AGP Executive Report

SACU Summit Focus: Southern African Customs Union leaders wrapped up the 9th Summit in Cape Town, with President Cyril Ramaphosa telling member states that no country can prosper alone and urging deeper regional strength through the “re-imagined” SACU agenda; Lesotho’s Prime Minister Samuel Matekane was among those pushing reforms and strategic development plans. Customs & Cross-Border Rules: Lesotho’s Revenue Services urged traders and commuters to meet customs declaration requirements, while Finance Minister Retšelisitsoe Matlanyane raised concerns with South Africa over tougher vehicle pre-declaration rules for Basotho motorists. Payments & Trade: Afreximbank says African countries are accelerating local-currency cross-border settlement via PAPSS, supported by digital payment infrastructure to cut costs and reduce reliance on the US dollar and euro. Youth, Skills & Jobs: Coca-Cola Beverages Africa opened applications for a 2026 internship for diploma and degree students, and an Africa-China cooperation interview highlighted projects like Lesotho’s road upgrade as drivers of connectivity and skills transfer. Health & Community: Lesotho launched a men’s dialogue programme aimed at tackling gender-based violence and promoting healing, alongside renewed calls to prioritise men’s mental health. Crime & Courts: Three Lesotho nationals face murder charges linked to the Cleveland mass shooting in Johannesburg, with the case postponed to 2 July. Weather: Expect fog and cool conditions in parts of South Africa, including morning fog patches near the Lesotho border.

SACU Summit Focus: Lesotho’s PM and President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah are set to attend the 9th Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Heads of State summit in Cape Town, with leaders expected to review the SACU Strategic Plan and push industrialisation, customs modernisation and trade facilitation. Cross-Border Tensions: Lesotho has raised concerns with South Africa over new vehicle temporary import declaration requirements for Basotho motorists, warning the stricter enforcement could disrupt travel and commerce. Justice in SA Attacks: Three Lesotho nationals accused in the Cleveland “Jumpers” mass shooting (13 dead, 14 injured) appeared in Johannesburg court; the case was postponed to 2 July for address verification ahead of bail. Men’s Health & GBV: A men’s dialogue programme was launched in Maseru to tackle men’s identity, gender-based violence and healing, with mental health also highlighted as a priority for men. Agriculture & Finance: Lesotho Post Bank urged Berea farmers to use tractor financing, noting the initiative remains under-used, while dairy farmers trained to turn fresh milk into yoghurt and sour milk to reduce waste and improve value. Community & Media: CAFI and the Central Bank of Lesotho ran a media capacity-building workshop on investment and financial inclusion, and the Lesotho Red Cross will open a new sub-branch in Ha Koali. Weather Watch: Saturday brings morning fog and isolated showers in parts of South Africa, including areas along the Lesotho border.

Cleveland mass shooting: Three Lesotho nationals accused in the June 9 Cleveland/Jumpers attack that killed 13 and injured 14 appeared in Johannesburg, with the case postponed to 2 July for address verification and bail scheduling; prosecutors say the motive is linked to turf wars between illegal miners and that survivors helped point out the suspects. Joburg mass shooting charges: Three more Lesotho nationals were charged with murder after a separate June 9 Johannesburg attack prosecutors say involved gunmen dropping into an informal settlement near abandoned mines; survivors identified the suspects, aged 26–34, and police say the case is tied to illegal mining turf wars. SACU summit: Lesotho’s leadership is set to engage in the 9th SACU Heads of State summit in Cape Town on 26 June, expected to review the SACU strategic plan and push work on industrialisation, customs modernisation, trade facilitation and regional value chains. HIV care push: Lesotho’s Back to Care Campaign symposium highlighted efforts to trace people who interrupted HIV treatment, stressing better record updates and stronger transfer/referral systems. Ex-mineworkers compensation: Tshiamiso Trust says it has paid over M1 billion to eligible Basotho ex-mineworkers and dependents for silicosis and TB claims from work in South African gold mines. Starlink for emergency services: Starlink has been deployed to Lesotho police and disaster response teams, boosting connectivity in hard-to-reach areas. Weather: Expect cold conditions with dense fog and isolated showers across South Africa, with reduced visibility warnings affecting Mpumalanga.

SACU Summit Focus: Lesotho’s President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is expected to attend the 9th Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Summit in Cape Town on 26 June, where leaders will review progress on the 2022–2027 SACU Strategic Plan and discuss industrialisation, regional value chains, customs modernisation, trade facilitation and investment, including opportunities under AfCFTA. Cleveland/Jumpers Shooting Case: Three Lesotho nationals—Molebeli Mosia (34), Ramonne Tsibela (32) and Zipho Metsing (26)—face murder and attempted murder charges after the 9 June Cleveland mass shooting that left 13 dead and 14 injured; the case was postponed to 2 July for address verification and bail scheduling, with prosecutors citing survivor identifications and alleged links to illegal-miner turf wars. HIV Treatment Retention: The EpiC project and the Ministry of Health held a Back to Care Campaign symposium in Maseru, highlighting efforts to trace and re-engage people who interrupted HIV treatment and stressing stronger systems to keep patients in care. Ex-Mineworkers Compensation: Tshiamiso Trust says it has paid over M1 billion to eligible Basotho ex-mineworkers and dependents for silicosis and TB claims tied to South African gold mines, with more claimants still being identified. Starlink for Safety: Starlink has deployed internet connectivity to Lesotho police stations and disaster response teams, boosting emergency communications in hard-to-reach areas. Community & Health Services: Red Cross opens its fifth Berea district sub-branch at Ha Koali, with winter support items planned for vulnerable residents. Weather Watch (SA): Dense fog and cool conditions are expected in parts of South Africa, including morning fog patches along the Lesotho border in the Free State.

Starlink Boost for Safety: Starlink has been deployed to Lesotho police stations, traffic control and disaster response teams, aiming to improve connectivity in rugged areas where fibre is hard to build. Cleveland/Jumpers Shooting: Gauteng police arrested three Lesotho nationals (aged 26, 32 and 36) over the June 9 Jumpers informal settlement massacre that killed 13 and injured 14; one suspect was found with 100+ rounds of 9mm ammo and the trio face murder and attempted murder charges. Anti-Migrant Tensions: As South Africa’s June 30 anti-foreigner deadline nears, some factory workers were reportedly told to stay home, while Lesotho officials say Basotho migrants are being monitored and urged to take precautions. SACU Summit Focus: Lesotho’s PM leads the country’s delegation to the 9th SACU Heads of State summit in Cape Town, with talks on regional integration, industrial development and the SACU strategic plan. Mental Health Push: Lesotho lawmakers and faith leaders warned mental health has become a crisis, calling for updated laws and a more informed approach beyond stigma. Weather Watch: Severe thunderstorms with hail and heavy rain are forecast for parts of South Africa’s Western and Northern Cape, with other areas seeing fog and cold conditions.

SACU Summit Focus: Lesotho’s PM Ntsokoane Matekane leads the country’s delegation at the 9th SACU Heads of State and Government Summit in Cape Town, where leaders are set to review SACU’s Strategic Plan, assess economic progress and chart a “re-imagined” SACU direction for regional integration and industrial development. Mental Health Crisis: Parliamentary Chair of Chairs Mokhothu Makhalanyane says Lesotho’s mental health situation has reached a crisis, warning outdated laws and weak political prioritisation are blocking meaningful reform; Reverend Dr Mosiuoa Makhata also urges a shift away from witchcraft-based explanations toward a more informed, holistic approach. Violence Probe (Jumpers): South African police arrested three Lesotho nationals linked to the Jumpers informal settlement mass shooting in Cleveland that killed 13 and injured 14, with investigators recovering over 100 rounds of 9mm ammunition. Local Safety Incident: Spetzo’s Coffee Shop in Maseru was hit by a fire, with staff evacuated safely but equipment damaged while investigators and insurers assess the cause. Weather Watch: South Africa’s SAWS warns of fog, cold conditions and showers in parts of the region, with a separate alert for severe thunderstorms with hail and strong winds affecting parts of the Western and Northern Cape.

Anti-foreigner tensions in SA: Acting police minister Firoz Cachalia said SAPS is ready for any threat around planned June 30 protests, while March and March leaders March and March denied calling for a national shutdown and said government fears are being “fear-mongered.” Governance and accountability in Lesotho: Prime Minister Sam Matekane says the government will institutionalise a new way of working built on accountability, transparency and measurable results, with citizens able to question leaders. Traditional knowledge protection: Lesotho is linking traditional knowledge with the Nagoya Protocol, with ABS Week focused on building a workable access-and-benefit-sharing mechanism. Regional integration: President Cyril Ramaphosa will open the 9th SACU Heads of State summit in Cape Town, with Lesotho among member states. Rights and inclusion: LNLVIP warns visually impaired children are still being hidden from education and healthcare, calling for full inclusion. Disaster preparedness: Fire services urge schools to revive Disaster Risk Reduction clubs and run regular emergency drills. Weather: Cold, foggy conditions are expected, with rain and damaging waves warnings in parts of the region.

Governance & accountability: Lesotho’s Prime Minister Sam Matekane says government will “institutionalise” a new way of working built on accountability, transparency and measurable results, with leaders regularly answering to citizens, and he points to Rwanda as a reform reference. Traditional knowledge & biodiversity: Lesotho is also pushing to link traditional knowledge with the Nagoya Protocol, with Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) Week 2026 bringing together officials, community knowledge holders and partners to shape an ABS mechanism for fair benefit sharing. Local leadership forum: Lesotho is holding a National Leadership Forum (21–23 June) followed by an accountability summit in July, aimed at improving public service delivery and creating direct channels for citizens to question leaders on performance. Rights for visually impaired children: The Lesotho National League of Visually Impaired Persons warns that some parents still hide visually impaired children, denying access to education and healthcare, ahead of the Day of African Child. Weather watch: Cold, foggy conditions are expected across much of the region, with damaging waves flagged for small vessels and possible disruption to beachfront activities between Hondeklip Bay and Cape Agulhas. Royal hospital visit: The Maluti Adventist Hospital in Berea hosted the Royal Family for Queen Masenate’s Golden Jubilee, with donations including blankets and heaters for maternity and paediatric wards.

Lesotho–Environment & Policy: Lesotho is holding ABS Week 2026 to strengthen how it protects traditional knowledge and genetic resources under the Nagoya Protocol, bringing together communities, researchers and government to shape an Access and Benefit-Sharing mechanism. Public Finance & Development: Lesotho and the World Bank have signed three financing deals worth over M841 million to expand clean energy access, speed up skills development and improve nutrition outcomes. Governance & Accountability: Prime Minister Sam Matekane says government will institutionalise a new way of working focused on accountability, transparency and measurable results, with leaders expected to regularly report back to citizens. Disability Rights: The Lesotho National League of Visually Impaired Persons warns that some visually impaired children are still being hidden at home, denying access to education and healthcare. Safety in Schools: Lesotho’s Fire Rescue Department urges schools to revive Disaster Risk Reduction clubs and run regular emergency simulation drills, warning that fewer drills and risky learner behaviour raise fire risks in winter.

Access & Benefit-Sharing (ABS) Week: Lesotho is pushing to protect traditional knowledge and genetic resources under the Nagoya Protocol, bringing officials, experts and communities together to shape a workable ABS mechanism and ensure fair sharing of benefits from biodiversity and medicinal plants. Disability & Child Rights: The Lesotho National League of Visually Impaired Persons warns that some families still hide visually impaired children, denying them education and healthcare, ahead of the Day of the African Child. Lesotho–World Bank Deal: Government and the World Bank sign three financing agreements worth over M841 million to expand clean energy access, boost skills development, and improve nutrition outcomes. Sports & Community: Lesotho’s Kamohelo Mofolo is among the runners to watch at South Africa’s Nelson Mandela Bay Half Marathon, while Lesotho’s police and remote areas get a boost as Starlink satellite internet reportedly activates for Lesotho’s police and underserved communities. Weather: Tuesday forecasts across South Africa point to morning fog, cool conditions and scattered showers, with colder weather near the Lesotho border.

Lesotho–World Bank Deal: Lesotho and the World Bank signed three financing agreements worth over M841 million to expand clean energy access, boost skills development, and improve nutrition outcomes. Regional Politics: South Africa’s parliamentary impeachment process against President Cyril Ramaphosa moves ahead as MPs draft terms of reference, while legal challenges play out. Migration Crisis in SA: Durban’s Sherwood has become a large holding site for thousands of migrants after anti-foreigner pressure and threats, raising fears of renewed violence. Lesotho Connectivity Boost: Starlink says it is now active in Lesotho, with the service already licensed for 10 years and shown on police vehicles. Health & Gender: Parents are urged to talk openly with daughters about puberty and biological changes as Lesotho rolls out menstrual health support. Sports & Pride: Basadi Music Awards nominations include Lesotho’s Maleh for Afro Pop, while football pundits debate World Cup favourites and South Africa’s deserved place. Environment & Safety: Clean-up efforts in Maseru restore a neglected site, and LMPS trains communities on disaster response.

Regional Politics: South Africa’s parliamentary impeachment committee into President Cyril Ramaphosa will meet to draft terms of reference and appoint evidence leaders, after the National Assembly speaker declined to block a court challenge. Biodiversity & Policy: Lesotho’s Ministry of Environment and Forestry, with UNDP, kicks off Access and Benefit-Sharing Week 2026 to strengthen implementation of the Nagoya Protocol for biodiversity and medicinal plants. Elections: South Africa’s IEC says day two of voter registration is off to a stronger start, with over 23,000 stations open and most registrations done in person. Migration Pressure: Thousands of migrants, mainly Malawians, are sheltering in Durban’s Sherwood area as anti-foreigner threats and deportation deadlines drive a growing humanitarian crisis. World Bank Funding for Lesotho: Lesotho and the World Bank sign M840m+ financing agreements for clean energy access, skills development, and multisectoral nutrition. Connectivity Boost: Starlink is now active in Lesotho after receiving a 10-year licence in April 2025, with reports showing receivers installed on police vehicles. Child Wellbeing: World Vision Lesotho launches its 2026–2030 community strategy in Bela-Bela, prioritising ending violence against children, health and nutrition, and water and sanitation. Public Health & Safety: Parents are urged to discuss puberty and biological changes openly with daughters as Lesotho rolls out menstrual health and hygiene support.

Migration Crisis in Durban: A Sherwood hall in Durban has been turned into a large holding and processing site for Malawians, with police and municipal presence initially creating a sense of safety that later shifted to overcrowding, long queues for food and water, and sanitation systems overwhelmed—KwaZulu-Natal premier Thami Ntuli warned it could involve over 10,000 people. Digital Connectivity Boost: Starlink’s satellite internet is now active in Lesotho after the Lesotho Communications Authority granted a 10-year operating licence in April 2025, with police vehicles and remote areas among the early beneficiaries. World Bank Funding for Lesotho: Lesotho and the World Bank signed three financing agreements worth over M841 million to expand clean energy access, accelerate skills development, and improve nutrition outcomes. Health & Gender Support: Parents and guardians were urged to openly discuss puberty and biological changes with daughters as Lesotho launches a menstrual health and hygiene project. Botswana-Lesotho Cooperation: The two countries vowed to deepen strategic ties through a new binational commission focused on water, energy, trade, investment, agriculture, and people-to-people exchanges. Youth & AI Skills: Lesotho launched an AI Skills Development Programme for youth enterprises, linking e-commerce training with AI tools to grow digital entrepreneurship.

Starlink in Lesotho: Elon Musk reposted Starlink’s update showing satellite internet now active in Lesotho, with a Starlink receiver fitted to a police vehicle and dishes on buildings—Lesotho received a 10-year licence in April 2025, and the move has sparked online frustration in South Africa. World Bank deals: Lesotho and the World Bank signed three financing agreements worth over M841 million to expand clean energy access, boost skills development, and improve nutrition outcomes. Child health push: Parents in Mafeteng were urged to talk openly with daughters about puberty and biological changes as Lesotho rolls out a menstrual health and hygiene project, with support for boys and girls on hygiene and care. Disaster readiness: The Lesotho Mounted Police Service trained communities in Bela-Bela on disaster preparedness and basic first aid, including how to respond when emergencies strike. Community services: World Vision launched its 2026–2030 strategy in Bela-Bela, targeting violence prevention, health and nutrition, and water and sanitation for about 650,000 vulnerable children. Environment clean-up: Clean Lesotho Initiatives restored a neglected Maseru site, aiming to turn it into a recreational park while tackling waste dumping. Regional ties: Botswana and Lesotho vowed to deepen cooperation through a new binational commission focused on water, energy, trade, agriculture, education, and people-to-people links. Health alert: Lesotho’s Ministry of Health reported influenza-like illness clusters in seven districts, with rapid response teams deployed while lab tests continue. Sports: Lesotho’s women’s beach volleyball campaign faces uncertainty after undisclosed injuries forced the team to drop one pair ahead of major continental tournaments in Mozambique.

South Africa–Lesotho legal ties: South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal rescinded an order to enforce a €50 million award against Lesotho tied to a supply contract allegedly signed by a minister “on a frolic of his own,” while also ruling Lesotho was too late to challenge the award. Child protection and health: World Vision Lesotho launched its 2026–2030 community strategy in Bela-Bela, targeting about 650,000 vulnerable children with a focus on ending violence against children, health and nutrition, and water and sanitation. Disaster readiness: LMPS trained Bela-Bela communities on disaster preparedness and first aid, urging stronger hazard identification in schools and better response skills. Environment in Maseru: Clean Lesotho Initiatives restored a neglected Maseru site through a clean-up drive, aiming to turn it into a recreational park, while pointing to ongoing problems with open dumping. Public health alert: Lesotho’s Ministry of Health reported influenza-like illness clusters in seven districts, deploying rapid response teams while lab tests continue. Governance and spending: Auditor-General findings highlight weak delivery under Lesotho’s CAFI project, with spending capacity at just 41% of the revised budget by March 31, 2024. Regional cooperation: Botswana and Lesotho vowed to deepen resilience and strategic cooperation through their new binational commission, prioritising water, energy, trade, and investment.

Football & Youth Development: Kick4Life’s soccer academy at Hokahanya Inn is producing Premier League-ready graduates, with profits from the hotel reinvested into training and programmes for children. Environment & Public Space: Clean Lesotho Initiatives has cleaned up a neglected Maseru site and is pushing to turn it into a recreational park, citing ongoing problems with open dumping. Disaster Preparedness: LMPS Fire and Rescue trained Bela-Bela residents on first aid and disaster risk reduction, urging more schools to form DRR clubs. Education & Value for Money: Botho University says government oversight is improving “value for money” as the minister tours labs and innovation hubs and reviews how student sponsorships deliver returns. Migration & Regional Pressure: South Africa’s permit and xenophobic violence fallout continues to drive mass exodus and harsh conditions at processing sites like Sherwood. Health Alert: Lesotho’s Ministry of Health reports influenza-like illness clusters in seven districts, with rapid response teams deployed while lab tests continue. Politics & Governance: A cabinet reshuffle has dismissed two ministers, while other governance disputes continue to spark legal and public scrutiny. Sports: Lesotho women’s beach volleyball faces injury setbacks ahead of major continental tournaments in Mozambique. Business & Trade: Botswana and Lesotho vow to deepen cooperation through the new binational commission, prioritising water, energy, trade, and investment. Roads & Borders: SARS is set to end SACU vehicle exemptions, requiring Lesotho drivers to submit temporary import declarations when crossing into South Africa.