AGP Executive Report

Climate Preparedness: Lesotho’s Disaster Management Authority will host a National Climate Outlook Forum with the Meteorological Services to share seasonal forecasts and push sector-by-sector preparedness. Green Card Lottery: The US released DV-2026 selection figures, with about 129,516 prospective applicants registered and selectees needing to complete processes by Sept 30, 2026. Human Rights & Safety: Journalist Kananelo Boloetse says armed men abducted, tortured and dumped him near Thaba-Bosiu; he has opened a police case. Public Accounts Crackdown (QMMH): The Public Accounts Committee ordered audits and licence revocations at Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital after allegations of nursing licence fraud, and raised concerns about foreign doctors’ credentials and patient safety. Justice Reform Push: Government, with EU support, launched a fresh bid to overhaul Lesotho’s justice system via a Justice Sector Coordination Forum to speed up services and rebuild public trust. Business & Jobs: Trade Minister Motlatsi Maqelepo toured CAFI-backed firms, urging youth entrepreneurship, while a separate order targets a labour dispute at Precious Garments over short-time work and delayed pay. Tourism & Trade Links: Kuwait’s chamber pledged to deepen trade and investment ties with Lesotho after talks with the foreign affairs minister.

Green Card Lottery: The US State Department has published the DV-2026 Diversity Visa list, with dozens of African countries included and Egypt, Algeria, Sudan and Kenya among the top selectees; applicants must submit by 30 September 2026 or lose eligibility. Human Rights & Safety: Maseru journalist Kananelo Boloetse says armed men abducted, handcuffed and tortured him near Thaba-Bosiu; he’s been treated and has opened a case. Tourism Governance: Board sources at the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation allege pressure from people close to the Prime Minister to push a preferred CEO candidate, with the board saying it did not recommend that person. PAC & Health Sector Integrity: The Public Accounts Committee orders audits and credential checks at Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital after allegations of nursing licence fraud and concerns about foreign doctors’ qualifications, including possible gaps in verification. Justice System Reform: Government, with EU support, launches a Justice Sector Coordination Forum to speed up court and police delivery and rebuild public trust. Business & Jobs: A CAFI-backed tour highlights opportunities for youth and small firms, while a separate report warns Lesotho businesses are squeezed by credit costs, state size and fraud. Climate Risk: Environment officials warn of below-normal rains and intense heat in 2026/27, with heavier rains expected early 2027.

PAC Oversight on Health Licensing: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) grilled Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital (QMMH) over alleged unlicensed practice, hearing that nursing assistant Mantsane Likotsi worked for eight years using a fraudulent practising licence and never sat the required Nursing Council exam; PAC ordered the Lesotho Nursing Council to revoke her certificate and QMMH to terminate her employment, while the LNC said it only acted after being alerted and referred the matter to police. Credentials Under Fire at QMMH: PAC also demanded the Ministry of Health verify the academic credentials of an “unqualified” paediatric head, Dr Tesfay Teklehaimanot, after concerns about his qualifications and professional registration, with questions raised over inconsistencies in documents and child safety. NUL Court Fight: At the Court of Appeal, dismissed Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof Kananelo Mosito challenged NUL’s actions in a contempt dispute, with the university arguing he brought the matter to the wrong forum. Justice System Reform: Government, with EU support, launched a Justice Sector Coordination Forum to improve coordination across the justice chain and smooth case transitions. Trade and Diplomacy: Kuwait’s business chamber pledged to deepen trade and investment ties with Lesotho, while Lesotho’s foreign minister met UAE officials to expand bilateral cooperation. Regional Sports Spotlight: Lesotho’s Sechaba Chabeli set a podium target for the Roof of Africa in Maseru, and the Lesotho Taekwondo Association elected Brig-Gen Naha Kolisang as president unopposed.

High Court Bail Ruling: Lesotho’s High Court refused bail to Foliki Makhutle, accused of murdering LeNMO secretary-general Morephe Santi, citing risks of witness interference and prejudice to the Crown’s case. Justice System Overhaul: Government, with EU support, launched a Justice Sector Coordination Forum to improve coordination across the justice chain and smooth case transitions. Justice Sector Accountability: The Public Accounts Committee ordered the Ministry of Health to verify the academic credentials of a pediatric head at Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital after concerns over inconsistent documents. Corruption Asset Recovery: The DCEO placed property worth about M6.33m under a preservation order in an asset-recovery matter involving Legae Holdings-linked individuals. Trade & Labour Dispute: Minister Motlatsi Maqelepo ordered the LNDC to investigate Precious Garments after workers protested reduced hours, wages and delayed payments, and demanded real-time updates on factory changes. AI Skills Push: Future AI will host an AI Power Experience Workshop in Maseru (21–22 Oct) aimed at equipping Basotho entrepreneurs and young people for the digital economy. Local Independence Drive: Sechaba Milling and ZMG Isuzu launched Independence Drive 1000, a 1,000km expedition across all 10 districts ahead of Lesotho’s 60th anniversary. Tourism Context: South Africa’s tourism momentum remains strong, with 5.6m arrivals in the first half of 2026, largely driven by SADC visitors including Lesotho. Regional Appointments: Two Lesotho judges were appointed as acting judges of Namibia’s Supreme Court (Sept–Dec).

Justice System Overhaul: Lesotho has launched a fresh, EU-supported push to fix long-running coordination problems across the justice chain, using a new Justice Sector Coordination Forum to improve accountability and case flow from police to courts and corrections. Labour Rights Probe: Trade and Industry Minister Motlatsi Maqelepo has ordered the LNDC to investigate Precious Garments after workers protested reduced hours, wages and delayed payments, with the minister citing gaps in real-time factory information. High Court Ruling on Cannabis: The LMPS was ordered to return a 500kg medicinal cannabis consignment worth over M1.2m after the High Court ruled the seizure and detention were unlawful. Parliamentary Oversight: The Public Accounts Committee ordered the Ministry of Health to verify the academic credentials of a Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital pediatric head after concerns over inconsistencies in his documents. Anti-Corruption Asset Freeze: The DCEO placed property worth M6.33m under a preservation order as part of an asset-recovery process tied to alleged corruption and economic offences. Judicial Appointments: Two Lesotho judges were appointed as acting judges of Namibia’s Supreme Court, alongside additional acting High Court appointments. Local Economy & Skills: An AI Power Experience workshop is planned in Maseru for 21–22 October to train entrepreneurs and young people, while local firms Sechaba Milling and ZMG Isuzu launched the Independence Drive 1000 expedition ahead of Lesotho’s 60th anniversary.

Parliament & Integrity: Lesotho’s Public Accounts Committee ordered the Ministry of Health to verify the academic credentials of Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital pediatric head Dr Tesfay Girmay Teklehaimanot after inconsistencies in his documents, including conflicting qualifications, and asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to contact the universities named. Anti-Corruption Asset Recovery: Lesotho’s Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences placed property worth about M6.33m under a preservation order in an asset-recovery process linked to Legae Holdings figures, as the DCEO lists multiple corruption and economic-offence matters before the courts. Tourism & LHWP Benefits: Government admitted it has not fully harnessed Lesotho Highlands Water Project tourism and economic opportunities for LHWP-area communities, with Natural Resources Minister Mohlomi Moleko pointing to gaps beyond hotel construction. Representation Gap: A SADC democracy-focused discussion highlights that women and youth remain underrepresented in Lesotho’s National Assembly, with youth currently at just three MPs. Regional Diplomacy: Kuwait’s foreign minister met Lesotho’s counterpart to discuss bilateral cooperation and regional developments. Local Governance Context: Regional reporting also underscores how election systems and candidate vetting pressures are shaping municipal politics across Southern Africa.

Diplomatic Engagement: Lesotho’s FM Limpho Tau met Kuwait’s Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah during an official visit, with both sides reviewing regional and international developments. Regional Cooperation: Lesotho’s PM Ntsokoane Matekane received Ghana, Canada and Germany high commissioners-designate, with talks focused on economic cooperation, clean energy, bottled water exports and investment opportunities. Capacity Building: India’s CBI ran a weeklong economic-offence investigation course for 30 officers from 13 ITEC countries including Lesotho, covering investigation, prosecution and cross-border financial crime practices. Trade & Jobs: Lesotho’s Trade and Industry minister pushed stronger textile and apparel value chains, highlighting CAFI-supported enterprises and urging youth entrepreneurship. Parliament Representation Gap: A Lesotho democracy report says women and youth remain underrepresented in the National Assembly, with youth currently holding just three MPs. Governance Pressure: In Namibia, the Asoli Progressive Party urged the president to intervene in parliament “chaos,” after a no-confidence motion against the speaker. Local Politics Watch (South Africa): The IEC reported 142,072 candidates for November local elections, but also said 2,274 captured candidates were not formally submitted by the deadline. Public Safety Claim: A priest alleges rape by a PM adviser at State House, saying police have not acted for over two months. Economic Crime & Risk (SA): Illegal mining in Johannesburg is blamed for infrastructure damage and rising violence.

Parliament Under Fire: The Asoli Progressive Party has urged President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to intervene in Namibia’s National Assembly “chaos,” after a no-confidence motion against the speaker over alleged bias and disruptions, arguing parliamentary business is being replaced by grandstanding. Local Elections Crunch: South Africa’s IEC says a record 142,072 candidates are chasing 10,526 council seats in the November 4 local government elections, but thousands were left out after missing the nomination deadline and the commission says it will not reopen submissions. Women and Youth Representation: A Lesotho democracy-focused report highlights a representation gap, with youth in the National Assembly at just three MPs (all men) and women still underrepresented despite reforms. Trade and Jobs Push: Lesotho’s Trade and Industry Minister Motlatsi Maqelepo toured CAFI-supported enterprises, stressing stronger textile and apparel value chains and urging entrepreneurship for employment. Diplomatic Outreach: Ghana, Canada and Germany’s high commissioners-designate visited Lesotho’s Prime Minister at State House to discuss economic cooperation, including clean energy and bottled water exports. Health Funding Warning: Malawi is among countries facing major US health funding cuts to 2030, raising concerns about co-financing demands and alignment with local health priorities. Mining Justice Gap: A new report says silicosis and TB compensation for miners remains far from complete, with about 500,000 potential claimants and only a fraction paid out across borders. Rights and Accountability: A priest alleges rape by a Prime Minister’s adviser at State House, saying police have taken no action for over two months.

Local Elections Crunch: South Africa’s IEC says 2,274 would-be candidates were only “captured” online but not formally submitted by the 5pm deadline, leaving them out of November local government polls. Candidate Surge: The IEC also reports a 43% jump in nominations, with 142,072 candidates chasing 10,526 council seats—about 10,500 seats for more than 140,000 hopefuls. Representation Gap: Lesotho’s democracy debate continues as a Deputy Speaker warns women and youth remain underrepresented in the National Assembly, with youth holding just three MPs. Diplomatic Push for Trade: Lesotho’s Prime Minister met Ghana, Canada and Germany’s high commissioners-designate, with talks focused on investment, clean energy, bottled water exports and other economic opportunities. Youth and Enterprise Support: Lesotho’s Trade and Industry Minister highlights the CAFI project’s role in strengthening the textile and apparel value chain and backing young entrepreneurs. UNDP Appointment: Princess Senate Seeiso named a UNDP National Goodwill Ambassador, with a focus on equality, decent work, social inclusion and Lesotho’s development priorities. Migration and Rights: IOM steps up anti-trafficking awareness in Berea, while separate reporting from South Africa flags immigrants held in Western Cape police cells over visa overstays.

Immigration Detention in Western Cape: At least 100 immigrants are being held in police cells across five Western Cape towns for alleged visa overstays, with some detained since June; a xenophobia coalition says arrests targeted people who had produced documents, while SAPS disputes claims of indiscriminate or unlawful treatment. Lesotho Elections Scrutiny: A SADC Electoral Observation Mission report says only 35.44% of registered voters turned out in Lesotho’s 2022 elections, citing civic education gaps and administrative problems like voters’ names not appearing on rolls and accessibility barriers. UNDP Appointment for Lesotho Royalty: Princess Senate Seeiso has been appointed a UNDP National Goodwill Ambassador, with a focus on equality, women’s issues, decent work, social inclusion, and Lesotho’s development agenda. Anti-Trafficking Push in Lesotho: The IOM is intensifying trafficking-in-persons awareness in Berea, training stakeholders to strengthen case identification, investigation, prosecution, and survivor-centred support across Lesotho’s districts. High Court Bail Denied: The Lesotho High Court refused bail for Foliki Makhutle, charged with the murder of Lesotho Nurses Association secretary-general Morephe Santi, citing risks of witness intimidation and interference. Digital Health in Lesotho: A Digital Innovators Summit in Lesotho highlighted how digital tools and AI can improve healthcare delivery and training, with the NHTC hosting the session on transforming access and outcomes.

UNDP & Royal Outreach: Lesotho’s Princess Senate Seeiso has been appointed a UNDP National Goodwill Ambassador, with a mandate focused on equality, sustainable development, and priorities including women, decent work, and social inclusion. Elections & Civic Participation: A SADC Electoral Observation Mission report says turnout in Lesotho’s 2022 elections was just 35.44% of registered voters, citing gaps in voter education and administrative problems like names missing from rolls and accessibility barriers. Justice System: The High Court in Maseru denied bail to Foliki Makhutle, charged with the murder of Lesotho Nurses Association secretary-general Morephe Santi, saying release could jeopardise the case by risking witness intimidation. Anti-Trafficking Push: IOM is intensifying efforts against trafficking in persons in Lesotho, holding a workshop to strengthen government and civil society capacity for prosecution, victim protection, and coordination across districts. Health Sector Innovation: Lesotho’s National Health Training College hosted a Digital Innovators Summit on digital health, pushing for better access and patient outcomes through technology. Food Security Programme: Lesotho’s DMA will register grain from Basotho farmers under the Local Purchase Programme until Sept 4, with purchases planned for Sept 9–18, warning registration doesn’t guarantee buying.

High Court Bail Denial: Maseru’s High Court refused bail for Foliki Makhutle, charged with the murder of Lesotho Nurses Association secretary-general Morephe Santi, saying release could jeopardise the case and risk witness intimidation. LHWP Accountability Push: Civil society groups urged the New Development Bank to consult affected LHWP Phase II communities and disclose a draft independent accountability mechanism, citing unresolved concerns over livelihoods, relocation and rights. Energy & Power Supply: Prime Minister Samuel Matekane launched an upgraded Semonkong hydropower station, promising more reliable electricity and ending long night-time reliance on solar and diesel. Parliament Modernisation: China handed ICT equipment to Lesotho Parliament to support online operations and improve public service delivery. Local Governance & Food Security: The DMA opened registration for grain under the Local Purchase Programme, warning registration doesn’t guarantee purchase and that only registered, properly tagged Lesotho-produced grain will be bought. Health Workforce: Lesotho continues expanding male midwives, with officials linking the shift to tackling high maternal mortality and improving access in rural areas.

High Court Bail Denied (Lesotho Nurses Association): In Maseru, the High Court refused bail for Foliki Makhutle, accused of murdering Morephe Santi, Secretary-General of the Lesotho Nurses Association, saying releasing him could jeopardise the case and that there is a reasonable likelihood he may intimidate or influence state witnesses. Maternal Health & Gender Roles: A growing number of male midwives are serving in Lesotho’s rural clinics as the country tackles high childbirth deaths, with reports highlighting how communities are slowly adjusting to men in a traditionally women-led role. US Visa Processing Clarification: The US Embassy in Nigeria said routine visa processing has shifted to regional hubs (including Maseru) for security and efficiency, but diplomatic and official visas will still be handled by the Abuja mission. LHWP Accountability Pressure: Civil society groups urged the New Development Bank to disclose a draft independent accountability mechanism for LHWP II communities, citing unresolved livelihood, relocation, and labour concerns. Electricity & Infrastructure: Prime Minister Samuel Matekane launched an upgraded Semonkong hydropower station aimed at providing more reliable power through the night, ending years of solar/diesel reliance. Food Security Procurement: Lesotho’s Disaster Management Authority opened registration for grain under the Local Purchase Programme, with purchasing scheduled after registration ends. Governance Risk in Energy Audit: The Auditor General appointed PKF Consult to audit LEC’s 2024 accounts, but concerns were raised because a PKF owner-director recently joined the LEC board. ICT Support for Parliament: China handed over ICT equipment to Lesotho Parliament to help modernise online work and public service delivery. Trade & Investment Push: Lesotho’s Trade Minister and LNDC discussed blended finance and new ways to attract capital as government funds and cheap donor loans tighten. Court Case Over Tunnel Contract: Esor Construction sued over unpaid amounts linked to the Polihali Transfer Tunnel subcontract, arguing a tender contract was accepted while the joint venture disputes any final agreement.

Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) Dispute: South African contractor Esor has sued the Kopano Ke Matla joint venture in the Lesotho High Court, claiming it is owed about M165-million for work on the Polihali Transfer Tunnel, while the JV says no full agreement was reached. Energy & Power Supply: Prime Minister Samuel Matekane launched an upgraded Semonkong hydropower station, promising more reliable electricity through the night and reducing reliance on costly diesel generators. Development Finance: The Lesotho National Development Corporation and the Trade Ministry pushed a “blended finance” approach to attract capital as government budgets and donor loans tighten. Governance & Oversight: The Auditor General has appointed PKF Consult to audit the Lesotho Electricity Company, but the appointment raises independence concerns because a PKF owner-director recently joined the LEC board. Parliament Digital Push: China handed ICT equipment to Lesotho Parliament to support online services and modernise day-to-day operations. Public Accountability on LHWP: Civil society groups urged the New Development Bank to publish a draft independent accountability mechanism for LHWP II and engage affected communities directly. Tech & Integrity: A World Bank debarment of eCitizen-linked entrepreneur James Ayugi is framed as a major blow to his cross-border digital projects, including work in Lesotho. Health Innovation: Lesotho’s National Health Training College hosted a Digital Innovators Summit focused on AI and digital tools to improve healthcare delivery. Sports Business: LeFA announced a strategic partnership with Radisol Global Investments to grow football’s commercial revenue while keeping governance in LeFA’s hands. Legal Proceedings: A High Court ordered the arrest of a man accused in the murder trial of former Bantu FC official Panyane Phiri after he failed to appear.

Madlanga Commission Fallout: Basotho National Party leader Machesetsa Mofomobe has asked South Africa’s Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga inquiry to test whether “Cat” Matlala’s reported Lesotho VIP security plans and links to Lesotho’s Prime Minister fall within the commission’s scope. PM Denial, Security Link Confirmed: Prime Minister Samuel Matekane says he has never met or done business with Matlala, but his office admits a former private security aide dealt with Matlala on setting up a VIP security company in Lesotho. Maseru Court Move in Khubetsoana Case: In the M5bn Khubetsoana drug laboratory matter, Matekane’s political opponents are pushing back on BNP leader Mofomobe’s joinder, with the Maseru Magistrate’s Court ordering him to file a formal challenge by 31 August. Energy & Governance: Matekane launched an upgraded Semonkong hydropower station, promising more reliable night-time electricity and ending years of solar/diesel reliance. Trade & Development Finance: The Letsema Blended Finance Forum heard calls to attract new capital as government funds and cheap donor loans get harder to secure. Health Workforce Shift: A spotlight on Lesotho’s growing (though still small) pool of male midwives highlights efforts to improve rural maternal care.

Madlanga Commission Fallout: Basotho National Party MP Machesetsa Mofomobe has asked South Africa’s Judicial Commission of Inquiry (Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga) to test whether Pretoria businessman Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala’s reported Lesotho VIP-security plans and links to Prime Minister Samuel Matekane fall within the commission’s scope. PM Response: Matekane denies ever meeting or doing business with Matlala, but admits a former private security aide dealt with him about setting up a VIP security company in Lesotho without the PM’s knowledge. Courtroom Tension: In the M5bn Khubetsoana drug case, Mofomobe is challenging his joinder after the Magistrate ordered him to file a formal challenge by 31 August while co-accused seek to quash charges. Energy & Development: Matekane launched an upgraded Semonkong hydropower station, promising more reliable electricity and ending years of night-time reliance on solar and diesel. Public Finance & Governance: The Auditor General has appointed PKF Consult to audit the Lesotho Electricity Company’s 2024 accounts, but concerns are rising because one PKF owner-director, Samson Mphaka, has just joined the LEC board. Parliament Digital Push: China handed ICT equipment to Lesotho Parliament to help modernise online work and public service delivery. Youth & Sports: Lesotho is set to host the 2027 National Youth Games, and LeFA announced a strategic partnership with Radisol Global Investments to boost football’s commercial revenue while keeping governance in LeFA’s hands.