AGP Executive Report

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: The road to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off this week with 48 teams in 12 groups and a six-round race to March, with hosts Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda already guaranteed spots. Lesotho in the mix: Lesotho are drawn in Group A alongside Morocco, Gabon and Niger, with Morocco set to host Gabon before travelling to Bloemfontein to face Lesotho. Kenya camp crisis: Harambee Stars players boycotted training over unpaid allowances ahead of their AFCON qualifier opener against Eritrea, demanding about Sh80,000 per player. Match officials: CAF named referees for key qualifiers, including Nigeria’s Joseph Ogabor for DR Congo vs Equatorial Guinea and Chadian Alhadji Allaou Mahamat for Nigeria vs Madagascar. Elections tech in SA: South Africa’s IEC says it’s ready for the 4 November local polls with improved voter management and results systems, after a ballot-position reshuffle. Water projects delays: Lesotho Highlands and other mega water projects face setbacks, with officials citing political instability, procurement issues and contractor problems.

Morocco-AFCON Qualifiers: Atlas Lions began preparations for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, training at the Mohammed VI complex ahead of Friday’s home opener against Gabon, then a trip to Bloemfontein to face Lesotho on 29 September; the squad includes Villarreal’s Ilias Akhomach, while Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz is widely expected to miss the window due to physical issues. Lesotho Football (COSAFA U-20): Lesotho’s U-20s were beaten 2-0 by South Africa in Group B, leaving them without points, while Eswatini’s late 3-2 win over Lesotho keeps the race tight ahead of the final group matches. Water Projects: Lesotho’s water infrastructure push faces delays, with officials pointing to criminality, procurement and workmanship problems, and community pushback as mega-projects lag behind schedule. China-Lesotho Ties: The Chinese Embassy in Maseru marked the PRC’s 77th founding anniversary, highlighting cooperation in energy, health, agriculture and trade, including Lesotho wool exports. World Food Day (Leribe): Leribe will commemorate World Food Day on 30 October with activities on hunger, nutrition and climate-smart agriculture at Taale Resource Centre.

COSAFA U-20: Lesotho’s Under-20s remain winless after a 2-0 loss to South Africa, while Amajita booked their semifinal spot with a 2-0 win over Angola and now need only a point against Eswatini to confirm qualification. AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Ghana’s campaign kicks off with an away trip to Côte d’Ivoire, and Morocco travel to Lesotho on 29 September as the qualifiers run home-and-away across six matchdays. Lesotho Politics: The Public Accounts Committee halted proceedings with Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital after the Medical Council and Nursing Council failed to submit required reports on unqualified practice. Sports Transfers: The PSL mid-year transfer window has closed with clubs making over 220 signings, but no major last-minute moves reported. Weather: Expect warm conditions with morning fog and afternoon thunderstorms in parts of the region, including areas along the Lesotho border. Regional Sports Hosting: Kenya says it will host the Africa Boxing Championships in October, with Lesotho among confirmed participants. Education & Research: NUL signed an MoU with a Russian university to expand research, Russian-language instruction, and an AI in Education course for Lesotho lecturers.

COSAFA U-20 Football: South Africa beat Lesotho’s U-20 2-0 in Group B, with Lazola Maku and Steven Mendes scoring as the “Palanquinhas” slipped to second place behind Bafana Bafana. Local Sports: Amajita reached the COSAFA U-20 semi-finals after beating Angola 2-0, while Lesotho’s U-20 earlier faced a tough COSAFA run. World Food Day: Leribe will mark World Food Day on 30 October at Taale Resource Centre under the theme “Innovate today, nourish tomorrow,” with climate-smart farming demonstrations and a clay oven showcase. Parliament Oversight: PAC proceedings involving Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital were paused after the Medical Council and Nursing Council failed to submit required qualification reports, with follow-ups continuing on alleged funds issues. Education & Research: NUL signed an MoU with Perm State Humanitarian Pedagogical University to expand Russian-language teaching and launch an “AI in Education” course for Lesotho lecturers. Tourism & Culture: Ghana’s Kacstone Records and Sister Kingdom Network took part in the Lesotho Tourism Pitso in Maseru, including presenting a Northern Ghana smock to Lesotho’s tourism minister. Weather: Tuesday is expected to be partly cloudy and cool to warm, with isolated afternoon showers and thunderstorms, and morning fog patches near the Lesotho border.

PAC and QMMH: Lesotho’s Public Accounts Committee halted proceedings against Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital after the Medical Council and Nursing Council failed to submit required reports on doctors allegedly practising without qualifications, while the PAC also followed up on a reported M4 million deposit expected into the hospital’s Nedbank account. Health and pain: A UCT-led study says one in seven hospital patients across Africa experiences severe pain, with 67.9% reporting some pain—highlighting a major gap in acute care. Travel access: South Korea published an ETA list for eight African countries, including Lesotho (60 days), Eswatini (30), and South Africa (30). Politics at ABC: The All Basotho Convention saw major leadership shake-ups as three NEC members resigned within hours, following the party’s secretary general stepping down last week. Tourism ties: Lesotho’s Tourism Pitso in Maseru hosted a Ghanaian delegation that presented a traditional Northern Ghana smock to the tourism minister, pushing cultural tourism links. Public service push: The Public Service Minister urged Quthing officials to improve delivery and tackle workplace incivility. Sports: Correctional Sunrise won the men’s title at the Red Skins International Open Volleyball Tournament in Maseru; Lesotho also featured in regional U20 COSAFA results.

Tourism & Culture: Lesotho’s Tourism Pitso in Maseru saw a traditional Northern Ghanaian smock presented to the Minister of Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture, as Ghanaian partners Kacstone Records and Sister Kingdom Network pushed cultural exchange and youth participation. Water & Health: Thaba Chweu residents in Mpumalanga say contaminated water and sewage pollution continue despite past undertakings, with reports of unsafe bacteria levels and no chlorine, leaving families to suffer stomach problems. Immigration Rules: The UK published airport transit visa lists for 2026, including Lesotho, warning travellers they could be denied boarding without the required visa. Finance & Jobs: Lesotho’s textile sector is set for growth after FNB funding under the Inclusive Growth Facility, with plans for about 1,400 new jobs through expansions at Vishan Clothing and Leo Garments. Governance & Courts: The Court of Appeal struck out a bid to review a Standard Lesotho Bank matter over procedural missteps, while another Afriski Mountain Resort control dispute remains unresolved. Public Safety: SAAPA called for tougher alcohol regulation after concerns about underage drinking, including children as young as nine or 10.

LHWC Patronage Row: Natural Resources Minister Mohlomi Moleko tried to install a new advisory unit at the Lesotho Highlands Water Commission linked to the ruling RFP, but cabinet ordered him to reverse the appointments. Court Watch: The Court of Appeal struck down a bid to review the Moletsane Standard Lesotho Bank case, and also dismissed an urgent Afriski appeal that sought to fast-track a challenge to a High Court order. Central Bank Alarm: Central Bank staff warn the new headquarters has cracked, flooded and could collapse, echoing earlier reported defects. Jobs & Industry: Finance Minister Matlanyane says textile firms Vishan Clothing and Leo Garments will expand under the Inclusive Growth Facility, targeting at least 1,400 new jobs. Food Prices: Onions eased off Johannesburg’s last-week peak, with potatoes, cabbage and carrots also cheaper—key for Maseru shoppers. Health: Health officials recovered 160 bottles of expired ARVs dumped near Ha Thetsane and moved them to secure storage. Sports: Lesotho cyclists head to the MTN Khemani Classic in Mankayane; meanwhile, Lesotho’s U20 COSAFA campaign continues in Mozambique.

Mental Health: A National University of Lesotho student nurse warns that unresolved emotional struggles can build into crisis, urging people to talk, journal, create, and reach out to trusted friends. Public Service Delivery: In Quthing, the Public Service Minister urged officials to improve service delivery and tackle workplace incivility, including delays in post-retirement pay. SDGs Push: Lesotho joined a UN call for accelerated Sustainable Development Goals action ahead of the 2027 SDG Summit, with the Foreign Affairs Minister attending in New York. Alcohol Harm: SAAPA says underage drinking is already happening, with children as young as nine or 10 consuming alcohol, and calls for tougher controls and a higher legal drinking age. Health & Safety: The Ministry of Health recovered expired ARVs dumped near Ha Thetsane, warning against improper disposal and misuse. Jobs & Industry: Government says FNB funding under the Inclusive Growth Facility is expected to create at least 1,400 jobs through textile and clothing expansions. Football: Lesotho’s U20 team is set for COSAFA qualifiers in Mozambique, while STANLIB backs the Vodacom Premier League with a Man of the Match cash programme.

COSAFA U20 Build-up: Kaizer Chiefs’ youngsters landed in South Africa’s Amajita squad for the COSAFA U20 Championship in Mozambique, with five Chiefs players named and the team set to face Lesotho in Group B. Lesotho-South Africa Border Tensions: A video shared by Action SA claims a damaged border fence at the Lesotho crossing has long been used for illegal entry, with alleged informal traders offering to smuggle goods. Football Sponsorship Boost: STANLIB Lesotho injected M250,000 into the Vodacom Premier League Man of the Match programme, rewarding players after every fixture. Maternal Health Under Pressure: MPs report climate change is worsening access to maternal care in Mafeteng, with women forced to cross flooded rivers to reach services and facing higher GBV risks. Health Safety Watch: The Ministry of Health recovered 160 bottles of expired ARVs near Ha Thetsane and says they’ve been quarantined for authorised disposal. Prison Contraband Crackdown: The Madlanga Commission heard that over 102,000 cellphones were seized in prisons between 2023 and 2026, linked to an illicit prison economy. Cycling Next Weekend: Lesotho cyclists are expected to take part in the MTN Khemani Cycling Club road race in Mankayane, with registration closing today.

AFCON 2027 Focus: Ghana named a 24-man squad for qualifiers against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia, with Mohammed Kudus returning after a long injury lay-off, and the Black Stars set to test themselves further in a friendly vs Morocco on 4 October. Lesotho Football: STANLIB Lesotho has put M250,000 into the Vodacom Premier League Man of the Match programme for 2026/27, rewarding standout players after every match. Youth Sport: Lesotho’s Makoanyane XI head to the COSAFA U20 qualifiers in Ghana 2027, drawn with South Africa, eSwatini and Angola, while Lesotho will compete in only eight sports at the AUSC Region 5 Youth Games due to budget limits. Health & Safety: MPs warn climate change is worsening maternal health access and GBV risks in Mafeteng, and the Ministry of Health recovered expired ARVs dumped near Ha Thetsane, stressing proper disposal. Public Services: A shutdown of Lesotho’s Health Maintenance Project Implementing Unit from 30 September is raising fears for 1.3 million Basotho as clinics’ water, power and sanitation systems could be disrupted. Digital Push: Lesotho became the first African country to validate a Data Value Creation Blueprint, backing its digital transformation agenda.

Regional Finance: SADC is pushing a new phase of capital-market integration with the SADC Exchange Gateway, aiming to link stock exchanges for easier cross-border trading. Football & Youth: STANLIB Lesotho injects M250,000 into the Vodacom Premier League Man of the Match programme, while Lesotho’s Makoanyane XI head to the COSAFA U20 qualifiers in Ghana and Lesotho will compete in only eight codes at the AUSC Region 5 Youth Games due to budget limits. Health & Safety: MPs warn climate change is worsening maternal deaths and GBV risks, the Ministry of Health recovered expired ARVs dumped near Ha Thetsane, and concerns grow that shutting down Lesotho’s HM-PIU could disrupt services for over 1.3 million people. Public Services: Roads Directorate unveiled inclusive traffic signals with countdown timers and audible buzzers for pedestrians with disabilities. Governance & Justice: The Crown seeks harsh punishment in the Khetheng trial, while PWDAC and the Law Society sign an MoU to improve access to justice for persons with disabilities. Sports Abroad: Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi insists there’s no rift with Sofyan Amrabat and names squads for AFCON qualifiers, with a friendly vs Ghana set for 4 October.

AFCON build-up: Morocco confirmed a friendly against Ghana on 4 October in Tangier, after qualifiers against Gabon (25 Sept) and Lesotho (29 Sept), with coach Mohamed Ouahbi naming squads that include first-time call-ups like Abdellah Ouazane and Yassir Zabiri while addressing fallout around Sofyan Amrabat and the Ceuta shirt controversy. Lesotho football: Likuena’s AFCON qualifiers squad adds Bakuena Ramakatsa and Molefi Kulehile for matches in Accra (25 Sept) and Bloemfontein (29 Sept) against Niger and Morocco. Youth sport (Lesotho): Makoanyane XI head to Mozambique for the Region 5 COSAFA U20 qualifiers, drawn with South Africa, Angola and eSwatini, with Lesotho aiming to use DDC-style preparation to handle tough opposition. Local governance & costs: In South Africa, Johannesburg’s mayor Dada Morero urged Soweto spaza traders to register and pay municipal rates, arguing the informal sector’s unpaid bills are deepening city debt. Health & access: Lesotho faces major risk after government ordered the shutdown of the unit keeping 226 clinics and hospitals running, threatening water, power, sanitation and safe patient care for over 1.3 million people. Road safety: Lesotho’s Roads Directorate unveiled inclusive traffic signals with countdown timers and audible buzzers at the State Library intersection, to be rolled out along Kingsway. Environment & services: Revenue Services Lesotho (RSL) targets planting about 24,000 trees this year, continuing its tax-linked greening drive. Justice & rights: PWDAC and the Law Society signed an MoU to improve access to justice for persons with disabilities, tackling barriers from facilities to communication and procedures. Sports sponsorship: STANLIB injected M250,000 into the Vodacom Premier League for Man of the Match awards.

AFCON Qualifiers Focus: Morocco named a 30-man squad for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Gabon and Lesotho, with the Atlas Lions set to host Gabon on 25 September and travel to face Lesotho four days later, before a friendly vs Ghana on 4 October in Tangier. New Faces for Morocco: Coach Mohamed Ouahbi handed first senior call-ups to players including 17-year-old Abdellah Ouazane, plus other newcomers, while keeping key stars like Achraf Hakimi and Yassine Bounou. Lesotho Spotlight in Sports: The Morocco-Lesotho qualifier is scheduled for Bloemfontein, putting Lesotho’s national team in the spotlight during the international window. Media Freedom: MISA Lesotho condemned vandalism at KEL Radio in Morija and called for a transparent investigation. Inclusion at Home: Lesotho’s 2026 Population and Housing Census included questions on gender identity and sexuality, with LGBTIQ+ groups saying they finally feel “part of the Basotho.” Tourism Push: Lesotho’s Tourism Pitso urged practical partnerships to turn tourism assets into sustainable local business opportunities. Weather Alert Regionally: South Africa’s cold snap could bring heavy rain, flooding risk, and possible snow in higher areas including Lesotho.

Disaster Watch: South Africa’s weather bureau warns of heavy rain, flooding and possible snow, with Lesotho’s high areas among those at risk of snowfall and very cold, wet conditions lasting into Saturday. Media Freedom: MISA Lesotho condemns vandalism at KEL Radio in Morija and calls for a thorough, transparent investigation after equipment was reportedly destroyed. Education & Youth: Finance Minister Rets’elisitsoe Matlanyane says the Loan Bursary Fund will back 22,034 students in 2026/27, with living allowances already sent to institutions via the Bokamoso e-Portal. Tourism Push: The Ministry of Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture urges practical partnerships to turn Lesotho’s tourism assets into sustainable local business opportunities at the first Tourism Pitso in Maseru. Heritage in VR: Lesotho launches a 360-degree virtual reality experience, “Kings of Lesotho – The Royal Succession Story,” letting audiences explore royal sites from Thaba-Bosiu to Katse Dam. Sports Spotlight: Zambia’s U20 team arrives in Mozambique for the COSAFA U20 tournament, with Lesotho in the same group as South Africa and Eswatini. Rights & Inclusion: People’s Matrix Association calls for a safer environment for the LGBTQI community, urging communities to reject stigma and abuse.

Virtual Tourism & Heritage: Lesotho is rolling out a new 360-degree VR experience, “Kings of Lesotho – The Royal Succession Story,” taking viewers from Thaba-Bosiu through key royal sites and landscapes, with free public access at Alliance Francaise de Maseru from Sept 23 to Dec 4. Education & Skills: NECDOL is training reception class teachers to use digital devices to assess children’s learning and readiness, as part of its School Readiness Initiative. Early Childhood Development: Botho University and WASCO have signed an MoU to give students practical workplace experience in areas like water management, urban resilience and digital transformation. Public Health: A COMESA-linked recall has been issued for Woolworths’ WBeauty Complete Clarifying Shampoo after bacteria were detected; customers are urged to stop using and return it for a refund. Sports (Regional): CAF clearance means Ghana’s Accra Sports Stadium will host 2027 AFCON qualifiers, including Niger vs Lesotho and Somalia fixtures in Accra. Rights & Safety: The People’s Matrix Association Lesotho called for a safer environment for the LGBTQI community, citing stigma and abuse.

Migration & Remittances: Even as countries tighten migration controls, remittances are still rising, with IFAD reporting flows have doubled in recent data and family needs driving transfers. LGBTQI Safety Push: People’s Matrix Association Lesotho called for a safer environment for the LGBTQI community, citing stigma, abuse and exclusion from services and even families. Education & Jobs: Botho University and WASCO signed an MoU to give students practical workplace experience in areas like water management and digital transformation. Early Childhood Support: NECDOL is training reception class teachers to assess children’s learning using digital tools under its School Readiness Initiative. Royal Heritage Goes VR: A new 360-degree VR experience, “Kings of Lesotho – The Royal Succession Story,” will launch publicly from Sept 23 at Alliance Française de Maseru, with free touring exhibitions. Health Campaign: WHO-backed deworming plans target thousands of children across high-risk districts, with social mobilisation starting ahead of the exercise. AFCON 2027 Venue News: CAF cleared Ghana’s Accra Sports Stadium for international matches, and Niger and Somalia are set to use it for home qualifiers involving Lesotho. Hydropower & AI Deal Under Scrutiny: Lesotho’s $6.2bn Kobong Project with Convalt Energy faces conflict-of-interest questions after links to a minister’s stake in a potential local partner. Media Under Pressure: Commentaries renewed calls for answers after attacks on Lesotho’s media space, including the abduction of journalist Kananelo Boloetse and vandalism at KEL Radio.