AGP Executive Report

Human Rights & Safety: Former MISA Lesotho chairperson and human rights activist Kananelo Boloetse was allegedly abducted from his Katlehong home, assaulted by unknown men, and dumped at Thaba Bosiu. He says questions during the attack focused on his journalism and activism, with threats to kill him if he reported it. Workplace & Gender Justice: A woman accuses RFP CEO Booi Mohapi of demanding sex for a job after he allegedly contacted her on Facebook, sent her money via EcoCash, and then assaulted her in his office. Health & Accountability: Lesotho’s Public Accounts Committee ordered the revocation of a nursing assistant certificate at QMMH after an employee admitted she never sat for the required licensure exam, allegedly helped by a politically connected figure. Children’s Health Oversight: A parliamentary committee alleges an “unqualified” Eritrean doctor has been heading pediatrics at QMMH, questioning his retention certificate and raising concerns after a child death. Governance & Representation: A new analysis says Lesotho’s Parliament still has a representation gap for women and youth, with youth MPs limited to three men. Tourism & LHWP Benefits: Government admits it hasn’t fully harnessed tourism and economic opportunities created by the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, saying more must be done for communities around dams. Culture & Lifestyle: Lesotho-linked free-reed music is set to be celebrated regionally at South Africa’s SAFRA Heritage Gala, featuring accordion sounds connected to Lesotho’s Forere Motloheloa.

Health & Care: South Africa’s cervical cancer screening gap is still stubborn, with women least likely to get Pap smears also carrying the highest disease burden—an urgent reminder for Lesotho’s own prevention and screening push. Business & Accountability: A Lesotho private-sector study says firms are squeezed by credit costs, geography, and a large state, but warns fraud and workplace misconduct are the hardest constraints for businesses to spot and stop. Public Service Integrity: At Queen Mamohato Memorial Hospital, Lesotho’s Public Accounts Committee ordered action over alleged unqualified practice in pediatrics and ordered the revocation of a nursing assistant certificate after an admission she never sat for the required exam. Governance & Representation: A new discussion on Lesotho’s democracy flags a representation gap for women and youth in Parliament, with youth MPs reported as extremely limited. Politics & Justice: In Leribe High Court, a man was sentenced to 21 years for the 2011 fatal shooting of a friend, after a long, evidence-heavy case. Economy & Tourism: Government admits it hasn’t fully harnessed Lesotho Highlands Water Project tourism and economic opportunities for surrounding communities. Agriculture & Youth: Aeroponics is being promoted as a year-round, land-light farming option, with a push for young people to treat farming as a business. Regional Watch: South Africa’s illegal mining is damaging Johannesburg’s roads, power and water systems, while Western Cape immigration raids have led to long detentions of some overstayers.

Neonatal tragedy at Pims: At least 14 newborns reportedly died in a fire at the Pims neonatal unit, sparking renewed calls to look beyond headlines and address everyday infant deaths tied to poor care and nourishment. Health system accountability: Lesotho’s Public Accounts Committee ordered the Lesotho Nursing Council registrar to revoke a nursing assistant certificate after an employee admitted she never sat the required licensure exam, while another probe alleges an “unqualified” doctor has been heading pediatrics at QMMH. Justice in the courts: The High Court in Leribe sentenced Sekhompa Lekhotla to 21 years for the 2011 fatal shooting of a friend, in a case that took more than 15 years to resolve. Governance and representation: A new discussion highlights Lesotho’s ongoing representation gap for women and youth in Parliament, with youth MPs still extremely limited. Diplomacy and jobs: Lesotho’s foreign envoys from Ghana, Canada and Germany met the Prime Minister to discuss economic cooperation, including clean energy and bottled water exports. Politics in the region: South Africa’s local elections are drawing record nominations, underscoring how youth unemployment and political competition are reshaping local life.

Parliament & Representation: Lesotho’s democracy still struggles with a representation gap for women and youth in the National Assembly, with youth holding just three MPs and all of them men—raising concerns for how gender-based violence and early child marriage get addressed. Anti-Corruption & Assets: Lesotho’s DCEO has placed property worth M6.3m under a preservation order in an asset-recovery process linked to Legae Holdings figures, while multiple other corruption and economic-offence matters wait for court hearings. Tourism from LHWP: Government admits it hasn’t fully harnessed Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) opportunities for communities around project areas, despite progress on dams and tunnels—promising more focus on attractions, holiday homes and local tourism benefits. Education & Safety: The Ministry of Education and Training rolls out Safe and Inclusive Schools in 300 primary schools to protect learners from violence, strengthen reporting and referral, and train staff on positive discipline. Health & Culture Shift: A growing number of male midwives in Lesotho are challenging tradition as the country works to cut maternal deaths, with clinics in hard-to-reach areas relying on men like Ntlhane Sehloho to put women at ease. Youth Creativity: UNDP and partners host a Creative Challenge in Maseru encouraging young creatives to tackle GBV, substance abuse and mental health through art.

Parliament & youth representation: A new look at Lesotho’s democracy says women and young people remain badly underrepresented in the National Assembly, with youth currently holding just three seats and all of them held by men—raising concerns for how issues affecting women, children and families get debated. LHWP tourism promises vs reality: Government admits it hasn’t fully harnessed Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) Phase benefits for communities around dams, saying more work is needed beyond hotels—like holiday homes, fisheries and local attractions—to turn the project into real livelihoods. Anti-violence schools push: The Ministry of Education and Training rolls out Safe and Inclusive Schools in 300 primary schools, training staff on identifying and responding to physical, sexual and emotional violence, and setting up child-friendly reporting and referral links. Male midwives challenge tradition: A profile highlights growing numbers of male midwives in Lesotho as the country tackles high maternal mortality, showing how men are being trained to support women during pregnancy and birth. Corruption case update: Lesotho’s DCEO has placed property worth about M6.3m under a preservation order in an asset-recovery process tied to Legae Holdings figures, while noting the matter is not presented as a conviction. Agriculture innovation: Aeroponics is being promoted as a year-round, soil-free farming option for Lesotho, with a push for young people to treat farming as a business with marketing and customer focus.

NUL & Science Recognition: Maseru-based National University of Lesotho professor George Mosotho has been elected a Fellow of the Liberia Academy of Sciences, highlighting his work in analytical chemistry, environmental monitoring and science policy. Anti-Corruption & Asset Recovery: Lesotho’s Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences placed a property worth M6.3m under a preservation order as part of an asset-recovery process tied to Legae Holdings figures. Tourism & LHWP Benefits: Government admits it hasn’t fully harnessed Lesotho Highlands Water Project opportunities for communities, with calls for more tourism and local economic activities beyond just hotels. Gender & Youth Representation: A new look at Lesotho’s democracy says women and youth remain underrepresented in Parliament, with youth representation in the National Assembly still extremely limited. Safe Schools: The Ministry of Education and Training rolls out Safe and Inclusive Schools in 300 primary schools to prevent, report and respond to violence, with training for staff and child-friendly reporting channels. Men in Midwifery: A growing number of male midwives in Lesotho are helping tackle high childbirth deaths, easing access to care in rural areas. Labour & Wages: Workers at Precious Garments in Maseru strike over reduced hours, unpaid wages and alleged diversion of production to cheaper factories. Local Elections Watch (Regional): South Africa’s IEC reports a surge in local election nominations, underscoring how political competition is intensifying ahead of November polls.

Local Elections Watch: South Africa’s IEC says 142,072 candidates have been nominated for November local government elections—up 43% from 2021—while the commission moves to verify compliance, with ward and PR lists drawing huge numbers of hopefuls. Gender & Youth Representation: A Lesotho democracy-focused report warns Parliament still has a representation gap for women and youth, with youth MPs limited and calls growing for stronger legislative inclusion. Women’s Safety & Justice: A priest alleges she was raped by a Prime Minister’s adviser at State House, but says police have taken no action for over two months. Migration & Human Dignity: In the Western Cape, at least 100 immigrants—including Basotho—are held in police cells for alleged visa overstays, as xenophobia groups accuse authorities of detaining people despite documents. Health & Care Culture: Lesotho highlights male midwives as a growing support for maternal health, while a Safe and Inclusive Schools programme trains staff to prevent and respond to violence. Energy & Daily Life: Semonkong’s upgraded hydropower station is launched to bring more reliable electricity beyond daytime hours. Culture & Creativity: UNDP’s Creative Challenge in Maseru spotlights youth art tackling GBV, substance abuse and mental health. Sports & Youth: Cossasa Games spotlight regional talent and a heritage-based curriculum approach to learning beyond exams. Regional Environment: Reports from South Africa link illegal mining to infrastructure damage and sinkholes, showing how “state failure” hits everyday life.

Local Elections Crunch: South Africa’s IEC says 142,072 candidates have been nominated for 10,526 council seats in the Nov 4 local government elections—up about 43% from 2021—while 546 parties are set to contest, with IEC now verifying nominees for legal compliance. Women & Youth Representation: Lesotho’s democracy still faces a representation gap, with women and youth underrepresented in the National Assembly, and youth currently holding just three MPs (all men). GBV & Youth Creativity: UNDP and partners in Maseru hosted a Creative Challenge urging young people to tackle gender-based violence, substance abuse and mental health through art. Safe Schools Push: Lesotho’s Ministry of Education and Training rolls out Safe and Inclusive Schools in 300 primary schools to prevent, identify and respond to violence, including training for teachers and child-friendly reporting channels. Health & Gender Roles: A growing number of male midwives in Lesotho are helping reduce childbirth deaths, easing access for rural mothers. Power & Development: Prime Minister Matekane officially launched an upgraded Semonkong hydropower station to extend reliable electricity beyond daytime. Parliament Modernisation: China handed ICT equipment to Lesotho’s Parliament to help modernise services and communication. Justice Concern: A priest alleges rape by a Prime Minister’s adviser at State House; she says police have taken no action for over two months.

Women & Youth Representation: Lesotho’s democracy still struggles with a representation gap, with youth in the National Assembly limited to just three MPs (all men) and women’s seats remaining low, raising concerns for how issues like GBV and early/child marriage get handled. Local Elections Pressure: South Africa’s IEC says 546 parties will contest November local government elections, with 142,072 candidates chasing 10,526 seats—up about 43% from 2021—while thousands miss deadlines and councillor hopefuls flood the process amid rising unemployment. Migration & Rights: IOM is stepping up anti-trafficking awareness in Lesotho, while separate reporting highlights immigrants detained in Western Cape police cells for overstaying visas, including people from Lesotho. Safe Schools: Lesotho’s Ministry of Education launches Safe and Inclusive Schools in 300 primary schools to prevent, report, and respond to violence. Culture & Creativity: UNDP and partners host a youth creative challenge in Maseru using art to tackle GBV, substance abuse, and mental health. Health & Gender Roles: A growing number of male midwives in Lesotho are helping improve maternal care in rural areas, challenging traditional views.

Immigration & Xenophobia: In South Africa’s Western Cape, at least 100 immigrants—including many from Lesotho—have been held in police cells across five towns for visa overstays, with claims of arrests even after people produced documents and concerns about overcrowded, inhumane conditions. Anti-Trafficking: In Berea, the IOM is stepping up awareness and training with Lesotho departments to strengthen how trafficking cases are identified, investigated, prosecuted, and how victims get survivor-centred support. Elections & Civic Life: A SADC report says Lesotho’s 2022 election turnout was low, with many registered voters unable to vote due to roll and verification problems, plus gaps in voter education. Gender & Health: A Lesotho story spotlights male midwives joining maternal care in rural clinics, challenging tradition as the country works to cut childbirth deaths. Education & Child Safety: The Ministry of Education and Training rolls out Safe and Inclusive Schools in 300 primary schools to prevent, report, and respond to violence. Culture & Youth: UNDP and partners in Maseru hosted a Creative Challenge using art to tackle GBV, substance abuse, and mental health. Power & Development: Prime Minister Samuel Matekane launched an upgraded Semonkong hydropower station aimed at bringing more reliable electricity to the mountain town. Labour & Rights: Precious Garments workers in Maseru staged a strike over unpaid wages, short time, and alleged diversion of production to cheaper factories.

Anti-Trafficking Push: IOM is stepping up awareness in Berea, training Heads of Departments to help spot trafficking risks and strengthen prosecution and survivor support across Lesotho’s 10 districts. Voter Turnout Reality Check: A SADC Electoral Observation Mission report says turnout in Lesotho’s 2022 elections was just 35.44%, with many voters blocked by roll and verification problems and poor civic education. Crime and Community Safety: Free State police report fewer murders but more attempted murders, urging tougher prevention in hotspots and repeat-offender areas, with residents asked to report crime. Gender & Health in Focus: Lesotho is seeing more male midwives, with one in Mohale’s Hoek travelling hours to support women through pregnancy and childbirth as the country tackles maternal deaths. Youth Creativity Against Harm: UNDP in Maseru backed a Creative Challenge where young artists tackle GBV, substance abuse and mental health through performances and ideas. Labour Rights at Precious Garments: Workers at a Maseru factory staged a strike over reduced hours, unpaid wages, and claims production is being diverted to cheaper factories. Education Safeguarding: The Ministry of Education is rolling out Safe and Inclusive Schools in 300 primary schools to prevent, report and respond to violence. Power for Semonkong: Prime Minister Matekane launched an upgraded hydropower station to bring more reliable electricity to the mountain town. Culture & Heritage: A spotlight on Ha Kome Cave Dwellings in Berea highlights how Lesotho’s past still lives in community spaces. Regional Migration Debate: Commentary on undocumented migration raises questions about fairness and human dignity in border enforcement.

Illegal mining fallout: Johannesburg roads are collapsing and buildings are cracking as zama zamas blast underground, bringing sinkholes, power and water damage, and rising violence. Sustainable farming push: In Maseru, climate-smart advocate Tiisetso Sefatsane promotes aeroponics as a soil-free way to grow herbs, lettuce and seedlings year-round, urging young people to treat farming like a business. Gender and health in focus: A growing number of male midwives in Lesotho are challenging tradition to help cut pregnancy deaths, while the Ministry of Education rolls out Safe and Inclusive Schools in 300 primary schools to prevent and respond to violence. Youth creativity against harm: UNDP’s Creative Challenge in Maseru spotlights young creatives tackling GBV, substance abuse and mental health through art. Labour tensions: Precious Garments workers in Maseru strike over unpaid wages, reduced hours and alleged diversion of work to cheaper factories. Governance and culture: China hands ICT equipment to Lesotho Parliament; Semonkong’s upgraded hydropower station is launched to improve reliable electricity. Sports and identity: Cossasa Games highlight heritage-based learning across Southern Africa, while Thaba-Bosiu’s Linotsí group gears up to mentor youth through culture and tourism branding.

Male midwives in Lesotho: In Mohale’s Hoek, a growing number of men are training as midwives to help cut pregnancy deaths, with clinics seeing relief from women who once hesitated about male care. Education with a cultural edge: Zimbabwe’s Heritage-Based Curriculum is being spotlighted at the Cossasa Games in Bulawayo, with Lesotho among the participating countries sending learners to compete in sport and arts. Youth creativity tackling harm: UNDP and partners in Maseru hosted a Creative Challenge urging young people to use art to address GBV, substance abuse and mental health. Labour unrest: Workers at Maseru’s Precious Garments staged a strike over unpaid wages, reduced hours and claims that production is being diverted to cheaper factories. School safety push: Lesotho’s Safe and Inclusive Schools programme is rolling out across 300 primary schools to prevent, report and respond to violence. Governance and accountability: Civil society groups urged the New Development Bank to engage directly on LHWP II complaints, including livelihoods, relocation and gender-based violence. Power and infrastructure: Prime Minister Matekane launched an upgraded hydropower station in Semonkong, promising more reliable electricity for the mountain town. Culture and development ambassadors: Princess Senate was appointed UNDP National Goodwill Ambassador for Equality and Sustainable Development, linking advocacy with Lesotho’s identity. Media credibility warning: The information ministry urged broadcasters to stop copying social media and return to accurate, original reporting. Football business partnership: Lesotho’s football body LeFA teamed up with Radisol Global Investments to professionalise and commercialise the sport.

Labour & Rights: Precious Garments workers in Maseru staged a strike over unpaid wages, reduced hours and claims that production is being shifted to other factories at lower cost, with staff also alleging missing severance and poor management oversight. Child Protection: Lesotho’s Ministry of Education launched Safe and Inclusive Schools in 300 primary schools to prevent, identify and respond to violence, training teachers and setting up child-friendly reporting and referral links. Culture & Youth Advocacy: Princess Senate Mohato Seeiso was appointed UNDP Lesotho National Goodwill Ambassador for Equality and Sustainable Development, pledging to back equality as part of Lesotho’s cultural values. Health & Gender Roles: A growing number of male midwives in Lesotho are challenging tradition while helping improve access to skilled birth care in rural areas. Water & Power: Prime Minister Samuel Matekane officially launched an upgraded hydropower station in Semonkong, aiming to deliver reliable electricity through the night. Civic Accountability: Communities affected by the Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase II urged the New Development Bank to engage directly and share a draft independent accountability mechanism for consultation. Sports & Community: Lesotho Football Association and Radisol Global Investments announced a strategic partnership to professionalise and commercialise football in the kingdom.

Gender & Health: Male midwives in Lesotho are increasingly stepping into a role long seen as women’s work, helping ease prenatal care in rural clinics and supporting safer births. Governance & Culture Tech: China has handed ICT equipment to the Lesotho Parliament in Maseru, aiming to modernize how lawmakers communicate, store information, and serve the public. Energy & Daily Life: Prime Minister Samuel Matekane launched an upgraded hydropower station in Semonkong, promising more reliable electricity beyond the town’s past solar-and-diesel limits. Youth, Arts & Discipline: Choral music is being promoted as a tool for discipline and responsibility ahead of inter-district competitions in Mohale’s Hoek. Equality & Development: Princess Senate Mohato Seeiso was appointed UNDP Lesotho National Goodwill Ambassador for Equality and Sustainable Development, linking advocacy with Basotho cultural values. Community Safety: Learners at Sefate Sa Bophelo English Medium School were warned against drugs and gangsterism as probation and police teams push child-focused prevention campaigns. Heritage & Tourism Branding: Lesotho’s Thaba-Bosiu identity logo was soft-launched to position the site as a branded tourism destination tied to the country’s 60th independence celebrations. Health Compensation Watch: The Tshiamiso Trust says it has paid over R2.53bn to 26,300 ex-miners for TB and silicosis, but beneficiaries still report delays and access problems.

ICT & Parliament: China handed over new information and communication technology equipment to Lesotho’s Parliament in Maseru, aiming to modernize how lawmakers communicate and serve the public. Power & Local Development: Prime Minister Samuel Matekane launched an upgraded hydropower station in Semonkong, promising more reliable electricity through the night and reducing reliance on costly diesel. Gender, Youth & Culture: Princess Senate Mohato Seeiso was appointed UNDP National Goodwill Ambassador for Equality and Sustainable Development, pledging to back equality as part of Lesotho’s cultural values. Health & Community Care: A report highlights male midwives in Lesotho, showing how changing roles can support maternal health. Education & Media Quality: The Information Minister warned that journalists are losing credibility by chasing social media trends instead of doing original, in-depth reporting. Justice & Safety: Learners at Sefate Sa Bophelo were warned against drugs and gangsterism as probation and police teams step up child protection campaigns. Heritage Tourism: Built for survival, the Kome Cave Dwellings in Berea are spotlighted as a living cultural attraction. Sports Business: LeFA and Radisol Global Investments announced a strategic partnership to professionalize and commercialize football in Lesotho.