AGP Executive Report

Road Safety Policy: Lesotho’s Ministry of Finance is inviting public comments on a new Motor Vehicle Accident Fund Policy to replace the 1989 framework, aiming for fair, timely compensation and stronger funding governance for victims and families. Court Case in Limpopo: Two Lesotho nationals arrested over a double tavern killing in Ga-Selepe (Mecklenburg area) are due to appear in the Mecklenburg Periodical Court today/this week, with police citing a stolen 9mm pistol and a getaway vehicle. Xenophobia Fallout Across Borders: Reports from South Africa’s Mpumalanga describe fear in migrant communities after allegations of a deadly attack on a Zimbabwean man following the June 30 foreigner-departure deadline. Public Accountability in Lesotho: The Leadership Forum and National Accountability Summit in Maseru is being framed as a new annual channel for citizens to raise issues directly with senior officials, including faster passport processing and better service delivery. Disability Inclusion: Police in Lesotho are urged to use a new Disability Guideline Booklet to improve access to justice for persons with disabilities, including deafblind support. Health Focus: A SADC TB report warns progress is plateauing and funding cuts could jeopardize 2030 elimination targets, with Lesotho flagged for the highest TB incidence in the region.

Accountability in Lesotho: Lesotho’s three-day Leadership Forum and National Accountability Summit in Maseru put citizens face-to-face with senior officials, with promises including faster passport processing (now four days) and an SMS alert system for applicants. Public service delivery: The Prime Minister said the dialogue will become an annual platform, with calls for skills transfer on construction projects and youth representation in national committees. Justice and inclusion: Chief Justice Sakoane Peter Sakoane said the Judiciary aims to deliver justice within three months in most cases and highlighted efforts to cut case delays and improve court access for people with disabilities. Disability access: Police Disability Guideline Booklet launched in Maseru, urging officers to use practical guidance so persons with disabilities can access justice without barriers. Crime and child safety: Lesotho Correctional Service officials say sexual offences remain among the most common crimes, linked to substance abuse, domestic violence and murder, and urged parents to protect children. Sports and youth: Cycling is being promoted as a versatile sport for girls and youth, while a karate camp stressed discipline and mental fitness for learners. Regional tensions: Nigeria formally warned South Africa after two alleged killings of Nigerians amid anti-migrant violence, while Basotho National Party leader Machesetsa Mofomobe accused South African police of backing xenophobic protests against Basotho.

Disability Inclusion in Focus: Lesotho says it’s improving access to education, justice and communication for persons with disabilities, but stakeholders warn gaps remain—especially for deafblind people—calling for more training and public awareness. Child Protection Push: Queen ‘Masenate’ and officials marked Beautiful Gate’s 25 years, urging Basotho to treat child welfare as national development, not charity, and highlighting support for vulnerable children through education, health and psychosocial services. Accountability Summit Follow-up: Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane says the Leadership Forum and National Accountability Summit should become an annual platform for citizen-government dialogue, with calls for skills transfer and youth representation. Justice System Update: Chief Justice Sakoane Peter Sakoane says the summit helped the public understand how justice works, noting efforts to cut case delays and improve court access. Crime Prevention Warning: Lesotho Correctional Service says sexual offences remain among the most common crimes, with substance abuse, domestic violence and murder also driving high crime rates. Winter Weather Alert: A cold front is expected to bring freezing conditions, with light snowfall possible near the Lesotho border in South Africa. Regional Migration Tensions: Basotho National Party leader Machesetsa Mofomobe alleges South African police are backing anti-migrant protests targeting Basotho nationals.

Disability Inclusion Drive: Lesotho is expanding access to education, justice, communication and other public services for persons with disabilities, but stakeholders say gaps remain in implementation and capacity, especially for complex disabilities like deafblindness. Crime Watch: Sexual offences continue to dominate crime in Lesotho, with substance abuse, domestic violence and murder also flagged as major contributors during community crime-prevention discussions. Child Protection Focus: As Beautiful Gate Lesotho marks 25 years, leaders stress that child welfare is national development work, not charity, highlighting long-running support for vulnerable children and family reunification efforts. Youth & Fitness: The Lesotho Karate Association says karate builds discipline and mental and physical fitness, encouraging learners to use sport to avoid drug and alcohol abuse during winter holidays. Regional Migration Tensions: Basotho National Party leader Machesetsa Mofomobe alleges South African police are backing anti-migrant protests targeting Basotho nationals, raising diplomatic concerns. Jobs & Learning Push: MBRGI and The Digital School plan to support over 500,000 people in Lesotho and five other African countries with digital learning spaces, teacher training and job-ready skills. Winter Weather Note: South Africa’s cold front may bring snow near the Lesotho border, with icy road risks and disruptions expected in affected areas. Global Diamond Market: New Kimberley Process-linked analysis says global rough diamond production value fell to $9.23bn in 2025 as demand stayed sluggish and lab-grown competition increased.

Anti-immigrant tensions in SA: Basotho National Party leader Machesetsa Mofomobe alleges South African police are collaborating with xenophobic protest groups targeting Basotho, warning of possible retaliation as diplomatic rows over migration rules intensify. Accountability and public dialogue in Lesotho: Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane says the Leadership Forum and National Accountability Summit will become an annual platform for citizen-government dialogue, while Chief Justice Sakoane Peter Sakoane calls it a historic step toward faster, more transparent justice. Child protection focus: Queen Masenate urges Basotho to invest in children as Beautiful Gate Lesotho marks 25 years, with the minister stressing child welfare is national development, not charity. Disability inclusion: Deafblind Association of Lesotho marks Deafblind Awareness Day, calling for better access to education, justice and communication, including police training and non-discrimination. Regional migration fallout: A migration expert says South Africa should shift to humanitarian support for displaced people after the June 30 deadline passed, arguing anger has been misdirected at migrants instead of deeper governance and economic failures. Mineworker compensation: Tshiamiso Trust reports R2.7bn paid to sick mineworkers, with Lesotho leading beneficiaries and more claims expected before the 2029 deadline. Digital learning push: MBRGI and The Digital School announce a three-year plan to support over 500,000 learners in Lesotho and five other African countries. Winter weather watch: South Africa’s cold front brings snow and damaging conditions near the Lesotho border, with alerts for disruptive snowfall and severe storms. Business and jobs: SACU leaders back accelerated reforms and regional value-chain work, while Lesotho’s agriculture ministry faces farmer concerns over slow delivery and income losses.

Leadership & Accountability: Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane says Lesotho’s Leadership Forum and National Accountability Summit will become an annual platform for government-public dialogue, thanking Basotho for active participation and highlighting calls on agriculture commercialisation, skills transfer, and youth representation. Judiciary & Justice Access: Chief Justice Sakoane Peter Sakoane calls the summit a historic step for public engagement with the justice system, noting efforts to cut case delays and improve court infrastructure, including accessibility. Child Protection Focus: Queen Masenate and Minister Pitso Lesaoana urged Basotho to treat child welfare as national development, as Beautiful Gate Lesotho marked 25 years of protecting vulnerable children, supporting family reunification and adoption. Disability Inclusion: Deafblind Association of Lesotho marked Deafblind Awareness Day, urging removal of barriers to education, justice and communication, with police pledging better sign-language training and professional handling of reported crimes. Winter Escape & Travel: A feature spotlights Lesotho as an affordable snow destination for South Africans, pointing to Afriski and winter road-trip tips. Regional Context: South Africa’s migration debate continues after June 30, with calls for humanitarian support for displaced people and accountability for violence. SACU Regional Trade: President Ramaphosa urged SACU to accelerate reforms and push regional value chains, including fertilisers and agrochemicals, to strengthen cooperation and intra-African trade. Digital Learning: Dubai’s Digital School, via MBRGI, announced a three-year push to support 500,000+ learners in Lesotho and five other African countries. Weather Watch: Reports warn of freezing conditions and possible snow near the Lesotho border in South Africa.

Winter Weather Shock: Gauteng woke up to freezing conditions as a cold front moved in, with SA Weather Service warning of possible light snowfall over northern Eastern Cape and Lesotho, plus cold, windy conditions and isolated showers. Severe Alerts for Eastern Cape: SAWS issued warnings for disruptive snow near the Lesotho border and severe thunderstorms with heavy downpours, hail and damaging winds—raising risks of road disruption and localised flooding. Lesotho in the Mix: With snow expected near the Lesotho border, Basotho travellers and communities could face icy routes and delays. Migration Tensions Spill Over: In South Africa, immigrant families in Johannesburg’s Yeoville say they were traumatised after March and March protesters stoned homes; police reported hundreds of arrests. Local Impact on Basotho: In Maseru, street vendors fear reduced remittances as Basotho return from South Africa amid factory slowdowns. SACU Push for Reform: President Ramaphosa urged accelerated SACU reforms at the 9th summit, including regional value chains and an export strategy to boost intra-African trade. Digital Learning Boost: MBRGI and The Digital School announced a three-year push to support over 500,000 people in Lesotho and five other African countries with digital learning spaces, teacher training and job-ready skills. Accountability Summit: Basotho civil society welcomed Lesotho’s National Dialogue and Accountability Summit, calling for transparency and tangible results.

Anti-immigrant violence in SA: Inner-city Johannesburg residents say they’re traumatised after March and March protesters stoned homes, looted properties and assaulted bystanders during anti-illegal immigration marches; police reported 900 arrests nationwide. Labour rights under xenophobia: Labour groups allege some employers are using the xenophobic climate to dismiss migrant workers and push “pseudo-retrenchments,” including claims involving Malawian workers at Harvest Fresh Farms. SACU push for faster reforms: President Cyril Ramaphosa urged SACU members to accelerate reforms at the 9th summit, backing regional value chains and an export strategy to boost intra-African trade. Lesotho accountability drive: Basotho civil society and youth welcomed the National Dialogue and Accountability Summit, calling for transparency, better coordination and tangible results. Farmers’ concerns: Lesotho’s agriculture minister responded to farmers’ worries at the summit, citing wool and mohair collections and urging faster processing and industry improvements. Winter weather watch: South Africa’s weather service warned of disruptive snow near the Lesotho border and severe thunderstorms, with hazardous coastal winds and rough seas. Digital learning boost: Dubai’s Digital School, backed by MBRGI, plans to support over 500,000 people in Lesotho and five other African countries through school support, teacher training and job-market preparation.

Winter Weather Watch: Lesotho-linked cold conditions are set to intensify across South Africa, with very cold, wet and windy weather, severe thunderstorms and disruptive snowfall expected in the Eastern Cape—plus icy road risks near the Lesotho border. National Dialogue & Accountability: In Maseru, Basotho and civil society welcomed the government’s National Dialogue and Accountability Summit, saying it could strengthen transparency and public participation, but they want tangible results and better coordination. Basotho Ex-Mineworkers: The Labour Ministry says thousands of former Basotho mineworkers still can’t access benefits owed by 51 foreign companies, citing document hurdles tied to South Africa’s Master of the High Court. Cross-Border Safety & Remittances: Lesotho urged citizens in South Africa to contact embassy support amid anti-immigrant marches, while Maseru street vendors warned that returning workers could hit remittances and local spending. Migration Debate: A South Africa-focused analysis argues enforcement alone can’t fix migration driven by instability and governance failures beyond borders.

National Dialogue & Accountability Summit: Basotho and civil society groups welcomed the government’s three-day National Dialogue and Accountability Summit in Maseru, saying it’s a chance to ask hard questions on corruption, mismanagement and service delivery, but they want clear follow-through and better coordination between budgets and accountability. Lesotho–South Africa tensions & safety: As anti-immigrant marches loom in South Africa, Lesotho urged citizens to contact embassy and satellite offices if they feel unsafe, and said five buses are ready in KwaZulu-Natal for possible repatriations. Ex-mineworkers benefits: The Labour Ministry says thousands of former Basotho mineworkers still can’t access benefits owed by 51 foreign companies due to legal and document hurdles tied to South Africa’s court processes. Remittances pressure on Maseru vendors: Street vendors in Maseru fear returning Basotho from South Africa will cut remittances and hit small businesses, especially as factory closures already reduce jobs and spending. Weather watch (Lesotho highlands): Lesotho’s Disaster Management Authority warns of heavy snowfall in highland areas, urging people to avoid unnecessary travel, protect livestock, and use safe heating. Regional context—migration debate: Commentary argues South Africa can’t “deport its way out” of migration, saying enforcement must be matched with regional solutions to instability and economic drivers.

Lesotho in South Africa: Lesotho has urged Basotho in South Africa to contact embassy/satellite offices if they feel unsafe, with five buses prepared for possible repatriations as anti-immigrant marches approach. Border pressure: Reports also say some foreign nationals, including Emaswati, have been evicted by landlords fearing protests, while Lesotho nationals queue at passport offices to regularise documents ahead of the June 30 deadline. Regional trade push: At the SACU summit in Cape Town, leaders agreed to set up a regional innovative funding mechanism with an initial N$5 billion (R5bn) to back cross-border industrial and infrastructure projects. Local capacity building: Lesotho mathematics teachers are training at NUL to improve learner performance, targeting weak areas in abstract concepts and problem-solving. Weather alert: Lesotho’s Disaster Management Authority warns of heavy snowfall in highland areas, urging people to avoid unnecessary travel and protect livestock.

Immigration Pressure in SA: With South Africa’s June 30 anti-immigration deadline looming, Lesotho-linked stories show growing uncertainty—undocumented Basotho are queuing at passport offices to regularise before protests, while activists and officials trade blame over who set the date and how peaceful gatherings will be handled. Regional Security Calm in Paulshof: In Paulshof’s Paulshof/Lonehill area, residents report a calm atmosphere despite planned marches, with extra private and police-linked security monitoring. Lesotho Winter Weather Alert: Lesotho’s Disaster Management Authority warns of heavy snowfall in highland areas from tomorrow night to Thursday, urging people to avoid unnecessary travel, watch for icy roads, and move livestock to safe shelters. Education Boost: Around 260 Lesotho mathematics teachers are training at NUL to improve learner performance, focusing on problem-solving and confidence in abstract concepts. SACU Funding Push: SACU leaders agreed to a new regional innovative development fund, with an initial N$5 billion to back cross-border industrial and infrastructure projects. Media Skills for Finance: CAFI and the Central Bank of Lesotho run workshops to help journalists report economic and financial inclusion issues more accurately. Sports Spotlight: Tayla Kavanagh extended her SPAR Grand Prix lead with another win in Durban, while Lesotho-linked runners and events keep the region’s sporting buzz going.

Anti-immigration Protest Fallout: South African anti-immigration activist Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma says the June 30 deadline was set by another organiser, not her “March and March” group, as debate grows over whether her stance is shifting ahead of the planned action. Migrant Rights Under Pressure: Zimbabwean workers in South Africa warn that employers are using confusion around permits to threaten dismissals and strip labour protections, even though the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit is legally valid until 2027. SACU Funding Push: SACU Heads of State agreed to create a Regional Innovative Funding Mechanism with an initial N$5 billion (from the Common Revenue Pool) to back cross-border development projects across all member states, including Lesotho. Lesotho Governance Focus: Deputy Prime Minister Justice Nthomeng Majara reports outcomes from Lesotho’s National Leadership Forum, citing progress but also persistent gaps like corruption, weak coordination, and youth unemployment. Sports Spotlight: Tayla Kavanagh extended her SPAR Grand Prix lead with a win at Durban’s Women’s 10/5km Challenge, while Lesotho-linked runners featured in other regional road races.

National Leadership & Accountability: Lesotho’s Deputy Prime Minister Justice Nthomeng Majara says government is acting on outcomes from the first National Leadership Forum, targeting better leadership, accountability and service delivery while admitting gaps like youth unemployment, food insecurity, school dropouts, weak infrastructure and limited implementation capacity. SACU Regional Push: At the 9th SACU Summit in Cape Town, leaders backed a re-imagined SACU Agenda and approved a R5 billion regional development fund to finance cross-border industrial and infrastructure projects across SACU, including Lesotho. Basotho Safety Ahead of 30 June: Lesotho’s Foreign Affairs Minister Limpho Tau says South Africa assured protection for Basotho ahead of planned 30 June protests, with security agencies ready to maintain peace while respecting peaceful demonstrations. Anti-Fraud Warning: The Central Bank of Lesotho warns the public about fraudulent investment schemes and unlicensed entities falsely claiming CBL authorisation, urging Basotho to verify licences directly with the CBL. Tourism & Adventure: Oasis Travel promotes abseiling at PTC Mountain in Maseru, offering a one-day push to boost outdoor recreation and tourism.

Lesotho–South Africa Border Safety: Lesotho’s Foreign Affairs Minister Limpho Tau says South African authorities have assured Basotho in South Africa will be protected ahead of the 30 June anti-immigration protests, with Lamola telling Lesotho the day will be a normal working day and security agencies ready to maintain peace. Central Bank Warning: The Central Bank of Lesotho (CBL) has warned the public about fraudulent investment schemes and unlicensed operators falsely claiming CBL authorisation, naming several schemes and urging Basotho to verify licences directly with the CBL. Finance for Farmers: Lesotho Post Bank (LPB) urged Berea farmers to use its tractor financing promotion, saying the initiative remains under-used despite government funding support. Outdoor Tourism Push: Oasis Travel announced abseiling experiences at PTC Mountain in Maseru, offering one-day promotion dates including tomorrow and 17 July. Regional Trade & SACU: SACU leaders wrapped up their 9th summit in Cape Town, with Lesotho Prime Minister Samuel Matekane among those pushing a re-imagined agenda for stronger regional value chains. World Cup Football Link: South Africa’s Bafana Bafana ended their 2026 World Cup run with a 1-0 loss to Canada, but their knockout-stage breakthrough was shaped by coach Hugo Broos and a qualification setback linked to a Lesotho ineligible-player issue.

Water Crisis Watch: Carte Blanche spotlights South Africa’s deepening water stress, sending hydrologists from Johannesburg to Lesotho to model how the Vaal–Lesotho Water System could cope with extreme heat and whether “Day Zero” risks are rising. June 30 Tensions: As South Africa braces for anti-immigration protests, Lesotho’s foreign affairs minister Limpho Tau says Basotho in SA will be protected, while South African township tourism is already seeing bookings collapse and cancellations spread. Regional Politics & Trade: SACU leaders wrapped up their 9th summit in Cape Town, with Ramaphosa urging countries not to “prosper alone” and Lesotho’s PM Samuel Matekane pushing the bloc’s agenda for stronger regional value chains. Finance & Fraud Alerts: Lesotho’s central bank warns the public about bogus investment schemes falsely claiming CBL licences, naming several platforms to avoid. Local Development: Lesotho Post Bank urges Berea farmers to use its tractor financing promotion, saying uptake remains low despite new funding. Sports & Community: ECLB Awareness Runs drew strong fields, and Lesotho’s presence was noted in the results.