AGP Executive Report

Women’s Football: Zimbabwe’s Mighty Warriors beat Lesotho 3-1 in the Four Nations semi-final in Ndola to set up a final against hosts Zambia on Tuesday, after a first-half 1-1 draw and a decisive second-half surge. Friendly Football: Harambee Stars and Lesotho played out a 1-1 draw in Pretoria, with Kenya’s coach Benni McCarthy calling for a sharper response ahead of the rematch. Sports Spotlight: Lesotho’s Mighty Warriors also advanced in the tournament narrative, with the weekend’s results shaping who meets Zambia in the final. Energy & Investment: Convalt Energy signed a $6.2bn deal with Lesotho for a 1,200MW hydropower plant and an AI data centre in Mokhotlong, aiming to cut electricity dependence and build digital capacity. Connectivity for Communities: Econet Telecom Lesotho launched a new network tower at Senekane Primary School and handed over a school kitchen, boosting mobile coverage for nearby villages. Security & Youth: Lesotho’s PM Ntsokoane Matekane pledged 500 more LDF recruits, citing drug trafficking and substance abuse as key threats to young people. Weather Watch: Cold conditions and morning fog are expected around the Lesotho border, with advisories for travellers.

Trade & Investment: Lesotho’s Prime Minister Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane met Dubai Chambers in Johannesburg to discuss stronger trade and investment ties, with a push to use Dubai expertise in logistics, infrastructure and the digital economy. Big Energy Deal: Convalt Energy signed a $6.2bn (98bn maloti) Kobong Hydropower and AI Data Centre agreement with Lesotho’s Ministry of Energy, pairing a 1,200MW hydropower plant with a green-powered AI data centre in Mokhotlong—aimed at boosting energy independence and jobs. Connectivity for Learning: Econet Telecom Lesotho handed over a telecommunications tower and a new kitchen at Senekane Primary School in Berea, improving access to information and mobile money. Digital Skills Push: Maseru’s Digital Innovators Summit urged Basotho youth to embrace technology and AI for public development, including digitising water systems. Security & Youth: PM Matekane pledged 500 more recruits for the Lesotho Defence Force and warned of drug trafficking and substance abuse. Sports (Cross-border): Copper Queens reached the Four Nations final in Ndola after beating Kenya on penalties; Lesotho’s national team drew Kenya 1-1 in a friendly. Weather: Cold conditions with morning fog patches are expected around the Lesotho border and in parts of South Africa.

Women’s Football: Harambee Starlets open their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations build-up with a Zambia clash in Ndola, aiming to sharpen their “clinical edge” after mixed results in recent friendlies. Men’s Football: Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy says his side must respond fast after a 1-1 draw with Lesotho, blaming a second-half drop in game management and admitting his own tactical changes disrupted the defence. Energy & Tech: Lesotho signed a binding deal with Convalt Energy for the Kobong project—1,200MW hydropower plus a green AI data centre—positioning the country to cut electricity imports and grow digital infrastructure, though feasibility work still remains. Security: Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane pledged 500 more LDF recruits and warned of a “war” on drug dealers and substance abuse harming youth. Connectivity & Education: Senekane Primary received a telecom tower and a new kitchen, boosting rural access to communication and digital services. Weather & Travel: Cold conditions and fog are expected, with heavy snow forcing Sani Pass closures and KZN urging travellers to delay trips into Lesotho. Public Health: South Africa confirmed a winter COVID-19 case while Lesotho monitors influenza-like illness in several districts. Regional Migration: South Africa faces rising anti-migrant tensions, with Ramaphosa rejecting xenophobia claims and calling for African-led solutions.

Migrant violence and diplomacy: Mozambique says hundreds of its citizens have returned home after deadly anti-foreigner attacks in South Africa, while Kenya, Lesotho and Zimbabwe urged their nationals to stay cautious; South African police also warned anti-immigration groups against taking the law into their own hands. Lesotho energy push: Lesotho signed a binding deal with Convalt Energy for the Kobong Hydropower and AI Data Centre project worth about $6.2bn/98bn maloti, targeting 1,200MW of renewable power and a green AI data centre to cut electricity imports and boost jobs (still subject to feasibility and approvals). Security focus: Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane pledged 500 more LDF recruits and said Lesotho is stepping up action against drug dealers. Winter disruption: Heavy snow has closed Sani Pass, with travellers advised to delay trips; KZN also reported storm damage in uMlalazi. Digital drive: Basotho youth were urged to embrace technology at a Digital Innovators Summit in Maseru. Public health watch: South Africa confirmed a winter COVID-19 case while Lesotho investigates influenza-like illness in several districts. Labour services: LEPEU brought services to Mapoteng Resource Centre, including support on workplace disputes and bargaining councils.

Sani Pass Winter Disruption: Heavy snow has blanketed Sani Pass, forcing authorities to close the border route and warning travellers not to attempt the drive as conditions turn hazardous fast; Highlands Cold Snap: Gauteng is bracing for the coldest night of the year, with freezing temperatures reported in major cities, while snow and icy-road warnings also spread across parts of South Africa; Lesotho Humanitarian Rescue: “Mr Lifesaver” Clifford Tar rescued stranded patients after an ambulance got stuck in snow at Moteng Pass, prioritising a critically ill pregnant woman; Public Finance Accountability: Lesotho’s Ministry of Finance will train ministries on asset registration from June 15 after Auditor General reports raised concerns that government assets are not fully captured on the assets register; GBV Coordination Push: Stakeholders in Maseru are calling to revive and strengthen Lesotho’s Anti-GBV Coordination Forum to improve prevention, response and survivor support through better coordination; Children’s Protection Law: The Senate adopted the Children’s Protection and Welfare (Amendment) Bill to strengthen safeguards for vulnerable children; Regional Security & Migration Tensions: South Africa’s leaders and police are pushing back on xenophobia claims amid anti-migrant unrest, while Lesotho and other neighbours urge citizens in South Africa to stay vigilant.

Xenophobia and regional fallout: Mozambique says five of its citizens were killed in South Africa “xenophobic attacks,” while South African police confirm only two Mozambicans died in Mossel Bay, with authorities warning against unlawful anti-foreigner action. Local impact in Lesotho: Lesotho is among countries urging citizens in South Africa to stay vigilant as anti-migrant protests and business closures disrupt access to essentials. GBV push in Maseru: Lesotho’s gender officials are calling to revive the Anti-GBV Coordination Forum, stressing better coordination among ministries, civil society, faith groups and communities to prevent violence and support survivors. Children’s rights law: The Senate adopted the Children’s Protection and Welfare (Amendment) Bill 2023 to strengthen safeguards for vulnerable children. Public finance accountability: The Ministry of Finance will train ministries on asset registration from June 15 after Auditor General concerns that government assets are not fully captured on registers. Weather and travel: Heavy snow has led to the closure of Sani Pass and the border route, with authorities warning travellers to avoid the area. Football focus: Lesotho’s national team plays Kenya in a friendly as World Cup warmups continue across the region.

Lesotho Highlands Water Project Fallout: Villagers in Mokhotlong have lodged a formal complaint against the African Development Bank, saying Lesotho Highlands Water Project works—like blasting and quarrying—damaged homes, contaminated water, and disrupted farming, with claims of inadequate compensation and poor consultation. Four Nations Women’s Football: Zambia’s Four Nations Tournament in Ndola (June 6–9) gets underway with Kenya vs Zambia and Lesotho vs Zimbabwe fixtures, as Copper Queens skipper Barbra Banda expects tough games ahead of WAFCON. Mighty Warriors Camp Update: Zimbabwe’s Mighty Warriors have added captain Emmaculate Musipa to camp and will depart for Zambia soon, with Lesotho as their opening opponent. Kenya vs Lesotho Build-up (Logistics): Harambee Stars players were reportedly stranded in Pretoria after a hotel payment dispute, while coach Benni McCarthy continues preparations with new call-ups for the June friendlies. Court in Lesotho-Linked Violence: A Lesotho national, Selebalo Mokoena, received life imprisonment for brutal Komani farm murders in South Africa and was also convicted for entering and staying without valid documentation. Gender Equality in Sport: ANOCA Zone VI’s gender equality and diversity forum opened in Victoria Falls, with Lesotho among the participating National Olympic Committees. Disaster Risk Reduction Training: Mokhotlong DDMT members are training on Disaster Risk Reduction to improve preparedness and response. US Diplomatic Presence Shift: Reports say the US is reducing some diplomatic services in Africa, with Lesotho listed among countries considered for closure or consolidation. Regional Xenophobia Warnings: Namibia urged citizens in South Africa to stay vigilant amid anti-migrant unrest, as several countries issued travel and safety alerts.

Xenophobia Spillover: Namibia urged citizens in South Africa to stay vigilant and contact consular offices after anti-immigrant unrest in the Western Cape, where police confirmed two Mozambicans died while Mozambique claimed five. Local Safety Alerts: Ghana also issued a travel advisory telling nationals to avoid South Africa amid the violence and reported attacks. Football Friction: Harambee Stars were stranded in Pretoria over a hotel payment dispute after players rejected an initial “substandard” venue, while Kenya’s Benni McCarthy named new faces for the Lesotho friendlies. Lesotho Sports Spotlight: Hermitage learner Likeleli Binyane won the LNOC public speaking competition and will represent Team Lesotho regionally. Disaster Preparedness: Mokhotlong DDMT members began DRR training to strengthen disaster response and reduce vulnerabilities. Dairy Push: Government and dairy stakeholders called for stronger collaboration to revive Lesotho’s dairy sector, citing low milk output and reliance on imports. Weather Communication: Lesotho Meteorological Services said media involvement in impact-based forecasting will help communities get timely, actionable warnings. Regional Cooperation: SADC renewed its fisheries surveillance board leadership, keeping Stanley Ndara as chair, and Lesotho’s stakeholder role continues.

Starlets Camp Turmoil: Harambee Starlets coach Beldine Odemba says Simba Queens repeatedly blocked player releases, adding to permit problems ahead of the Four Nations Tournament in Zambia where Lesotho will face Zimbabwe. Work Permit Woes: Goalkeeper Lilian Awuor and defender Enez Mango miss the tournament after permits weren’t secured in time. SADC Fisheries Oversight: SADC reappointed Stanley Ndara to chair the Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance board, with Lesotho named as a stakeholder representative. Labour Diplomacy: Lesotho’s labour minister Tseliso Seth Levalo Mokhosi met counterparts at the ILO conference in Geneva to discuss cooperation. Winter Weather Alert: Lesotho Meteorological Services and the Disaster Management Authority warn of snowfall from Wednesday night and severe cold Thursday to Friday, urging residents to avoid risky travel. National ID Push: Home Affairs and Police are visiting elderly people and persons with disabilities to help them get National Identity Cards. Court Update: The Court of Appeal ordered a stay in proceedings over the National University of Lesotho vice-chancellor appointment challenge. Queen’s 50th Birthday: Masenate Mohato Seeiso marked her golden jubilee with Holy Mass and public tributes.

Diplomacy & Labour: Lesotho’s Minister of Labour met counterparts at the 114th ILO conference in Geneva, including meetings with ministers from Lebanon, Sudan, Syria, Paraguay and Lesotho’s own labour ministry counterpart, to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation. Courts & Universities: Lesotho’s Court of Appeal ordered a stay of High Court proceedings in a challenge over the National University of Lesotho vice-chancellor appointment, and also halted the recruitment and appointment process pending final appeals. Identity Access: Home Affairs and Police intensified outreach with house visits to elderly people and persons with disabilities to help them obtain National Identity Cards, citing barriers to travel and the importance of the card for services like social protection and voter registration. Queen’s Golden Birthday: Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso marked her 50th birthday, with public tributes and thanksgiving messages highlighting her leadership and service. Nutrition Support: The Lesotho Red Cross, with UNICEF Lesotho support, launched a nutrition messaging and community engagement initiative in districts including Qacha’s Nek and Thaba-Tseka. Regional Tensions: Reports from South Africa say Mozambican nationals were killed during weekend anti-migrant violence in Mossel Bay, while police dispute the higher death toll claimed by Mozambique’s government.

World Cup Visa Chaos (South Africa): Bafana Bafana’s departure for the 2026 FIFA World Cup was delayed after SAFA failed to secure U.S. visas on time, leaving assistant coach Helman Mkhalele and other staff stranded; Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie called it an “embarrassing” administrative debacle and demanded accountability, while SAFA said visas were eventually resolved and the squad left on a charter flight. Lesotho Highlands Project: The LHDA is seeking consultants for a floating solar feasibility study on the Katse and Mohale reservoirs, aiming to cut reliance on electricity imports. Lesotho Justice Trial: In a treason case in Maseru, defence lawyers argued that evolving testimony should be disregarded as they continue cross-examining a key sergeant. Regional Fisheries: SADC reappointed Stanley Ndara to lead the fisheries monitoring control and surveillance centre in Maputo, with ministers also pushing member states to pay outstanding contributions. Gender & Media: UNFPA trained Lesotho journalists on ethical, survivor-centred reporting to better tackle gender-based violence. Youth & Jobs (Maseru): Sebabatso Youth Training was launched in Maseru, using American Corner AI tools to help youth expand markets and create jobs.

World Cup Fallout (SA): Bafana Bafana finally departed Johannesburg for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Monday after a visa “debacle” delayed their Sunday flight. Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie said the issue was an administrative error by SAFA, leaving some players and key staff without US travel clearance—assistant coach Helman Mkhalele among those initially affected—before visas were secured in time for the charter. Regional Sports (Lesotho): In the June international window, Kenya will host Lesotho in a two-legged friendly tie in Pretoria, with changes to Harambee Stars’ squad including AFC Leopards’ Kelly Madada returning to the national team. SADC Fisheries (Regional): Stanley Ndara was re-elected to lead the SADC Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre, with ministers also urging member states to clear outstanding contributions. Lesotho Development: LHDA is seeking consultants for a floating solar feasibility study for Katse and Mohale reservoirs, aiming to cut reliance on electricity imports. Gender & Media (Lesotho): UNFPA trained Lesotho journalists on ethical, survivor-centred reporting to help tackle GBV. Youth & AI (Maseru): Sebabatso Youth Training was launched in Maseru, using American Corner AI tools to help young entrepreneurs reach new markets. Public Safety (SA): Police in Bloemfontein rescued a kidnapped man and arrested six suspects in Operation Shanela 2, with Lesotho-registered vehicles linked to the case.

World Cup Fallout: South Africa’s Bafana Bafana departure for the 2026 FIFA World Cup was delayed after visa problems left some players and officials still waiting on paperwork; Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie blasted SAFA for the “debacle,” then confirmed the charter would leave Monday once visas were sorted. Lesotho in the Mix: Lesotho’s embassy in Ethiopia congratulated Ethiopia on launching the Lafto International Standard Hospital, while Lesotho’s Kao diamond mine is set to shut down at the end of June as fuel costs surge and diamond prices slump. Violence and Justice: Police in Kanana are investigating a tavern shooting that killed a 15-year-old woman and three Lesotho men, with two Lesotho women also injured. Money Matters: Lesotho’s central bank raised its Central Bank Rate to 6.75% to protect price stability amid global energy shocks and higher fuel costs. Sports (Women): Zambia’s Four Nations tournament in Ndola includes Lesotho’s Copper Queens, with squad updates ahead of WAFCON preparations.

World Cup Fallout: South Africa’s Bafana Bafana couldn’t depart for Mexico on Sunday after a visa snag delayed their charter; Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie blasted SAFA as “embarrassing,” then later said all players had visas, with only some officials still outstanding, and the team will fly Monday. Cross-Border Crime: Police in Kanana are investigating a tavern shooting that left a 15-year-old woman dead, three Lesotho men killed, and two Lesotho women wounded; no arrests yet. Scam Warning: Eastern Cape police warn about fake Facebook job offers that lured four women (including from Lesotho) to Lusikisiki, where they were raped and robbed; investigations continue. Lesotho-China Trade: Lesotho welcomed China’s lifting of temporary wool import restrictions, saying it will ease pressure on Basotho farmers and unblock shipments held in South Africa. Economy Watch: Lesotho’s central bank raised the Central Bank Rate by 25 basis points to 6.75% citing global uncertainty and higher fuel costs. Local Governance & Health: An Ombudsman report says 80% of Lesotho’s waste is unmanaged, creating public health risks, especially around healthcare waste. Sports (Regional): Kenya’s Harambee Stars will play Lesotho in a June friendly double-header in Pretoria after other fixtures were changed.

Sports—Kenya vs Lesotho Friendlies: Kenya’s Harambee Stars will play Lesotho in a two-match June friendly series in Pretoria after logistical problems forced changes to earlier planned fixtures. The games are set for June 4 and June 7 at Lucas Moripe Stadium. Women’s Football—Copper Queens Four Nations: Zambia will host the Four Nations women’s tournament from June 1–9, with Lesotho, Kenya and Zimbabwe taking part as teams fine-tune preparations for WAFCON in Morocco. Economy—CBL Rate Hike: Lesotho’s Central Bank raised the Central Bank Rate by 25 basis points to 6.75%, citing global uncertainty and higher fuel costs. Governance—Auditor General Flags Financial Weaknesses: The Auditor General warned of recurring inconsistencies and poor records in government financial management, including major cash-flow mismatches. Mining—Kao Mine Shuts Down: Storm Mountain Diamonds will close on June 30, leaving over 800 workers jobless amid collapsing diamond prices and lab-grown competition. Public Safety—Waste Crisis: An Ombudsman report says 80% of Lesotho’s waste is unmanaged, with serious health and environmental risks. Health—Winter Burn Warning: Health workers urge caution as winter heating methods drive more household burn injuries. Justice—Lesotho National Sentenced in SA: A Lesotho man received two life terms for a double farm murder in Komani, plus additional time for immigration offences. Crime—Online Job Scam Warning: Police warn of fake Facebook job offers that lured women to Lusikisiki, where they were raped and robbed.

UFO Turnaround in South Africa: Lewis Group says its struggling UFO furniture chain is still under pressure, with CEO Johan Enslin admitting another tough trading year; the company is restructuring by closing three underperforming stores and planning two more closures, while crediting improved sales in the second half to new ranges. Lesotho Economy Watch: The Central Bank of Lesotho raised the Central Bank Rate by 25 basis points to 6.75%, citing global uncertainty, Middle East-linked energy shocks, and higher fuel costs that could pressure inflation and reserves. Mining Jobs at Risk: Storm Mountain Diamonds (Kao Mine) will cease operations on 30 June 2026, blaming collapsing diamond prices and lab-grown competition; the shutdown threatens over 800 jobs. Public Finance Scrutiny: Lesotho’s Auditor General flagged major financial management weaknesses, including a M3 billion mismatch in cash receipts and payments and concerns over unrecorded loan guarantees and assets. Elections & Civic Prep: The IEC launched a civic and voter education strategy and voter registration push, stressing the role of identity documents and urging citizens to register and participate. GBV Support & Media Role: UNFPA says Lesotho’s GBV Centre is now operational, with victims already being housed and supported, while workshops urged ethical, survivor-centred reporting. Potato Sector Push: Agriculture Minister Selibe Mochoboroane marked International Day of Potato, linking potato development to national plans, value-chain support, and climate-smart production. Waste Crisis: An Ombudsman report warns 80% of Lesotho’s waste is unmanaged, creating health and pollution risks, especially around healthcare waste and lack of protective gear. Winter Safety: Health workers warn of rising burn injuries as people use heaters, open flames and braziers indoors during cold weather.