AGP Executive Report

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.

Water Crisis Watch: Carte Blanche is set to air a special on South Africa’s deepening water crisis, sending an international hydrology team from Johannesburg to Lesotho to model how the Vaal–Lesotho Water System could cope with extreme heat and failing municipal infrastructure. SACU Summit Fallout: Leaders wrapped up the 9th SACU Heads of State summit in Cape Town, with Ramaphosa warning no country can prosper alone and pushing a “re-imagined SACU Agenda” for stronger regional value chains; Lesotho PM Samuel Matekane was among those present. Lesotho–SA Border Tensions: Lesotho says it has raised concerns with South Africa over new vehicle pre-declaration rules for Basotho motorists, while South Africa’s authorities have assured Basotho safety ahead of the June 30 anti-immigration march. Central Bank Fraud Alert: The Central Bank of Lesotho warned the public against bogus investment schemes and unlicensed entities falsely claiming CBL authorisation. Regional Finance Appointments: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Southern Africa regional operations chief, effective May 1. Local Business & Tourism: June 30 immigration protests are already hitting township tourism bookings in South Africa, with operators reporting sharp revenue drops. Sports & Community: Lesotho launched a men’s dialogue programme aimed at tackling GBV and promoting healing, identity and responsibility among Basotho men.

SACU Summit Focus: Southern African Customs Union leaders wrapped up their 9th Summit in Cape Town, with President Cyril Ramaphosa telling members that no country can prosper alone amid shifting trade, new technology and disrupted supply chains, while Lesotho’s Prime Minister Samuel Matekane attended alongside other heads of state to push a “re-imagined” SACU agenda and reforms. Lesotho–South Africa Tensions: Lesotho’s foreign affairs minister Limpho Tau said South Africa has a moral obligation to help lift Lesotho out of poverty linked to land dispossession, migrant labour and apartheid-era raids, and also sought assurances for Basotho safety ahead of a June 30 protest march. Border Rules and Trader Pressure: Lesotho raised concerns with South Africa over new vehicle declaration requirements for Basotho motorists, as Revenue Services Lesotho urged traders to comply with customs declarations to protect SACU revenue, highlighting its Authorised Economic Operator programme. Financial Fraud Warning: The Central Bank of Lesotho warned the public against fraudulent investment schemes and unlicensed entities falsely claiming CBL authorisation, naming several platforms to avoid. Regional Appointments: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Southern Africa Director of Regional Operations, effective May 1, as the bank pushes intra-African trade and local-currency settlement systems. Community and Skills: CAFI and the Central Bank of Lesotho trained media practitioners on investment and financial reporting, while Lesotho Post Bank promoted tractor financing to farmers in Berea. Safety and Justice: In South Africa, three Lesotho nationals appeared in court over the Jumpers informal settlement mass shooting that killed 13 and injured 14, with the case postponed for address verification.

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.