AGP Executive Report

Media Freedom Under Pressure: Lesotho police say they can’t move forward on the abduction case of Newsday editor Kananelo Boloetse because he is “in hiding” and not reachable, while Boloetse says he fears for his life. Public Safety & Justice: Police also appealed for him to come forward, admitting they don’t know if he is still alive, as rights groups demand an independent probe. Infrastructure Milestone (LHWP II): Two newly completed bridges—Khubelu and Mabunyaneng—in Mokhotlong were opened as part of Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, restoring year-round access for communities affected by the Polihali Reservoir. Health Preparedness Boost: WHO and the Pandemic Fund handed over about M2.5m in medical and ICT equipment to strengthen Lesotho’s disease surveillance and outbreak response. Telecoms & Cost of Living: Starlink-linked competition is pushing down mobile data prices; the cheapest 30-day 1GB bundle fell to M32.75 in September 2026 from M42.00 in 2023. Food Security: Agriculture Minister Selibe Mochoboroane urged farmers to share practical knowledge and skills to raise production, saying training alone isn’t enough. Crime Crackdown: South Africa and Lesotho destroyed 1,787 illegal firearms seized in joint operations to curb cross-border violence and trafficking.

CAF Champions League: Yanga advanced after beating Gaborone United 2-1 (3-2 on aggregate), setting up a second preliminary-round clash with Madagascar’s CFFA, who eliminated Lesotho’s Lijabatho 3-1 on aggregate. Police & rights: A Lesotho journalist and human rights defender, Kananelo Boloetse, was reportedly abducted and assaulted; Amnesty and press groups demand an independent investigation, while the US Embassy has stayed silent. Public safety: South Africa and Lesotho police destroyed 1,700+ illegal firearms seized in joint operations to curb cross-border crime. Health support: WHO and the Pandemic Fund handed Lesotho medical and ICT equipment worth about M2.5m to strengthen disease surveillance and healthcare delivery. Environment & community: RSL and the Forestry Department planted 2,000 trees at Kolonyama, Leribe, as part of ongoing forest restoration. Royal affairs: Thousands mourned King Oyo Nyimba Rukiidi IV in Fort Portal ahead of burial. Infrastructure: Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase 2 bridges in Mokhotlong are set for unveiling as oversight continues. Youth & jobs: A wool and mohair roadshow urges Teyateyaneng youths to add value to fibres and grow businesses. Travel: South Korea says Lesotho citizens can enter with K-ETA and stay up to 60 days.

Firearms Crackdown: South Africa and Lesotho police destroyed 1,787–1,700 illegal firearms seized during crime-fighting operations, with the weapons transported to South Africa for destruction as part of tighter cross-border cooperation against trafficking, stock theft and vehicle crime. Health Support: WHO and the Pandemic Fund handed Lesotho medical and ICT equipment worth about M2.5 million, including blood glucose monitors, stethoscopes and ECG machines, plus laptops, tablets and modems to strengthen disease surveillance and healthcare delivery. Mental Health Alarm: Lesotho’s health ministry says 1 in 4 learners aged 13–17 seriously considered suicide, with many reporting they have nobody to talk to—prompting renewed calls for better support for young people. Press Freedom Under Scrutiny: Amnesty International and press groups renewed demands for an independent investigation after journalist Kananelo Boloetse was allegedly abducted and assaulted in Maseru. Infrastructure Update: Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase 2 oversight continues as two newly completed bridges—Mabunyaneng and Khubelu—are set to be unveiled in Mokhotlong. Travel Ease: South Korea announced Lesotho is among African countries whose citizens can enter using K-ETA for up to 60 days.

Health & Rights: Amnesty International says Lesotho must urgently investigate the reported abduction and brutal assault of journalist Kananelo Boloetse, and protect him from further threats. Water Infrastructure: Minister Pemmy Majodina is on a 11–13 September oversight visit to LHWP Phase 2, with two newly completed bridges—Mabunyaneng and Khubelu—set to be unveiled in Mokhotlong, alongside a check on Polihali Dam and related works. Agriculture & Jobs: Farmers are being urged to improve grain production through knowledge sharing, while a wool and mohair roadshow in Teyateyaneng and other districts pushes youths to add value to fibre and grow businesses. Travel Access: South Korea has announced Lesotho as one of the African countries whose citizens can enter using K-ETA and stay up to 60 days. Sports Development: Lesotho Aquatics is set to get its first swimming pool at Ratjomose Barracks, funded through World Aquatics’ Pools for All programme. Business & Governance: Police have sent the Life-Line pharmacy death case of former Lesotho Times production chief Moletsane Makhabane to the DPP for possible prosecution.

LHWP II Bridges Update: Water Minister Pemmy Majodina is in Lesotho for quarterly oversight of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase 2, with two newly completed bridges in Mokhotlong—Mabunyaneng and Khubelu—set to be unveiled this week, alongside a visit to the Polihali Dam site and related tunnel and resettlement areas. Visa-Free Travel: South Korea has confirmed that Lesotho passport holders can enter using K-ETA instead of a traditional visa, with stays of up to 60 days. Agriculture & Livestock: Farmers Pitso Agriculture Week kicked off in Maseru, putting livestock production and the value chain under the spotlight as stakeholders push for practical solutions amid food insecurity. Anti-Corruption: Opposition MP Jane Lekunya has agreed to repay M6 million and cooperate with prosecutors in an alleged M109 million agriculture tender fraud case. Press Freedom Alarm: Amnesty International is urging Lesotho authorities to investigate the reported abduction and assault of journalist Kananelo Boloetse, saying journalists and rights defenders must work safely. Sports Development: Lesotho Aquatics is set to get its first swimming pool at Ratjomose Barracks in Maseru through World Aquatics’ Pools for All programme.

Defence Procurement Crisis: Defence and National Security PS Mpopo Tšoele has suspended the ministry’s procurement manager, Senate Makhaola, and taken procurement functions into his own hands, with allegations he bypassed bidding and left existing suppliers in limbo. Corruption Courtroom Move: Opposition MP Jane Lekunya has agreed to repay M6 million and become a prosecution witness in the M109 million agriculture tender scam, after DCEO findings of fraudulent handling of fertiliser, seed and pesticide contracts. Journalist Safety Alarm: Amnesty International and other groups are calling for an independent investigation into the reported abduction and assault of Newsday editor Kananelo Boloetse, while the Defence PS denies any LDF involvement. State Utility “Limbo”: The prolonged suspension of Lesotho Electricity Company (LEC) executives is being criticised as an indefinite hold-up that must end with clear disciplinary outcomes. Local Government Finance: Maseru City Council is reportedly considering relocating to the Old Parliament Building to ease a crippling M49 million rental arrears problem. Sports & Youth: Lesotho Aquatics is set to get its first swimming pool via World Aquatics’ Pools for All; and the men’s cricket coach named a 14-man squad for T20 World Cup Africa qualifiers in Nigeria. Tourism & Trade: Lesotho secures duty-free U.S. market access under AGOA until 2028, while the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation plans a Tourism Pitso to attract investment and boost the sector.

AGOA Boost for Exports: Lesotho has secured duty-free U.S. market access for key textiles, apparel and fisheries exports until December 2028, after the U.S. approved an AGOA extension effective September 2. Early Childhood Education: The Ministry of Education and Training says ECCD and reception classes remain a priority, handing over facilities at Ntjabane Government Primary School and targeting wider rollout to reach tens of thousands of children. Anti-Corruption Update: Opposition MP Jane Lekunya has agreed to repay M6-million linked to an alleged M109-million agriculture tender fraud, with the DCEO pursuing asset recovery alongside prosecution. Journalist Safety Alarm: Outrage continues over the reported abduction and assault of journalist Kananelo Boloetse, with media and human rights groups calling for an urgent, independent investigation. Tourism Push: The Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation will host a Tourism Pitso on September 16–17 to attract investment and map strategies for growing Lesotho’s tourism ahead of the 60th independence anniversary. Education Tech Funding: Injini is launching an AI venture builder for early-stage EdTech teams across Southern Africa, with Lesotho among the eligible countries. Infrastructure Milestone: LHDA will launch the Mabunyaneng and Khubelu bridges in Mokhotlong, completing major works under Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.

Journalism under threat: Amnesty International and other rights groups are calling for an urgent, independent investigation into the reported abduction, assault and death threats against Lesotho journalist Kananelo Boloetse, after RSF said police have resumed investigations via a special team. Inclusive education push: A five-day workshop in Maseru is training teachers to remove barriers to special education and standardise inclusive practices across schools and districts. Infrastructure for Mokhotlong: The LHDA will launch the Mabunyaneng and Khubelu bridges in Mokhotlong, completing Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project and improving year-round access linked to the Polihali Reservoir. Tourism drive: LTDC and the Ministry of Tourism will host a Tourism Pitso in September to attract investment and partnerships and boost Lesotho’s tourism ahead of the 60th independence anniversary. Food support begins: DMA says food grains purchasing starts 18 September, buying registered farmers’ produce (10% of registered grains) to support vulnerable households. Mobile airtime upgrade: Vodacom Lesotho launched Dynamic Airtime, letting users top up without fixed voucher denominations. EdTech funding for Basotho teams: Injini opened applications for a $125,000 AI venture builder for early-stage education teams across Southern Africa, including Lesotho. Sports (regional): COSAFA U-20 qualifiers in Mozambique begin 18 September, with South Africa drawn alongside Lesotho and Eswatini in Group B.

LHDA Infrastructure: Lesotho Highlands Development Authority will officially launch the Mabunyaneng and Khubelu bridges in Mokhotlong on Friday, marking completion of Phase II works under the Lesotho Highlands Water Project and promising safer, year-round access for communities linked to the future Polihali Reservoir. Tourism Push: The Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation will host a two-day Tourism Pitso (Sept 16–17) with the Ministry of Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture to attract investment, boost market access and showcase Lesotho’s tourism ahead of the 60th independence anniversary. Press Freedom Alarm: Outrage is growing over the reported abduction, torture and assault of journalist Kananelo Boloetse, with Amnesty International and Media Women Association of Lesotho calling for an urgent, independent investigation and protection for journalists and human rights defenders. Food Security Plan: The Disaster Management Authority says food grain purchases will start Sept 18 at Food Management Units nationwide, buying 10% of registered farmers’ grains, with set prices and weevil treatment support. Mobile Money Convenience: Vodacom Lesotho launched voucher-free Dynamic Airtime, letting users load custom top-up amounts from LSL 1.50. Sports Update: NBM Women’s Premiership Golden Boot winner Deborah Henry has undergone successful surgery after a distal fibula fracture during the CAF Women’s Champions League-COSAFA qualifier.

Global South Representation: Lesotho scholars say China’s Global Governance Initiative could help fix the underrepresentation of the Global South, with NUL academics backing the idea of reforming the international system from within. Press Freedom Under Threat: Amnesty International urges Lesotho authorities to urgently investigate the reported abduction, assault and death threats against journalist and human rights defender Kananelo Boloetse, calling for a prompt, independent probe and protection for media workers. AFCON Qualifiers Injury Woes: Morocco’s Atlas Lions face fresh setbacks ahead of qualifiers, with goalkeeper Yassine Bounou injured and striker Ayoub El Kaabi ruled out for months; meanwhile Sofyan Amrabat says he will not play for Morocco while coach Mohamed Ouahbi remains in charge. Trade Boost for Basotho Exporters: Lesotho secures continued duty-free access to the US under an AGOA extension signed into law until December 2028, benefiting textiles, apparel and fisheries. Justice System Spotlight: Zimbabwe appoints Justice Charles Hungwe as Court of Appeal president and elevates three High Court judges, with Hungwe recently serving in Lesotho on SADC secondment. Safety and Preparedness: Lesotho’s Disaster Management Authority will host a National Climate Outlook Forum to share seasonal forecasts and push preparedness across sectors. Police-Linked Financial Support: Liberty Life Lesotho launches a partnership with LEPOSA to strengthen officers’ financial resilience through group cover and financial literacy programmes.

AGOA Boost for Lesotho Exporters: Lesotho’s duty-free access to the US under AGOA has been extended to December 2028, giving textiles, apparel and fisheries exporters a reprieve after tariff lines expired on 24 July 2026. Migration Pressure in South Africa: An Inter-Ministerial Committee update on President Ramaphosa’s five-point migration plan says authorities processed 86,596 foreign nationals for deportation and repatriation between 14 June and 20 August, with most repatriations linked to illegal entry. Illegal Mining Crackdown (West Rand): South African police and the SANDF arrested 30 suspects in Mohlakeng during Operation Prosper and seized generators, jackhammers and explosives, with some suspects also charged under immigration laws. Lesotho Sports Spotlight (CAF U-20 Cosafa Qualifier): Fixtures for the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Cosafa Qualifier in Mozambique were released, with South Africa opening against Lesotho on 19 September. Local Business & Governance: Liberty Life Lesotho launched a partnership with LEPOSA in Maseru to support police officers’ financial resilience and literacy. Independence Plans: Lesotho will hold a national prayer walk from New Parliament to Old Parliament ahead of the 60th Independence anniversary.

Judiciary Shake-up: Zimbabwe has sworn in Justice Charles Hungwe as new Court of Appeal president, while three High Court judges were elevated to the Supreme Court bench; Hungwe recently served on SADC secondment in Lesotho. Lesotho Justice System: In Maseru, the Justice Sector Coordination Forum urged courts, police and correctional services to move from planning to faster action to rebuild public trust. Health Accountability: The Public Accounts Committee ordered Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital to audit all nursing staff after allegations that a nursing assistant used a fraudulent licence for years, raising wider concerns about how credentials were verified. Tourism & Business Integrity: The LTDC CEO appointment is under scrutiny after board sources say pressure came from people close to the Prime Minister to push a preferred candidate. National Events & Climate: Lesotho will hold a national prayer for the 60th Independence anniversary, and the Disaster Management Authority will host a National Climate Outlook Forum. Weather Watch: Severe storms are expected to affect the region, with warnings including areas along the Lesotho border. Sports: CAF Champions League first-leg results include Lesotho’s CFFA beating Lijabatho 2-0, while Yanga coach Manqoba Mngqithi says the squad can challenge for the title. Economy & Prices: A Lesotho-focused study says businesses are squeezed by credit costs, geography and a large state, while vegetable prices in South Africa show onions up and potatoes easing—likely feeding into Maseru retail.

Home Affairs Deportations: South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs spent over R175m to deport 57,464 foreign nationals in two years, while 3,731 people remain in detention awaiting removal near Lindela’s capacity. Independence Commemoration: Lesotho will hold a national prayer on Wednesday to mark the 60th Independence anniversary, starting with a walk from New Parliament to Old Parliament under the theme “National Colours.” AI for Education: Injini opened applications for an eight-month AI EdTech venture builder across nine Southern African countries, selecting teams to build AI-powered education products. CAF Football: Lesotho’s CAF Champions League hopes get a boost as CFFA beat Lijabatho 2-0 and will travel to Lesotho with a lead for the return leg. Illegal Mining Fallout: Illegal mining is blamed for road collapses and infrastructure damage in Johannesburg, with residents also reporting rising violence around mining areas. Mercy Mission Fundraising: Mercy Mission is urgently seeking public and business support after donor losses threaten its Orphan 7 and Imam Development Program across 14 countries. Weather Alert: South Africa faces severe storms Monday, with an Orange Level 6 warning for hail, heavy rain and flooding risk along the Lesotho border and parts of SA. Justice and Health Scrutiny: Lesotho’s Public Accounts Committee orders audits at Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital after allegations of nursing licence fraud, while it also questions foreign doctors’ credentials. Sports Spotlight: Basotho marathoner Tebello Ramakongoana won bronze at the 2026 TCS Sydney Marathon, improving to 2:04:57.

Climate Preparedness: Lesotho’s Disaster Management Authority will host a National Climate Outlook Forum with Lesotho Meteorological Services to share the seasonal forecast and push coordinated preparedness across government, UN agencies, donors, NGOs and business. Violence Against Rights Defenders: Human rights activist and journalist Kananelo Boloetse says he was abducted, assaulted and dumped at Thaba-Bosiu after attackers questioned him about his work, and he has opened a police case. Hospital Licence Fraud Scrutiny: The Public Accounts Committee ordered audits at Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital after allegations that a nursing assistant worked for years using a fraudulent licence, and it also raised concerns about foreign doctors’ credentials, including a paediatrics head. Tourism Leadership Allegations: Board sources at the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation say people close to the Prime Minister tried to push a preferred CEO candidate, but the board did not recommend her. Justice System Push: The Ministry of Law and Justice says courts, police and corrections must move from planning to action to rebuild public trust. Weather Watch (Regional): South Africa’s SAWS issued severe storm warnings affecting areas along the Lesotho border, with flooding, hail and travel disruptions possible. Business & Accountability: A study on private sector challenges says firms face high credit costs, a large state, geography and fraud/misconduct they struggle to detect.

Green Card Lottery: The US State Department has released the full DV-2026 “Green Card Lottery” country list, with about 129,516 prospective applicants registered worldwide and African nations featuring prominently; selectees must complete the process by 30 September 2026 or lose their chance. Human Rights: Journalist Kananelo Boloetse says armed men abducted, handcuffed and tortured him near Thaba-Bosiu before he was released and opened a police case. Weather Watch: South Africa’s SAWS issued an Orange Level 6 severe storm warning for parts of the North West, Free State and Northern Cape, with flooding, hail and damaging winds possible; Lesotho border areas are also under Yellow alerts. Health Integrity: Lesotho’s Public Accounts Committee ordered audits and credential checks at Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital after allegations of fraudulent nursing and paediatric qualifications, including a nursing assistant admitting she never sat the required exam. Governance & Courts: The Court of Appeal heard arguments in the Mosito contempt fight, with NUL saying the university did not defy the order. Business & Jobs: A CAFI-backed tour saw Trade Minister Motlatsi Maqelepo urge young people to start enterprises, especially in textiles and other sectors.

Diplomacy & Trade: Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry says it will push stronger trade and investment ties with Lesotho after talks with Foreign Affairs Minister Lempho Tao, highlighting opportunities in mining, precious stones, textiles and investment laws. Health Accountability: The Public Accounts Committee ordered action at Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital after allegations of fraudulent licensing—an 8-year nursing assistant practising certificate was ordered revoked and employment terminated, while PAC also demanded independent checks of an “unqualified” paediatric head’s credentials. Justice System Reform: Government, with EU support, launched a Justice Sector Coordination Forum to improve coordination across the justice chain and speed case flow. Legal Battles at NUL: The National University of Lesotho is challenging a contempt of court application by dismissed Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof Kananelo Mosito, arguing the Court of Appeal lacks jurisdiction. Public Safety: Lesotho’s border region is flagged in South Africa’s severe weather alerts, with storms bringing flooding, hail and damaging winds. Digital Economy: Vodacom Lesotho launched Dynamic Airtime, letting customers buy airtime electronically from as low as M1.50 without physical vouchers. Sports: LNIG Hollard and Lifofane FC signed a new three-year partnership; Lesotho taekwondo elected a new executive committee after years of delays.