AGP Executive Report

Water Crisis Accountability: AWASI and Rand Water warn municipalities treated water systems like “cash cows,” leaving R27-billion owed to water boards and about 50% of water lost underground, with emergency declarations in place but no visible water-sector turnaround. Jobs & Skills: More than 1,300 Basotho earned Trade Test certificates at LOIC, with the Education Minister saying the qualification is recognised across SADC and could open work opportunities abroad. AFCON 2027 Focus: CAF has released the full qualifiers draw and fixtures, setting up tough paths across 12 groups; Kenya and South Africa are paired in Group D, while Nigeria face Madagascar, Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau in Group L. Climate Resilience: Lesotho is launching a community-led anticipatory action project to better prepare for climate disasters, backed by the Red Cross, WFP and FAO. Justice & Community Policing: A murder trial in Berea heard testimony that adults can effect citizen arrest, but must follow procedures and avoid harming suspects. Wildlife Health: A rescued Cape vulture case highlights lead poisoning risks to threatened birds.

South Africa’s rate-hike watch: South Africa is set to raise interest rates as inflation bites harder from the Iran-war fallout, with higher energy, food and fertiliser costs feeding through the economy—while many other central banks across Africa are likely to stay put for now, but hikes could become “commonplace” unless Hormuz reopens. AFCON 2027 qualifiers—draw fallout: CAF’s Cairo draw is now set: Lesotho is in Group A with Morocco, Gabon and Niger; South Africa are in Group D with Guinea, Kenya and Eritrea; Nigeria are in Group L with Madagascar, Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau; and Zimbabwe face DR Congo, Equatorial Guinea and Sierra Leone in Group E. India-Africa diplomacy: The 4th India-Africa Forum Summit opens in New Delhi May 28–31, with India pitching innovation and resilience as it deepens ties—Kenya highlighted as a key partner. Lesotho governance & society: Sentebale marks its 20th year with new trustees and a 2027–2030 strategy, while Lesotho’s MPs ethics code is pushed to restore public trust.

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers Draw: The CAF draw in Cairo set up a blockbuster Group C as Ghana were paired with Ivory Coast, with Gambia and Somalia completing the pool, while Morocco begin Group A against Gabon, Niger and Lesotho; South Africa land in Group D with Guinea, Kenya and Eritrea, and Nigeria headline Group L with Madagascar, Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau. Lesotho in Focus: Lesotho’s AFCON 2027 path is now clear—Group A alongside Morocco, Gabon and Niger—kicking off with matchdays 21 Sep–6 Oct 2026. Regional Football Politics: In COSAFA elections, Lesotho’s Lijane Nthunya is named to the executive committee, joining leaders from Namibia, Zambia and others. Independence Prayer Push: In Maseru, spiritual leaders urged Cabinet to prioritise national interest ahead of the 60-year independence golden jubilee, with plans to set dates for national prayer.

COSAFA Leadership Shake-up: Zimbabwe Football Association boss Nqobile Magwizi has been elected to the COSAFA executive committee after elections at the Harare congress, joining Lesotho’s Lijane Nthunya, Namibia’s Robert Shimooshili and Eswatini’s Peter Simelane, while Botswana’s Tariq Babitseng was confirmed as COSAFA president and Zambia’s Brenda Kunda secured the women’s seat. AFCON Qualifiers Draw Pressure: Ghana has been placed in Pot 2 for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers draw in Cairo on Tuesday, with Cape Verde also not among top seeds—setting up a tricky road back after both missed the last AFCON. Migration Tensions: Anti-migrant protests in South Africa are escalating, with demands for retaliation spreading and Ghana and Nigeria pushing back amid rising nationalism. Lesotho Spotlight: Lesotho’s Home Affairs ethics push continues as MPs move to adopt a Code of Conduct, while local coverage also highlights mine-closure fallout and media training on trafficking and child labour.

World Cup momentum: South Africa’s return to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is being framed as progress earned on merit, with Hugo Broos’ side praised for control and consistency in qualifying—even after a FIFA points deduction—now facing a tough group-stage draw against Mexico, South Korea and the Czech Republic. AFCON build-up: Seedings for Tuesday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers draw in Cairo are out, with Ghana and Cape Verde missing out on top seeds despite World Cup qualification. Maternal health and accountability: A new push argues Africa’s maternal mortality crisis is driven less by lack of medical know-how and more by leadership, coordination and accountability gaps. Lesotho governance and justice: Lesotho’s Parliament is set to adopt a Code of Conduct for MPs, while the Court of Appeal has reinstated a corruption case against former minister Temeki Tsólo. Media and child protection: MISA Lesotho and World Vision are training journalists on trafficking in persons and child labour reporting. Food insecurity at school: In Motimposo, a MP-backed porridge initiative is stepping in as hunger still derails learners.

Home Affairs Budget: Deputy Minister Njabulo B Nzuza used the Home Affairs Budget Vote debate to push a “culture change” agenda—aiming for a modern, secure, efficient, citizen-centred department. COSAFA Football Power Shift: COSAFA’s 2026 elective assembly in Harare set a new leadership line-up: Botswana’s Tariq Babitseng was elected president unopposed, while Lesotho’s Lijane Nthunya won an executive seat and Robert Shimooshili (Namibia) and Brenda Kunda (Zambia) also secured roles. AfCON Qualifiers Draw: The AfCON PAMOJA 2027 group draw is set for Tuesday in Cairo, deciding how 48 teams are split into 12 groups. Violence on the Road: Police are probing a deadly R26 shooting near Tweeling where four people died and one was left critically injured after an ambush involving vehicles with Lesotho plates. Lesotho in the Spotlight: Lesotho TV’s newsroom exchange with Namibia’s NBC highlights a push toward digital and “condensed” media operations. Ongoing Concern: Food insecurity remains a pressure point, with a Motimposo porridge initiative stepping in after hunger-related incidents.

COSAFA Leadership: Botswana’s Tariq Babitseng was elected COSAFA president unopposed in Harare, with Lesotho’s Lijane Nthunya named to the executive as the region resets football leadership. AfCON Qualifiers Draw: The D-Day draw for AfCON PAMOJA 2027 group qualifiers is set for Tuesday in Cairo, shaping how 48 nations will chase spots in the finals. Road Violence Probe: Police are investigating a deadly R26 shooting near Tweeling where four people were killed and a fifth was left critically injured after an ambush involving vehicles with Lesotho plates. Recognition in Media: Takemore Mazuruse won top PR honours at the Community Builders in Africa Awards in Harare, spotlighting communications leadership across the region. Lesotho-linked Court Update: Lesotho’s Court of Appeal reinstated criminal proceedings against former PM’s office minister Temeki Tsólo and co-accused, sending the matter back for a faster hearing. Food Access at Home: In Lesotho, a Motimposo MP’s porridge initiative is keeping hungry learners fed after hunger-related incidents.

Violence on R26: Free State police are still hunting suspects after a shooting near Perdehoek Farm on the R26 outside Tweeling left four people dead and a fifth critically wounded; investigators say armed men allegedly used two vehicles with Lesotho number plates, and the motive is still unknown. Home Affairs Budget: Deputy Minister Njabulo B Nzuza delivered the Home Affairs 2026/27 Budget Vote, stressing a shift toward a modern, secure, efficient and more citizen-centred department. Migration pressure in the region: South Africa’s anti-migrant protests are escalating into a wider diplomatic backlash, with Ghana approving the evacuation of 300 citizens and pushing the issue to the African Union. Lesotho justice update: The Court of Appeal reinstated criminal proceedings against former PM’s office minister Temeki Tsólo and co-accused after overturning a High Court permanent stay. Food insecurity at school: Motimposo learners in Maseru are getting porridge again after hunger-related incidents, with an MP stepping in to fund ingredients and firewood.

India-Africa Summit Push: India is hosting the 4th India-Africa Forum Summit in New Delhi from 28–31 May, aiming to turn political, security, trade and people-to-people ties into fresh deals under the theme “Innovation, Resilience and Inclusive Transformation,” with the New Delhi Declaration expected to set the agenda. South Africa Migration Pressure: South Africa’s Home Affairs is auditing the real size of the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit population after consultations, as xenophobia fears keep driving regional emergency moves like Ghana’s planned evacuation of 300 citizens. Telecoms & Access: Vodacom is pushing smartphone financing to boost data use, while Nepal Telecom has revised international call billing to a 60-second pulse for 58 countries. Lesotho Focus: Lesotho’s TV editor visited NBC for a newsroom exchange, and Lesotho is set to host its 4th public-private dialogue on May 20. Sports & Courts: Zimbabwe prepares for a landmark Cosafa congress, while Lesotho’s Court of Appeal reinstated a corruption case against former minister Temeki Tsólo.

Vodacom Pushes Smartphone Financing: Vodacom is stepping up its Easy2Own device financing, letting prepaid users buy phones with small daily or weekly payments—pay and the phone unlocks, miss payments and it locks—while operators chase higher data use and digital services. ZEP/LEP Audit in South Africa: South Africa’s Home Affairs says the ZEP/LEP numbers are being audited after public consultations, with officials warning the headline figure of 178,000 permit approvals may be far lower today due to exits, deaths, and category changes. Sweatshop Claims Spark Fresh Heat: New reporting and court action keep spotlighting alleged “sweatshop” conditions in South Africa’s clothing supply chain. Lesotho Media Exchange: Lesotho TV’s editor visited Namibia’s NBC to learn newsroom and digital platform practices. Lesotho Food Insecurity Hits Home: A porridge initiative at Motimposo Primary School is responding to hunger-linked incidents, with food insecurity affecting hundreds of thousands. Regional Pressure on Farmers: Gulf shipping disruptions are again raising alarms for Africa’s most vulnerable farmers.

Hunger Relief at Motimposo: A new morning porridge push at Motimposo Primary School is giving learners a real start after recent cases of fainting and even blood-related vomiting linked to prolonged hunger. Courtroom Update: The Court of Appeal has reinstated criminal proceedings against former PMO minister Temeki Tsólo and co-accused, sending the case back to the High Court for a faster, case-managed hearing. Electricity Money: South Africa expects about R18.8bn from electricity exports to eight neighbours, including Lesotho, for the year ending March 2026. Disaster Response Gap: In Mokhotlong, an assessment of strong-wind damage to 39 households is still pending while the district waits for the wider vulnerability assessment process to finish. Regional Security Shock: Gunmen killed four travellers and left one critically injured in a South African attack. Sports Money Worry: Winners of the Soweto Marathon still haven’t received prize payouts, despite doping clearances reportedly being finalised.

DSAC Budget Vote: Deputy Minister Peace Mabe told MPs the Sport, Arts and Culture budget is R6.617bn for 2026/27, aiming to build a more active, creative and cohesive nation. Digital ID & Finance: ID4Africa’s AGM heard how “half-finished” eKYC systems and overly strict compliance can price out poor people, even while claiming to fight crime. Immigration Tensions: A debate on South Africa’s handling of migration is back in focus, as Ghana moves to evacuate 300 citizens amid xenophobia-linked unrest. Lesotho on the move: Lesotho will host its fourth public-private dialogue on May 20 to push private-sector-led growth, with World Bank support. Access to care: In Qacha’s Nek, patients still wait for a free boat to reach Tebellong Hospital—health access starts with transport. Infrastructure & culture: Maseru’s FSC Stadium of Life opens, built with sustainably sourced timber at Kick4Life.

Gulf Tensions & War Updates: Iran says it’s allowing Chinese vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, as Israel keeps up strikes across Lebanon and Gaza, with UNICEF reporting at least 59 child casualties in Lebanon in a week. Regional Security: In South Africa, xenophobia fears are escalating—Ghana has approved the evacuation of 300 citizens from SA after protests against foreign nationals. Lesotho Health Access: Basotho patients in Qacha’s Nek are still relying on a free boat across the Senqu River to reach Tebellong Hospital, with access shaped by waiting, flooding, and transport costs. Sports & Identity: Luke Le Roux’s Portsmouth move has “backfired” on his South Africa World Cup hopes, while Malawi’s FAM is waiting on Cosafa Cup dates. Tech & Billing: Nepal Telecom revised international call charging to 60-second pulses for 58 countries. Culture & Community: Lesotho’s Maleh marks a Bassline Fest homecoming, and Pietermaritzburg’s “Gatsheni” TikTok shoe repair story shows craft turning into national pull.

Motsepe League Shock: A row over an allegedly fraudulent identity document tied to Lesotho national Alfred Mosoeu could derail next month’s ABC Motsepe League playoffs, with Free State club Mangaung United denying wrongdoing and a court case reportedly being prepared by Sasolburg United. HIV Supply Strain: In southern Africa, demand for the twice-yearly HIV prevention injection Lenacapavir is outpacing supplies, leaving clinics with only a fraction of needed doses. Vodacom Momentum: South Africa’s Vodacom lifted its long-term customer growth targets after strong gains from fintech and regional operations, reaching 237.3 million customers. Lesotho Electricity Disruption: Heavy rains and snowfall damaged transformers and transmission poles, leaving parts of Lesotho without power as LEC rushes repairs. Lesotho in the Spotlight: Lesotho is marketing tourism at Durban’s Indaba, while Maseru hosts a vulnerability assessment to track food and nutrition risks. Sports & Culture: A timber-built stadium in Lesotho is completed, and tributes continue after South African media icon Maria McCloy’s death.

Creative Loss: South Africa mourns media personality and fashion designer Maria McCloy, who died at 50 at Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg after heart failure, with tributes pouring in from across arts and culture. Regional Mobility & Borders: South Africa unveiled a R12.5bn plan to upgrade six land border posts, including Beitbridge, aiming to boost efficiency for millions of travellers and hundreds of thousands of trucks. Fintech Boom: Vodacom reported stronger earnings, driven by digital financial services and regional growth, adding 26 million customers to reach 237.3 million users and pushing its Vision 2030 ambition higher. Xenophobia Fallout: Ghana approved the evacuation of 300 Ghanaians from South Africa amid rising xenophobic tensions, as diplomatic concerns grow over the safety of foreign nationals. Lesotho Spotlight: Lesotho marked International Nurses Day in Maseru and pushed for better service delivery, including a Senate motion urging AI use in government. Sports & Community: A timber stadium in Maseru—certified for sustainable sourcing—signals fresh momentum for local sport and youth development.

Africa Forward Summit Tensions: Emmanuel Macron snapped at a noisy Kenya audience, demanding silence and calling it a “total lack of respect,” while President William Ruto used the summit to push a “win-win” Africa–France partnership based on sovereign equality and mutual responsibility. Donor Pressure on Health: Experts warned that USAID’s exit has exposed how donor-funded health programmes leave Africa vulnerable when funding shifts, urging governments to finance systems themselves. Lesotho Health & Science: Lesotho marked International Nurses Day, and WHO urged Basotho to back science and collaboration. Local Governance & Tech: A Lesotho Senate motion urges Parliament to adopt AI to speed up service delivery. Disaster Response: Lesotho’s Disaster Management Authority began distributing flood relief after flash floods disrupted schooling and damaged bridges. Transport Progress: A World Bank mission reviewed Lesotho’s transport, trade and logistics project, including border and customs improvements. Regional Security: A foreign national was arrested at Monontsha for an unlicensed firearm. Business & Growth: Vodacom reported strong Vision 2030 momentum, with Lesotho among its performing markets.