AGP Executive Report

Security & Defence: Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane pledged to recruit 500 more soldiers into the Lesotho Defence Force, citing drug trafficking and substance abuse as threats to youth, as 547 recruits graduated at Makoanyane Barracks. Infrastructure & Investment: Lesotho signed a $6.2bn (98bn maloti) Kobong deal with Convalt Energy for 1,200MW hydropower plus a green AI data centre in Mokhotlong, framed as a step toward energy independence and regional digital infrastructure. Regional Trade: Namibia’s President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah stressed SACU’s role as a key regional pillar, while Lesotho’s PM Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane met Dubai Chambers to boost trade and investment links. Governance & Public Services: A Digital Innovators Summit in Maseru urged Basotho youth to embrace technology, including digitising water systems with EU support. Cross-border Context: South Africa’s renewed anti-migrant violence prompted security advisories from Lesotho and others, with Ramaphosa rejecting xenophobia claims and calling for African solutions. Weather & Travel: Heavy snow closed Sani Pass and disrupted travel into Lesotho, while KZN disaster teams assessed storm damage. Sports (Lesotho focus): Harambee Stars’ Benni McCarthy demanded improvement after a 1-1 draw with Lesotho ahead of the rematch.

Trade & Investment: Prime Minister Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane met Dubai Chambers officials in Johannesburg to push stronger Lesotho–Dubai ties, highlighting Dubai’s logistics, infrastructure and digital-economy expertise and floating a Dubai–Lesotho Business Forum. Energy & Digital Economy: Convalt Energy signed a $6.2bn (98bn maloti) deal with Lesotho’s Ministry of Energy for the Kobong 1,200MW hydropower project plus an AI data centre in Mokhotlong—positioned as a step toward energy independence and regional green power/export capacity. Security & Youth: At the LDF pass-out parade in Maseru, PM Matekane pledged 500 more recruits for the next financial year, citing drug trafficking and substance abuse as threats to youth and warning of action against dealers. Digital Skills Push: Maseru’s Digital Innovators Summit urged Basotho youth to embrace technology and AI for public development, including digitising water systems with EU support. Health Watch: South Africa confirmed a winter COVID-19 case; Lesotho is investigating influenza-like illness reports in multiple districts. Weather Disruption: Heavy snow and storms have led to Sani Pass closures and travel cautions, while Borokhoaneng residents report renewed flooding after earlier flash floods.

Security & Defence: Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane pledged to recruit 500 more soldiers into the Lesotho Defence Force, warning of the threat posed by drug trafficking and substance abuse, as 547 recruits graduated at Makoanyane Barracks. Military Readiness: The Military Training Institute commandant flagged declining physical fitness among new recruits, linking it to drug use and poor nutrition, and urged faster recruitment cycles. Energy & Tech Investment: Lesotho signed a roughly $6.2bn (98bn loti) hydropower-plus-AI data centre deal with Convalt Energy under Project Kobong, aimed at boosting energy independence and creating jobs, though feasibility and approvals still remain. Digital Push: A Digital Innovators Summit in Maseru urged youth to embrace technology and AI for public development, including digitising water systems with EU support. Public Services: LEPEU brought services to Mapoteng, including labour dispute support and plans to register more bargaining councils. Health Watch: Lesotho is investigating influenza-like illness reports across seven districts while South Africa confirmed a winter COVID-19 case. Weather Disruption: Heavy snow forced closure of Sani Pass and prompted travel warnings into Lesotho, as KZN disaster teams assessed storm damage. GBV Coordination: Lesotho’s gender officials called to revive the Anti-GBV Coordination Forum to improve multi-stakeholder response and reduce duplication.

Cross-Border Security & Xenophobia: South Africa’s anti-immigrant unrest has triggered a diplomatic scramble. Mozambique says hundreds of its citizens are returning home, while Ghana and Nigeria move to repatriate nationals. Kenya, Lesotho and Zimbabwe urge caution, and police warn anti-immigration groups against taking the law into their own hands after two Mozambicans were killed in Mossel Bay. Regional Diplomacy: President Cyril Ramaphosa rejects claims of inherent xenophobia and says the answer is African cooperation—job creation and economic stability—while special envoys are set to manage fallout. Lesotho Defence & Drugs: In Maseru, Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane pledged 500 more LDF recruits and vowed a crackdown on drug dealers, citing threats to youth and community stability. Military Readiness Concerns: The Military Training Institute says recruits’ fitness is declining, blaming drugs and poor nutrition, and warns recruitment gaps could worsen the pool of fit candidates. Energy & Digital Push: Lesotho signed a binding deal with Convalt Energy for the Kobong hydropower and AI data centre project (~98bn maloti), aimed at energy independence and regional power export potential. Weather Disruptions: Heavy snow has closed Sani Pass and prompted travel warnings into Lesotho, while KZN disaster teams assess storm damage. Local Governance & Services: LEPEU brought services to Mapoteng, including labour dispute support and bargaining council awareness. GBV Coordination: Lesotho is urged to revive the Anti-GBV Coordination Forum to improve multi-stakeholder response and reduce duplication. Flood Recovery Pressure: Borokhoaneng residents report fresh flooding after earlier flash floods, with homes inundated and families demanding urgent, sustainable assistance.

Senate Winter Recess: Lesotho’s Senate has adjourned sine die for the winter break, with MPs saying the recess is meant for constituency work and public engagement before sittings resume. Public Finance Accountability: The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning will start training on asset registration from June 15, responding to Auditor General concerns that government assets are not fully captured on the national register. Treason Trial Update: In a treason case linked to alleged 2014 army attacks on police stations, a state witness told the High Court that some police officers fled to South Africa and later returned after instructions. GBV Coordination Push: Gender officials in Maseru renewed calls to revive the Anti-GBV Coordination Forum, urging stronger stakeholder collaboration to improve prevention, protection, response and survivor support. Children’s Rights Law: The Senate adopted the Children’s Protection and Welfare (Amendment) Bill 2023, strengthening protections for vulnerable children. Semphethenyane Bail: Six Semphethenyane accused were granted bail on charges tied to alleged public disorder and conduct likely to incite violence. Water Access Grievance: Villagers near Maseru protested water scarcity, saying they still rely on distant streams despite Lesotho’s water exports. Cybersecurity Diplomacy: Lesotho called for greater African participation in shaping global cybersecurity discussions and applying international law in cyberspace.

Cybersecurity & International Law: Lesotho urged greater African participation in shaping global cyber security and emerging-tech discussions, stressing protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure in cyberspace. GBV Coordination: In Maseru, officials called to revive and strengthen Lesotho’s Anti-GBV Coordination Forum, with stakeholders pushing better prevention, protection, response and survivor support through tighter collaboration. Parliamentary Business: The Senate adjourned sine die for winter recess, while also adopting the Children’s Protection and Welfare (Amendment) Bill 2023 to strengthen safeguards for vulnerable children. Public Finance Accountability: The Ministry of Finance announced training on asset registration from June 15, citing Auditor General concerns that government assets are not fully captured on registers. Treason Trial Update: A state witness in Lesotho’s treason case told the High Court that some police officers fled to South Africa after alleged 2014 attacks on police stations, including Maseru’s Police Headquarters. Water Access Protest: Villagers in Matukeng and surrounding areas demanded equitable access to clean water, arguing they suffer scarcity despite Lesotho’s water exports. Regional Migration Tensions: South Africa’s anti-migrant violence continues to draw regional warnings, with Mozambique and Namibia disputing and responding to claims of xenophobic attacks.

Water & Accountability: Villagers in Mokhotlong have filed a formal complaint against the African Development Bank over alleged harm from the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, citing damaged homes, contaminated water, disrupted farms, and inadequate compensation. Courts & Policing: Lesotho’s High Court postponed closing arguments in the murder case of Police Constable Mokalekale Khetheng after a defence lawyer fell ill; the matter is now set for June 30, 2026. Labour & Regional Policy: SADC advanced Indigenous Knowledge Systems policy work in Johannesburg, aiming for a regional framework to preserve, protect, use and commercialise indigenous knowledge. Gender in Sport: The ANOCA Zone VI Gender Equality and Diversity Forum opened in Victoria Falls, with Lesotho among participating National Olympic Committees pushing safe sport, women’s leadership and safeguarding. Diplomacy & Visas: Reports say the US plans to cut visa-processing sites across Africa into regional hubs, with Lesotho listed among countries considered for consolidation/closure. Regional Football Logistics: Kenya’s Harambee Stars faced hotel and payment disputes in Pretoria ahead of Lesotho friendlies, while Zimbabwe’s Mighty Warriors and Lesotho’s national teams gear up for the Four Nations tournament and international tests. Public Safety: Anti-migrant unrest in South Africa’s Western Cape left Mozambican nationals dead, prompting further travel warnings across the region, including for Lesotho citizens.

High Court Delay in Police Murder Case: Maseru’s High Court failed to hear closing arguments in the 2016 murder case of Police Constable Mokalekale Khetheng after a defence lawyer fell ill; the matter is now set for June 30, 2026. Dairy Sector Push: Government and dairy stakeholders in Maseru called for stronger public-private collaboration to revive Lesotho’s dairy industry, citing underused infrastructure, low milk output and heavy import dependence. SADC Fisheries Oversight: SADC renewed the board of the Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre in Maputo, keeping Stanley Ndara as chair and prioritising vessel registers and capacity building. Weather Forecasting Communications: Lesotho Meteorological Services urged media involvement in impact-based forecasting training so communities get timely, practical disaster-preparedness information. Regional Xenophobia Fallout (South Africa): Anti-migrant violence in South Africa’s Western Cape left Mozambicans dead; Mozambique and South African police dispute the death toll, while several countries—including Namibia and Ghana—issued travel warnings to their citizens. Kenya-Lesotho Football Logistics: Harambee Stars players were reportedly stranded in Pretoria over a hotel payment dispute ahead of friendlies against Lesotho, while Kenya coach Benni McCarthy continues squad changes and new call-ups. Gender Violence Prevention: Lesotho police held a men’s gathering in Teyateyaneng to push back against violence against women and children, with figures on rape cases shared.

Lesotho-Linked Football Prep: Kenya’s Harambee Stars have reshuffled their June friendlies squad for the two-legged tie against Lesotho in Pretoria, with new call-ups including Micah Obiero, and coach Benni McCarthy stressing the matches’ role in AFCON 2027 preparations. Regional Fisheries Governance: SADC has renewed the board of the Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Centre in Maputo, keeping Stanley Ndara as chair for a second term as the bloc pushes tougher illegal-fishing controls and vessel registers. Labour Diplomacy: Lesotho’s labour minister, Tseliso Seth Levalo Mokhosi, met counterparts at the ILO’s 114th conference in Geneva to discuss cooperation and ways to strengthen labour ties. National Identity Access: Lesotho’s Home Affairs and Police are intensifying home visits to help elderly people and persons with disabilities obtain National Identity Cards, aiming to remove barriers to services like social protection and voter registration. Queen’s 50th Birthday: Maseru marked Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso’s golden jubilee with a special Holy Mass, with church leaders linking the milestone to jubilee themes of healing and new beginnings. Cross-Border Tensions: Mozambique and South Africa are trading claims over deaths tied to alleged xenophobic attacks in Mossel Bay, with South African police confirming two Mozambicans killed while investigations continue.

Labor Diplomacy: Lesotho’s Minister of Labour met counterparts at the 114th ILO conference in Geneva, including ministers from Lebanon, Sudan, Syria, Paraguay and Lesotho’s own Tseliso Seth Levalo Mokhosi, to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in labour policy and practice. Road Accountability in Maseru: The Minister of Public Works and Transport, Matjato Moteane, visited the long-dilapidated Semphetenyane road after complaints from the mayor and MP Itumeleng Rants’o, promising work will start soon despite earlier delays linked to WASCO water pipes. National ID Access: Home Affairs and Police launched intensified outreach with house visits for elderly people and persons with disabilities to help them obtain National Identity Cards, citing barriers to travel and the importance of IDs for services including social protection and voter registration. Digital Skills for Entrepreneurs: Sebabatso alumni in Maseru attended a three-day e-commerce and AI-powered marketing training at American Corner Maseru, aimed at helping small businesses grow beyond Lesotho and reach wider markets. Regional Shock—Xenophobia Claims: Mozambique said five citizens were killed in South Africa’s Mossel Bay during “xenophobic attacks,” while South African police confirmed only two deaths, as repatriation efforts continue. Cross-Border Rules: SARS introduced new declarations for foreign-registered vehicles entering or leaving South Africa from 1 June, including online submissions and Temporary Import Permits, affecting travellers from Lesotho and other neighbours.

Regional Infrastructure & Water Security: Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase II keeps rolling with the launch of a second Tunnel Boring Machine at Polihali, underlining how cross-border water and power cooperation can move from plans to delivery. Cross-Border Governance & Justice: SADC justice ministers meet in Victoria Falls with the proposed SADC Tourism UNIVISA on the agenda, aiming for a single visa for tourism and transit across member states. Regional Fisheries Oversight: SADC reappointed Stanley Ndara to chair the regional fisheries monitoring control and surveillance centre, with ministers also pushing member states to clear outstanding contributions. Maseru Local Accountability: Semphetenyane residents blocked roads and burned tyres over what they say are unfinished or ineffective road works, accusing Mayor Relebohile Sechache of misleading claims that construction is complete. Lesotho Legal Proceedings: In a treason trial in Maseru, defence lawyers argue evolving testimony from a police sergeant should be disregarded as they press cross-examination. Gender & Civic Inclusion: The People’s Matrix welcomed expanded census options for gender diverse people, while calling for better training for enumerators. Sports Administration Spillover: South Africa’s Bafana Bafana World Cup departure was delayed by US visa paperwork problems, sparking fresh calls for accountability at SAFA—an issue that also keeps Lesotho-linked football matters in the spotlight.

Border & Customs Reform: South Africa’s SARS has rolled out a new Traveller Declaration System from 1 June 2026, requiring travellers to submit online customs declarations and foreign-registered vehicles to be declared at ports of entry with Temporary Import Permits, with SARS Commissioner Johnstone Makhubu visiting major crossings including Maseru Bridge to oversee implementation. Local Accountability in Maseru: Semphetenyane residents have blocked roads and burned tyres, accusing Mayor Relebohile Sechache of overstating road rehabilitation progress and demanding urgent repairs, with taxi drivers backing the protest. Lesotho Census Inclusion: The People’s Matrix, an LGBTQ association, welcomed expanded gender options in Lesotho’s national census, including an “others” category, while calling for better training for enumerators to handle gender and sexuality questions sensitively. Youth & AI Skills: Sebabatso Youth Training was launched in Maseru, with US Ambassador Thomas R. Hines urging Lesotho to position itself for the AI boom, including data-centre potential, as the programme links trainees to AI tools for market access. Regional Justice Talks: SADC justice ministers in Victoria Falls are set to prioritise the Draft Agreement for SADC Tourism UNIVISA to ease transit and tourism travel across member states. SADC Fisheries Leadership: Stanley Ndara was reappointed to chair the SADC Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre, with ministers also urging member states to pay outstanding contributions. Sports Admin Fallout (South Africa): Bafana Bafana’s World Cup departure was delayed after visa problems left some staff stranded, with Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie calling SAFA’s handling “embarrassing” and confirming the squad would fly Monday.

World Cup Logistics: South Africa’s Bafana Bafana were grounded in Johannesburg after visa paperwork problems delayed their charter to Mexico; Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie blasted SAFA as “embarrassing” and said players’ visas were sorted, with only some officials still outstanding, before confirming a Monday departure. Regional Politics & Migration: COSATU argues South Africa must manage migration “honestly” while rejecting xenophobia, as unemployment and service strain fuel anger; a separate viral Malema clip reignites debate by stressing shared cross-border roots across Southern Africa. Lesotho Economy & Policy: The Central Bank of Lesotho raised the Central Bank Rate by 25 basis points to 6.75% citing global uncertainty and fuel-price-driven inflation risks. Governance & Accountability: Lesotho’s Ombudsman warns 80% of waste is unmanaged, creating public health risks, while South Africa’s IEC chair warns voter despair could push anti-democratic choices ahead of November local elections. Trade & Diplomacy: Lesotho welcomed China’s lifting of temporary wool import restrictions after FMD-related disruptions. Sports (Lesotho in the mix): Kenya’s Harambee Stars will play Lesotho in a June window friendly series in Pretoria after earlier fixtures were changed.

World Cup Logistics: South Africa’s Bafana Bafana departure for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been pushed to Monday after a visa paperwork snag grounded the charter in Johannesburg; Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie first called the saga “embarrassing” and said players were being made to look like “fools,” then confirmed all players had visas, with only a few officials still outstanding. Electoral Politics: Electoral Commission of South Africa chair Mosotho Moepya warns voter despair and apathy could fuel anti-democratic choices ahead of November local government elections, as the IEC prepares for voter registration in June. Lesotho Governance & Oversight: Lesotho’s Auditor General flags recurring financial management weaknesses, including major cash receipt/payment inconsistencies and unused IEC funds not returned to the consolidated pot. Public Services & Delivery: Lesotho’s Ombudsman says 80% of waste goes uncollected, creating health and environmental risks, especially around unmanaged healthcare waste. Economy & Cost Pressures: Lesotho’s central bank raised its policy rate to 6.75% amid global uncertainty and fuel-driven inflation risks. Regional Sports: Kenya’s Harambee Stars will face Lesotho in a June friendly double-header in Pretoria after earlier fixtures were changed.

Central Bank Rate Decision: Lesotho’s Central Bank raised the Central Bank Rate by 25 basis points to 6.75% after global geopolitical tensions and higher fuel prices threatened inflation and external reserves. Public Finance Scrutiny: The Auditor General flagged major weaknesses in government financial management, including a M3 billion mismatch in cash receipts and payments and missing records affecting assets and loan guarantees. Elections Readiness: The IEC launched a Civic and Voter Education Strategy and voter registration push in Maseru, stressing trusted identity documents and informed participation. Waste Crisis: An Ombudsman report warns that 80% of Lesotho’s waste is unmanaged, with serious health risks from illegal dumps and open burning. Wool Trade Relief: Government welcomed China’s lifting of temporary wool import restrictions, saying payments to farmers have started after months of disruption. GBV Support Moves Forward: UNFPA says Lesotho’s GBV Centre is now operational, with victims receiving counselling and psychosocial support, while media training targets more responsible GBV reporting. Mining Jobs at Risk: Kao Mine (Storm Mountain Diamonds) is set to shut down, leaving over 800 workers unemployed as diamond prices fall and lab-grown competition bites. Sports—Lesotho in Focus: Kenya’s Harambee Stars will play Lesotho in two friendlies in Pretoria on June 4 and 7 as preparations continue for upcoming continental assignments.

Central Bank Rate Hike: Lesotho’s central bank raised the Central Bank Rate by 25 basis points to 6.75%, citing Middle East-linked fuel and shipping shocks that are pushing up inflation and threatening external reserves. Public Finance Scrutiny: The Auditor General flagged major weaknesses in government financial management, including mismatched cash receipts and payments, unreturned IEC funds, missing asset records, and IFMIS transactions not yet captured. Electoral Readiness: The IEC launched civic and voter education plus voter registration, stressing the National Population Register and identity documents as the basis for a trusted voter roll. Border Pressure in Maseru: An MP called for urgent action over Maseru border congestion tied to temporary import permit applications for local vehicles, with the deadline looming. Wool Trade Relief: Government welcomed China’s lifting of temporary wool import restrictions, saying held consignments are being released and payments to farmers have started. Mining Job Losses: Kao Mine operator Storm Mountain Diamonds will cease operations on 30 June 2026, leaving over 800 workers unemployed amid collapsing diamond prices and lab-grown competition. Waste Management Alarm: An Ombudsman report says 80% of Lesotho’s waste is unmanaged, with serious public health risks, especially around healthcare waste and needle injuries. GBV Support Moves Forward: UNFPA says Lesotho’s GBV Centre is now operational, with victims receiving counselling and psychosocial support, while media training urged more ethical GBV reporting.