AGP Executive Report

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.

Central Bank Rate Hike: Lesotho’s Central Bank raised the Central Bank Rate by 25 basis points to 6.75%, citing Middle East-driven fuel price pressure and wider global uncertainty. Wool Trade Relief: Government welcomed China’s lift of temporary wool import restrictions, saying released consignments and payments should ease pressure on Basotho farmers after Foot-and-Mouth Disease disruptions. Public Finance Scrutiny: The Auditor General flagged major weaknesses in Lesotho’s consolidated financial statements, including a M3 billion mismatch in cash receipts and payments and concerns around IEC funds and missing asset records. Waste Management Alarm: An Ombudsman report warns 80% of Lesotho’s waste is unmanaged, with illegal dumping and open burning driving soil, water and air pollution and exposing workers to contaminated sharps. Mining Job Shock: Storm Mountain Diamonds will cease operations on 30 June 2026, leaving over 800 workers unemployed as diamond prices fall and lab-grown competition bites. Elections & Civic Prep: The IEC launched a civic and voter education strategy and voter registration programme in Maseru, stressing trusted voter registration ahead of upcoming electoral processes. GBV Support Moves Forward: UNFPA says Lesotho’s GBV Centre is now operational, with victims already being accommodated and supported, while media training focused on survivor-centred reporting. Border Congestion: An MP raised concerns about Maseru border delays tied to temporary import permit applications for local vehicles, calling for urgent government guidance.

Local Border Pressure: Maseru MPs are calling for urgent action over congestion at the Maseru border post tied to temporary import permit applications for locally registered vehicles, with lawmakers warning the deadline is near and asking government for clear guidance. Public Health in Winter: Lesotho health workers warn of rising household burn cases as people use heaters, open flames and braziers indoors, urging immediate cooling with clean running water and faster hospital referral for serious burns. Justice Access Boost: Qacha’s Nek has launched decentralised legal aid offices, backed by the EU, to improve access to justice for remote and vulnerable communities. Parliament Oversight: The Ministry of Law and Justice says it is already implementing recommendations from the Commission of Inquiry into the escape of inmates, responding to MPs’ questions about why the Ombudsman’s report was not tabled. GBV Support and Media Role: UNFPA says Lesotho’s GBV Centre is now operational, while a workshop trains journalists to report GBV responsibly and survivor-centred. Gender Identity Debate: A Senate proposal requiring doctors to validate LGBTQIA+ identities is sparking debate over who gets to define gender in Lesotho. Solid Waste Alarm: The Ombudsman warns Lesotho’s solid waste management is harming public health and rights, citing unsafe dumping and open burning.

Gender & Rights in Parliament: Lesotho’s Senate debate over whether doctors should validate LGBTQIA+ identities is drawing intense attention to who gets to define gender, with the issue now spilling into courts and public life. GBV Reporting Push: UNFPA and UN agencies ran a Maseru workshop urging journalists to report gender-based violence ethically and survivor-centred; the GBV Centre is now operational and already housing at least 20 victims. Justice & Oversight: In the National Assembly, the Law and Justice Minister said Ombudsman findings on the 2023 inmate escape are already feeding into the Commission of Inquiry’s recommendations, while MPs pressed for proper parliamentary access to reports. Access to Justice: EU-backed decentralised legal aid offices were launched in Qacha’s Nek to improve legal support for remote and vulnerable communities. Local Governance Pressure: The Ombudsman warned that Lesotho’s solid waste management is failing public health and human rights, citing unsafe dumping sites and poor follow-through on earlier recommendations. Tax on the Informal Economy: Street vendors in Maseru say sudden surprise tax obligations could force closures, threatening the livelihoods of people already struggling to sell. Digital Government: MICSTI says e-services rollout is progressing through validation with ministries, aiming to make government services more accessible.

Lesotho Justice & Oversight: Lesotho’s Minister of Law and Justice Richard Ramoeletsi told Parliament the Ombudsman’s report on the 2023 Maseru Central Correctional Institution inmate escape doesn’t need to be tabled because the Commission of Inquiry recommendations are already being implemented. EU-backed Access to Justice: Qacha’s Nek launched decentralised legal aid offices with EU support, aiming to bring legal representation closer to remote and vulnerable communities. Parliamentary Press Appointments: APPN-Lesotho co-opted journalist Nkheli Liphoto as Director of Operations and Finance to strengthen parliamentary reporting and financial oversight. Local Governance Pressure Points: The Ombudsman raised alarm over poor solid waste management across Lesotho, citing unsafe dumping and health risks near homes and schools. Informal Economy Under Strain: Street vendors in Maseru say sudden new tax demands could force closures, with many claiming they earn too little to pay. E-Services Push: Lesotho’s e-government coordinator says ministries are moving ahead with digitising services, following validation exercises. Water Crisis at Tlhaha-lia-Tloka: Residents of Nazareth’s Tlhaha-lia-Tloka report salty, briny well water and are urging urgent safe water infrastructure. Regional Politics Watch: South Africa’s IEC launched its 2026 local election campaign, with online voter registration adding 376,000 new voters and a draft code of conduct aimed at curbing misinformation.

IEC Local Election Push: South Africa’s Electoral Commission officially kicked off its 2026 local government election campaign, with voter registration due to start next month and polls set for 4 November; the IEC says it has 27.9 million registered voters and is targeting first-time and young voters ahead of the June 20–21 registration weekend. Misinformation Crackdown: The IEC also plans to release a draft code of conduct to curb misinformation and disinformation, urging political parties and the media to stick to ethical, fact-based communication. Youth Registration Surge: IEC figures show 376,000 new voters registered online between January and May, with young people driving much of the uptake through IEC youth outreach. Lesotho Digital Services: In Maseru, Lesotho’s e-government coordinator says e-services rollout is moving ahead across line ministries, following validation work and with ICT funding earmarked to expand digital access. Treason Trial Update: In a Maseru court case, a defence lawyer says investigators’ handling of key material will support the prosecution’s version as cross-examination continues. Water Crisis in Nazareth: Tlhaha-lia-Tloka residents in Nazareth report salty, briny well water and are calling for urgent safe water infrastructure to avert a public health risk. APPN-Lesotho Appointment: Maseru’s Nkheli Liphoto has been appointed Director of Operations and Finance under APPN-Lesotho’s parliamentary press framework. Women’s Peace Event: The International Women’s Peace Group in Lesotho will mark Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso’s 50th birthday with a peace monument and tree planting at Matsieng Royal Palace.

Immigration Policy Under Review: South Africa’s Home Affairs is holding nationwide public consultations on the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) and Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP), after earlier court challenges—aiming for a “fair, transparent and legally sound” process that weighs impacts on permit holders, families, and the wider public. Digital Government Push: Lesotho’s ministries are being urged to keep e-services on track, with MICSTI saying digitisation is an “evolving journey” and rollout is underway in selected departments. Border Tensions Spill Into Diplomacy: South Africa’s defence minister rejects a “Trump wall” approach, saying Pretoria will use regional structures to push neighbours to share responsibility for border management. Regional Health Watch: Cross-border Ebola preparedness is being stepped up across parts of East and Southern Africa as cases spread from the DRC into Uganda. Local Water Stress: A Lesotho community is demanding urgent action after reports of salty, briny well water linked to contamination fears.