AGP Executive Report

Workplace Safety: Lesotho’s Public Service Ministry is developing guidelines to address violence, harassment and sexual exploitation at work, with support from the ILO and UNFPA. Cricket: Lesotho will compete in a six-team T20 World Cup Africa qualifier in Abuja from October 18 to 26; the top two advance. Court: A Lesotho national has received an effective 40-year sentence in South Africa for abducting and repeatedly raping an 18-year-old woman. Infrastructure: The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority plans 100km of feeder roads and eight bridges under Phase II, aiming to restore access for communities affected by the Polihali dam. Public Health: Lesotho has confirmed a measles outbreak in two northern districts. Connectivity: Vodacom Lesotho has launched Starlink-powered satellite internet for businesses and public institutions, including in remote areas.

Court: Lesotho national Tisetso Maoeng has been sentenced to an effective 40 years in prison by an Eastern Cape court for abducting and repeatedly raping an 18-year-old woman, and for an immigration offence. Infrastructure: The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority is preparing a Phase II programme to build 100 kilometres of roads and eight bridges, aimed at restoring access for communities affected by the Polihali dam. Sport: Lesotho and Botswana have signed a badminton agreement to establish an annual rotating tournament, giving young players more regular competition and development opportunities. Police Oversight: The National Assembly Speaker has asked the Home Affairs and Police Minister to clarify how many officers on leave pending retirement will be retained, after conflicting figures of 29 and 79 were raised. Business and Connectivity: Lesotho’s textile sector is pursuing a seven-year plan to move into higher-value garments and wool and mohair products, while Vodacom Lesotho has launched Starlink-powered satellite internet for businesses and public institutions. Public Health: Lesotho has confirmed a measles outbreak in two northern districts.**

Police Retention: The Speaker has asked the Home Affairs and Police Minister to clarify how many officers on leave pending retirement will be retained. MPs cited conflicting figures of 29 and 79. Girls’ Rights: A Lesotho Girl Guides campaigner says child marriage and sexual violence rob girls of their dignity and future, calling for stronger law enforcement, survivor support and funding to keep girls in school. Connectivity: Vodacom Lesotho has launched Starlink-powered satellite internet for businesses and public institutions, including those in remote areas. Education: Five renovated classrooms at Matelile Primary School in Mafeteng replace damaged rooms with safer spaces for learning. Economic Development: A new partnership with the African Legal Support Facility will provide legal and technical help for priority projects in energy, infrastructure and other sectors. Separately, a seven-year textiles plan aims to move Lesotho into higher-value garments and use its wool and mohair. Public Health: Lesotho has confirmed a measles outbreak in two northern districts.

Digital Connectivity: Vodacom Lesotho has launched Starlink-powered satellite internet for businesses and public institutions, including those in remote areas. Education: Five classrooms renovated by the Vodacom Lesotho Foundation have reopened at Matelile Primary School in Mafeteng. Industry and Energy: A new seven-year roadmap aims to shift textiles toward higher-value garments and wool and mohair products. Prime Minister Sam Matekane is due to commission the Ha Belo grid connection on November 13, bringing power to an industrial estate in Botha-Bothe. Public Safety: Police have warned Basotho to take precautions amid anti-foreigner violence in South Africa. Lesotho has also confirmed a measles outbreak in two northern districts. Police Accountability: The police chief rejected a request for abducted editor Kananelo Boloetse to speak with investigators by video, but offered to meet him at a secure venue inside or outside Lesotho.

Textiles: Lesotho has unveiled a seven-year plan to move beyond basic garment assembly into higher-value production, using local wool and mohair. The sector has lost jobs and orders, and officials say the roadmap aims to restore confidence and competitiveness. Industrial Power: Prime Minister Sam Matekane is due to commission the Ha Belo electrification project on November 13, connecting the Botha-Bothe industrial estate to the national grid and supporting its 16 factory shells. Police Investigation: The police chief has rejected a video interview with abducted editor Kananelo Boloetse, asking him to meet investigators in person and provide medical records. Police say they can meet him at a suitable venue inside or outside Lesotho. Basotho in South Africa: LMPS has urged the public to stay alert amid anti-foreigner violence in KwaZulu-Natal. Health: Lesotho has confirmed a measles outbreak in Butha-Buthe and Leribe, with 12 confirmed and 20 suspected cases reported by September 30.

Cross-Border Safety: Lesotho police urged Basotho to stay alert after anti-foreigner violence in South Africa. Riots in Durban and Soweto saw vehicles burned and foreign-owned shops looted; Pretoria has halted its asylum-processing directive and promised a fresh process. Police Affairs: Home Affairs Minister Voeswa Tsheka says police allowance reforms remain under review, pending Finance and Public Service approval. Separately, the Lesotho Correctional Service is investigating a reported fight between two officers at Maseru Open Camp. Public Health: Measles cases have been confirmed in Butha-Buthe and suspected in Leribe. Health teams are tracing contacts and checking vaccination coverage. Jobs and Industry: A new textiles strategy targets 70,000 jobs by 2033, with plans to diversify exports and expand local wool and mohair processing.

Regional Safety: Anti-migrant violence in Soweto and Durban left at least 24 vehicles burnt and shops looted. South Africa has withdrawn the asylum-processing directive at the centre of the unrest, but tensions remain a concern for migrants across the region. Public Health: Lesotho has confirmed 12 measles cases in Butha-Buthe and reported 20 suspected cases across the northern districts of Butha-Buthe and Leribe. Health teams are tracing contacts and checking vaccination gaps. Education and Rehabilitation: Lesotho Correctional Service says education and rehabilitation programmes are for convicted inmates, not people on remand. Teachers are also urging schools and parents to make room for science and technology fairs that can reveal learners’ practical talents. Jobs and Governance: The government’s new textiles strategy targets more than 70,000 jobs by 2033, while a brewing dispute over police risk allowances threatens a go-slow. Culture: Chinese Wu Opera performers drew a standing ovation in Maseru at a gala marking Lesotho’s 60th independence anniversary.

Culture: Chinese Wu Opera performers earned a standing ovation in Maseru at a gala marking Lesotho’s 60th independence anniversary, attended by Queen ’Masenate Mohato Seeiso and senior officials. Public Health: Lesotho has confirmed 12 measles cases in Butha-Buthe and reported 20 suspected cases across the northern districts of Butha-Buthe and Leribe. Health teams are tracing contacts and checking vaccination gaps. Regional Tensions: Anti-migrant violence and looting continued in Durban, raising concern for Basotho and other migrants in South Africa; the government has withdrawn the asylum-processing directive at the centre of the unrest. Policing: A go-slow looms in the Lesotho Mounted Police Service as officers protest the government’s reported reversal of a phased increase to their risk allowance. Jobs: A new textiles strategy targets more than 70,000 jobs by 2033, alongside higher exports and investment, as the sector seeks to move into higher-value production and process wool and mohair locally.

Public Health: Lesotho has confirmed 12 measles cases and recorded 20 suspected cases in Butha-Buthe and Leribe. Response teams are tracing contacts and checking vaccination gaps. Regional Safety: Anti-migrant violence in Durban continued for a second day, with shops looted and homes set alight. South Africa has withdrawn its asylum-processing directive after clashes, and says it will develop a fresh approach. Police Dispute: A go-slow is looming in the Lesotho Mounted Police Service after officers say government reneged on a phased plan to raise their risk allowance from M100 to M1,500. Jobs and Industry: A new textiles strategy targets more than 70,000 jobs and US$1 billion in annual exports by 2033, with plans to expand local wool and mohair processing. University Probe: A forensic report recommends referring allegations of governance failures and financial irregularities involving NUL acting vice-chancellor Kananelo Mosito to the DCEO and police. Economy: Lesotho’s growth has held up, while inflation eased to 2.6% in August; the World Bank expects it to rise to 4.4% next year.

Creative Economy: Lesotho’s proposed Digital Roadmap aims to help artists reach global markets and create jobs, while addressing weak intellectual-property protection and limited access to finance. Textile Jobs: A new industry strategy targets more than 70,000 jobs, US$1 billion in annual exports and US$400 million in investment by 2033, with a push to process more wool and mohair locally. Economic Outlook: Growth in Lesotho has held up despite regional pressures; inflation eased to 2.6% in August, though the World Bank expects it to rise next year. Public Health: Measles has been confirmed in Butha-Buthe and Leribe, with 12 confirmed and 20 suspected cases reported by September 30. Health teams are tracing contacts and checking vaccination gaps. Water Governance: WASCO faces Public Accounts Committee scrutiny over the award of a smart-meter contract, including questions about a bidder’s trip to China and its proposed partner’s withdrawal.

Health: Lesotho has confirmed 12 measles cases in Butha-Buthe and six suspected cases in Leribe. Health teams are tracing contacts and checking vaccination gaps as cases among schoolchildren raise concern. Public Accountability: WASCO faces scrutiny over a smart-meter contract awarded to FocalPoint. MPs questioned the procurement process and a China trip by executives while the company was bidding; the contract was terminated in September. Jobs and Industry: Apparel accounts for more than 80% of manufacturing value added, but the sector has lost jobs: employment has fallen from 38,000–40,000 in 2023 to an estimated 30,000–35,000, amid factory closures and export uncertainty. Water and Power: Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project is designed to lift annual water deliveries from 780 million to more than 1.27 billion cubic metres, while expanding domestic hydropower. Economy: The World Bank says the loti was among regional currencies that fell by up to 7.2% during second-quarter exchange-rate pressures.

Textiles and Jobs: Apparel accounts for more than 80% of Lesotho’s manufacturing value added, but employment has fallen to 30,000–35,000 from as many as 40,000 in 2023. A new sector strategy aims to attract investment and create better jobs. Climate Resilience: A five-year, US$10 million project will support 80 small businesses developing climate solutions in water, energy and agriculture. Food Security: Lesotho is urging that a proposed US$1 billion African seed initiative deliver funding directly to smallholder farmers. King Letsie III is due to address the FAO World Food Forum in Rome on October 12. Water Costs: WASCO’s new connection fees take effect November 1, with a base charge of M3,335.60. Culture: Lesotho has nominated the traditional Basotho hat for possible UNESCO intangible heritage recognition. Currency Pressure: The World Bank says the loti was among regional currencies that fell by up to 7.2% in the second quarter amid energy-price and geopolitical pressures.

NUL Dispute: Suspended Pro-Vice Chancellor Kananelo Mosito has asked the Court of Appeal to require the university to produce records supporting his suspension and the appointment of an investigator, escalating his legal challenge against the council. Textile Jobs: Apparel accounts for more than 80% of Lesotho’s manufacturing value added, but the sector has lost ground: US exports fell by over a third between 2022 and 2023, and employment has dropped to 30,000–35,000 from 38,000–40,000 in 2023. A new strategy aims to attract investment and create jobs. Climate Resilience: A five-year, US$10 million project will support 80 small businesses developing climate solutions in water, energy, food and agriculture. Lesotho has also urged that a proposed US$1 billion African seed fund reach smallholder farmers. Household Costs: WASCO’s new water connection fee takes effect November 1, with a base charge of M3,335.60. Regional Ties: Lesotho and Eswatini plan to strengthen trade, education and agricultural cooperation.

Water Bills: WASCO’s new connection fee takes effect on November 1: M3,335.60 for the first metre, excluding the water meter, plus M10.35 for each additional metre. Climate Resilience: A five-year, US$10 million project will support 80 small businesses developing solutions in water, energy, food and agriculture, aiming to build resilience and create green jobs. Agriculture: Lesotho has urged that a proposed US$1 billion African seed fund deliver grants and flexible financing directly to smallholder farmers and climate-vulnerable countries. Regional Ties: Lesotho and Eswatini want to revive education programmes and expand trade and agricultural cooperation, with progress reviewed annually. Economic Pressures: The loti fell by more than 6% against the US dollar in the second quarter amid regional market turmoil. Shared Rivers: A new survey of the Senqu-Orange basin will assess water quality and ecosystem health across the river system shared by Lesotho and neighbouring countries.

Lesotho Independence & sovereignty: Lesotho marked 60 years of independence in Maseru with King Letsie III and regional leaders, while debate continues on what “sovereignty” means in 2026—from cultural ownership and stronger copyright enforcement to digital rights and data control. Agriculture & food security: Lesotho’s new Ha Foso agricultural food storage facility is temporarily holding farming inputs for summer cropping due to storage shortages, with officials saying a separate announcement will follow once grain storage becomes operational. Water & environment: ORASECOM has started the Fourth Joint Basin Survey (JBS4) on the Senqu River and tributaries, running to December 15, to track water quality and ecosystem health across the Orange–Senqu system. Regional justice leadership: Namibia took over chairmanship of the Southern and Eastern Africa Judicial Administrators’ Association, with Lesotho named vice chair. Sports (Lesotho-linked): Lesotho’s Khiba Herbert Mohoanyane was appointed match commissioner for the Beach Soccer AFCON qualifier in Nigeria, as Ghana’s Black Sharks prepare to face the Sand Eagles. Regional economy & tech: M-Pesa in Lesotho renewed its sponsorship of the Maletsunyane Braai Festival, supporting local enterprise and tourism.

Independence Celebrations: Lesotho marked its 60th Independence Anniversary in Maseru, with King Letsie III and visiting King Mswati III of Eswatini highlighting the “sister monarchies” bond and Lesotho’s role in regional integration. National Identity & Leadership: Prime Minister Sam Matekane urged Basotho to “reclaim” a national identity built on discipline, resilience, vigilance and hard work. Regional Diplomacy: King Mswati III praised Lesotho’s contributions to Southern Africa’s political and economic landscape over six decades, from SADCC’s founding to SADC treaty commitments. Justice System: The Court of Appeal is set for its second session next Tuesday with 45 cases, including a closely watched matter involving National University of Lesotho (NUL) leadership. Energy & Infrastructure: LHDA awarded geotechnical contracts for the proposed 120MW Oxbow Hydropower Scheme, advancing preliminary engineering for a peaking plant to reduce power imports. Business & Finance: Letshego plans a P800m rights offer on the BSE, with major shareholder BPOPF fully underwriting the raise. Sports & Culture: Lesotho will host a FIDE-rated Independence Chess Tournament in Maseru (10–11 Oct), while regional football coverage continues to spotlight AFCON qualifying and international friendlies.