the US Embassy launched an AI Skills Development Programme to boost youth digital entrepreneurship and e-commerce.