AGP Executive Report

National Leadership & Accountability: Deputy Prime Minister Justice Nthomeng Majara reports that Lesotho’s first National Leadership Forum in Berea brought together government, oversight bodies and district administrators to speed delivery under the Extended National Strategic Development Plan Two, while flagging gaps like youth unemployment, food insecurity, school dropouts, weak infrastructure and limited implementation capacity. Politics & Reading Culture: Former parliamentarian Sephiri Motanyane launched Lesotho Politics and Society, framing it as a guide for Basotho to understand the past and decide how to live as a nation with honesty and integrity. Regional Ties & Historical Claims: Foreign Affairs Minister Limpho Tau tells South Africa it has a moral obligation to help address Lesotho’s poverty, citing land dispossession, migrant labour and apartheid-era raids, and raises concerns for Basotho living in South Africa ahead of 30 June protests. Agriculture & Everyday Livelihoods: Lesotho Post Bank urges Berea farmers to use its tractor financing initiative, saying uptake remains low despite renewed funding. Health & HIV Care Continuity: The EpiC project and the Ministry of Health share results from the Back to Care Campaign, focusing on tracing people who interrupted HIV treatment and improving retention systems. Men’s Wellbeing & Community Safety: A men’s dialogue programme launches to tackle GBV, identity and healing, while separate events call for safeguarding boys and prioritising mental health and positive masculinity. Culture Diplomacy: Lesotho’s ambassador to China Mapaballo Lydia Mile highlights cultural exchange after attending a Dragon Boat Festival intangible heritage event, hoping to train Lesotho children in similar classical music traditions. Lifestyle & Community: Aura Run Club’s Blanket Run in Maseru blends running, fashion and heritage, using the Basotho blanket as a symbol of identity and protection.

Water Access & Health Equity: A new global map shows safe drinking water is still out of reach for billions, with many low-income countries stuck below 20% access—an urgent reminder that clean water is a lifestyle and health issue, not just infrastructure. Lesotho–South Africa Ties Under Strain: Lesotho’s foreign affairs minister Limpho Tau tells South Africa it has a moral obligation to help address poverty and underdevelopment tied to land dispossession, migrant labour and apartheid-era raids, while Basotho in South Africa brace for the 30 June anti-migrant protests. Xenophobia Fallout in the Region: As South Africa’s June 30 deadline nears, tensions are spilling into everyday life—township tourism is already seeing cancellations, immigrants fear attacks, and even local residents are divided over whether migrants are part of the country’s success story or the problem. Basotho Men, Mental Health & GBV Prevention: In Maseru, organisations launch men’s dialogue and mental health awareness efforts, urging safer communities, better safeguarding for boys, and stronger support systems for men. Culture & Lifestyle: Lesotho’s blanket-run concept turns heritage into a community wellness event, using the blanket as identity, protection and pride. Agriculture Support: Lesotho Post Bank urges Berea farmers to use tractor financing, saying uptake remains low despite government support. Education & Justice: Lesotho backs media statistics training with EU support, and the Ministry of Law signs an MoU with WLSA to strengthen justice cooperation for women and girls.

Xenophobia & Migration Deadline: As South Africa’s 30 June anti-immigration deadline nears, Nigerians in fear weigh staying versus returning to an uncertain home economy, while township tourism braces for cancellations and foreign traders report threats and document demands. Lesotho–South Africa Accountability: Lesotho’s foreign affairs minister Limpho Tau tells South Africa it has a moral obligation to help tackle poverty rooted in land dispossession, migrant labour and apartheid-era raids, and Basotho residents in SA are watching closely. Regional Culture & Sports: Lesotho’s Ambassador to China highlights cultural exchange after attending a Dragon Boat Festival heritage event, while Lesotho’s presence shows up in regional sport and education—from LPB tractor financing for farmers to a men’s dialogue programme and mental health push for men. Community Wellbeing: In Maseru, men’s dialogue and safeguarding for boys events tackle GBV, healing and positive masculinity, alongside HIV “Back to Care” efforts to keep treatment on track. Culture in Motion: Aura Run Club’s Blanket Run turns Basotho blanket heritage into a lifestyle, fashion-and-running community event. Regional Leadership: Lesotho leads its delegation at the 9th SACU summit in Cape Town, focusing on regional integration and trade.

Immigration & Culture Clash: Lesotho’s foreign affairs minister Limpho Tau tells South Africa it has a moral duty to help Lesotho fight poverty, citing land dispossession, migrant labour and apartheid-era raids—while Basotho in SA brace for the 30 June anti-immigration protests. Men’s Wellbeing & Safety: In Maseru, Lesotho launched a men’s dialogue programme to tackle identity, gender-based violence and healing, alongside calls for communities to protect and empower boys through safer spaces. Mental Health Reform: Lawmakers and faith leaders warn Lesotho’s mental health system is in crisis, urging updated laws and an end to outdated beliefs like witchcraft. HIV Care Continuity: The Back to Care campaign shares results on re-engaging people who interrupted HIV treatment, pointing to weak transfer communication and incomplete records. Agriculture & Livelihoods: Lesotho Post Bank urges Berea farmers to use tractor financing, saying uptake remains low despite new funding. Stats & Media Literacy: Lesotho’s Bureau of Statistics and the EU train media on official statistics and gender-sensitive reporting. Lifestyle Spotlight: A Maseru Blanket Run blends fitness with Basotho blanket heritage, turning winter identity into community sport.

Xenophobia & regional identity: MTN chairman Cyril Ramaphosa condemned rising xenophobia in South Africa, stressing African unity and warning that anti-immigrant violence threatens social stability and the economy. Lesotho–South Africa historical claims: Lesotho’s foreign affairs minister Limpho Tau told South Africa it has a moral obligation to help tackle poverty and slow growth in Lesotho, citing land dispossession, migrant labour and apartheid-era raids, while also raising Basotho concerns ahead of 30 June anti-immigration protests. Mental health push (men & policy): In Maseru, officials and advocates urged stronger mental health action, with lawmakers warning the sector is at crisis level and clinicians challenging stigma around masculinity and emotional suppression. Men’s dialogue & boy protection: A men’s dialogue programme launched in Maseru aims to address identity and gender-based violence, while another event called for safer community spaces to protect and empower boys. HIV “Back to Care” results: The EpiC project and the Health Ministry shared lessons from efforts to trace people who interrupted HIV treatment, highlighting gaps in records and transfers that break continuity. Culture & lifestyle: Lesotho’s ambassador to China Mapaballo Lydia Mile highlighted cultural exchange after attending an intangible heritage event, and a Maseru Blanket Run event used the Basotho blanket as a symbol of identity, wellness and community. Agriculture & education: Lesotho Post Bank urged Berea farmers to use tractor financing, and Lesotho-linked international student graduations were celebrated abroad.

Lesotho–South Africa Relations: Lesotho’s foreign affairs minister Limpho Tau told South Africa it has a moral obligation to help lift Lesotho out of poverty, citing land dispossession, migrant labour and apartheid-era raids, while also raising Basotho safety concerns ahead of South Africa’s 30 June anti-immigration protests. Mental Health & Masculinity: In Maseru, lawmakers and faith leaders pushed back against outdated beliefs, warning mental health is at crisis level and calling for political will and holistic care; separate events urged positive masculinity, safer spaces for men, and better support for emotional wellbeing. Gender-Based Violence Prevention: A men’s dialogue programme in Maseru aims to reclaim men’s identity and tackle GBV, while communities were urged to protect and empower boys through safeguarding that prevents abuse and exploitation. HIV Care Continuity: The Back to Care Campaign symposium highlighted gaps that interrupt HIV treatment and stressed stronger systems to trace and re-engage people lost to follow-up. Culture & Lifestyle: Aura Run Club’s Blanket Run Edition in Maseru blends running with Basotho blanket heritage, turning identity and warmth into a community wellness event. Regional Governance: PM Matekane led Lesotho at the 9th SACU Summit in Cape Town, focusing on regional integration and SACU’s future direction. Agriculture & Livelihoods: Lesotho Post Bank urged Berea farmers to use tractor financing to boost productivity, noting uptake has been low despite funding support. Books & Arts: A review of Thandi Moagi’s “Wisani and the Bafokeng Brothers” spotlights a mafia romance set closer to home, and tributes celebrated jazz legend Abdullah Ibrahim.

China-Africa Cultural Ties: Lesotho’s ambassador to China, Mapaballo Lydia Mile, says deeper learning starts with shared culture, pointing to Chinese children’s classical music at the Dragon Boat Festival and hoping similar training reaches Lesotho youth. Agriculture & Livelihoods: Lesotho Post Bank’s tractor financing push urges Berea farmers to use the Tractors Finance Promotion, noting uptake is low (only 76 farmers assisted) despite government support. Education & Global Students: Assam down town University held its first international graduation ceremony, with Lesotho among the represented countries—an example of cross-border student mobility. Regional History & Responsibility: Lesotho’s foreign affairs minister Limpho Tau tells South Africa it has a moral obligation to help address poverty tied to land dispossession, migrant labour and apartheid-era raids, while also seeking assurances for Basotho ahead of 30 June protests. Men’s Health, Identity & Safety: In Maseru, organisations launched a men’s dialogue programme tackling GBV and healing, while separate events urged communities to protect boys and prioritise mental health and positive masculinity. HIV Care Continuity: The EpiC project and the Health Ministry shared results from the Back to Care campaign, stressing the need to keep people on treatment and fix gaps in transfers and records. Mental Health Law Reform: A Maseru dialogue heard warnings that Lesotho’s mental health laws are outdated and that political will is needed to avoid a worsening crisis. Culture in Motion: Aura Run Club’s Blanket Run in Maseru blends running, fashion and heritage, using the blanket as a symbol of identity and protection. Sports Funding: FDH Bank donated K100 million to Malawi’s CUCSA games team, with Lesotho among participating countries. South Africa Migration Tensions Spill Over: Multiple reports track rising anti-foreigner pressure around 30 June, including fears of violence and calls for calm—issues that directly affect Basotho living and working across the border.

HIV Care Continuity: Lesotho’s EpiC project and the Ministry of Health held a “Back to Care” symposium in Maseru, spotlighting how people who interrupt HIV treatment are being traced and re-engaged—while warning that starting treatment isn’t enough if patients don’t stay in care. Mental Health Reform: Parliament’s Chair of Chairs, Mokhothu Makhalanyane, says Lesotho’s mental health laws are outdated and the sector is at crisis level, calling for stronger political commitment and faster legal reform. Traditional Knowledge Protection: Lesotho is running ABS Week to strengthen access and benefit sharing under the Nagoya Protocol, linking Basotho biodiversity knowledge with fair protection and benefit-sharing. Governance & Service Delivery: Deputy Prime Minister Justice Nthomeng Majara says government is “on track” but admits weak coordination and reporting are blocking progress, with plans for better reporting templates. Women, Law & Justice: The Ministry of Law and Justice signed an MoU with WLSA to improve cooperation on criminal matters and better support women and girls across districts. Culture & Lifestyle: Aura Run Club brings the Blanket Run to Maseru, using the blanket as a symbol of Basotho identity, warmth and pride—blending running, fashion and heritage. Disaster Preparedness: Fire officials urge schools to revive DRR clubs and disaster simulation drills, warning that fewer drills and risky learner behaviour raise fire risks in winter. Rights & Inclusion: LNLVIP warns that some parents still hide visually impaired children, denying them education and healthcare, ahead of the Day of African Child.

HIV Care Continuity: Lesotho’s EpiC project and the Ministry of Health held a “Back to Care” symposium in Maseru, spotlighting how people who interrupt HIV treatment are being traced and re-engaged, while warning that weak facility-to-facility communication and incomplete records still pull patients out of care. Justice & Gender: The Ministry of Law and Justice signed an MoU with WLSA in Maseru to strengthen cooperation on criminal matters and improve support and coordination for women and girls across several districts. Mental Health Crisis: Parliamentary Chair of Chairs Mokhothu Makhalanyane says Lesotho’s mental health system is at crisis level, calling for updated laws and stronger political commitment beyond just budgets. Traditional Knowledge Protection: Lesotho is pushing Access and Benefit Sharing under the Nagoya Protocol, linking Basotho biodiversity and medicinal plant knowledge to fair benefit-sharing rules. Disability Rights: LNLVIP warns visually impaired children are still being hidden at home, blocking access to education and healthcare, ahead of the Day of African Child. Lifestyle & Community: Aura Run Club brings the Blanket Run to Maseru, using the blanket’s cultural meaning to blend heritage, fashion and wellness into a community event.

Law & Justice for Women: Lesotho’s Ministry of Law and Justice signed an MoU with WLSA to strengthen cooperation on criminal matters and improve support for women and girls in districts like Thaba-Tseka, Mokhotlong, Quthing, Qacha’s Nek and Leribe. Mental Health Reform: Parliamentary Chair of Chairs Mokhothu Makhalanyane warned Lesotho’s mental health system is in crisis, calling for updated laws and real political commitment; Reverend Mosiuoa Makhata also urged a holistic approach beyond witchcraft explanations. Governance & Accountability: Deputy Prime Minister Justice Nthomeng Majara says government is on track, but poor coordination and reporting are blocking delivery—promising better reporting templates after the National Leadership and Accountability Summit. Traditional Knowledge Protection: Lesotho is pushing Access and Benefit Sharing under the Nagoya Protocol to protect Basotho biodiversity knowledge and ensure fair benefit sharing. Disaster Preparedness in Schools: Fire and Rescue urged schools to revive DRR clubs and run regular emergency simulations as winter risks and fire incidents rise. Sports & Community: World Vision Lesotho launched its 2026–2030 strategy in Bela-Bela, targeting child protection, health and nutrition, water and sanitation, and livelihoods for vulnerable children. Regional Culture & Connectivity: Starlink’s rollout in Lesotho is highlighted as satellite internet reaches police and remote areas, while Lesotho’s role in regional cooperation shows up in the 9th SACU Summit in Cape Town. Regional Migration Tensions (Context): Across South Africa, anti-immigration pressure ahead of June 30 is driving fear and calls for calm from church leaders and King Misuzulu, with xenophobia concerns spilling into daily life for migrants.

Mental Health Reform: Lesotho’s Parliamentary Chair of Chairs Mokhothu Makhalanyane says mental health has hit a crisis level, calling for updated laws and real political commitment, while Rev. Dr. Mosiuoa Makhata urges a move away from witchcraft and curses toward a fuller, holistic understanding of wellbeing. Governance & Accountability: Deputy Prime Minister Justice Nthomeng Majara says government is still on track, but poor coordination and weak reporting are slowing delivery—promising a clearer reporting template. Regional Integration: PM Ntsokoane Matekane leads Lesotho at the 9th SACU Summit in Cape Town, focused on trade, industrial development, and the future direction of the customs union. Traditional Knowledge Protection: Lesotho is linking traditional knowledge with the Nagoya Protocol through an ABS Week, aiming to protect biodiversity knowledge and ensure fair benefit-sharing. Disaster Preparedness for Schools: LMPS Fire and Rescue urges schools to revive DRR clubs and run more emergency drills, warning that fewer simulations and risky learner behaviour raise fire risks in winter. Sports & Community: Kick4Life’s Hokahanya Inn continues to back youth football through training and reinvested profits, while Lesotho’s Neheng Khatala is set to run in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Durban 10K. Migration Tensions Across the Region: South Africa’s June 30 anti-immigration deadline is driving unrest, with church leaders and King Misuzulu urging calm and lawful action as xenophobia fears and mass displacement reports grow.

Migration & Protests (SA): South Africa’s June 30 anti-illegal immigration march is stirring fresh tension, with reports of a major security operation costing over R600m and calls for calm as King Misuzulu urges citizens to avoid violence against foreign nationals. Xenophobia on the Ground (SA): Durban’s Sherwood area is described as a growing humanitarian crisis, with thousands of migrants sheltering near a mosque while uncertainty and overcrowding strain basic services. Zimbabwe Permit Consultations (SA): Zimbabweans in South Africa are urged to submit views on the future of the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP), with community leaders saying participation is still low despite the deadline nearing. Lesotho Governance & Reform: Lesotho is looking to Rwanda for governance lessons, using a national leadership forum and upcoming accountability summit to push transparency and improve public service delivery. Traditional Knowledge Protection (Lesotho): Lesotho is advancing access-and-benefit sharing plans under the Nagoya Protocol to better protect Basotho biodiversity knowledge and ensure fair benefit sharing. Disability Rights (Lesotho): A visually impaired children rights concern is raised as some families reportedly hide children from education and healthcare, with calls for full inclusion. Child Safety & Health (Lesotho): Fire and rescue officials urge schools to revive disaster risk reduction clubs and regular emergency drills, warning that fewer simulations and risky behaviour raise winter fire risks. Child Wellbeing Strategy (Lesotho): World Vision Lesotho launches a 2026–2030 child wellbeing strategy focused on ending violence against children, improving health and nutrition, and strengthening water and sanitation. Lifestyle & Culture (Lesotho/Southern Africa): Lesotho’s police and remote areas get a boost as Starlink satellite internet is reported to be active, while a travel spotlight shares BaPhuthi cultural life near the Lesotho border. Inspiration (Lesotho/Southern Africa): A blind traveller’s story highlights how losing sight led to new ways of “seeing the world,” paired with a memoir spotlight on Sam Montši’s life of overcoming barriers.

BaPhuthi Culture Spotlight: South African travel vlogger Popi Sibiya shared an Instagram visit near the Lesotho border, immersing viewers in BaPhuthi daily life, ceremonies, cooking and community routines. Governance Reform Lessons: Lesotho is hosting a National Leadership Forum (21–23 June) and an accountability summit to tighten transparency and service delivery, with Rwanda cited as a model. Traditional Knowledge Protection: Lesotho is linking Basotho biodiversity knowledge to the Nagoya Protocol through an ABS Week, aiming for fair access and benefit-sharing. Disability Rights Push: LNLVIP warns visually impaired children are still being hidden at home, blocking education and healthcare, ahead of Day of the African Child. Child Safety & Hygiene: Fire and Rescue urges schools to revive Disaster Risk Reduction clubs and regular simulation drills; World Vision rolls out a 2026–2030 child wellbeing strategy focused on ending violence, health, and WASH. Youth & Digital Skills: Lesotho launches an AI Skills Development Programme for youth enterprises, pairing e-commerce training with AI tools via the Sebabatso ecosystem. Regional Migration Tensions (SA): South Africa’s June 30 anti-illegal immigration protests are driving mass displacement and crisis conditions at Durban’s Sherwood, while King Misuzulu calls for peace and no violence.

Immigration & permits: South Africa’s Home Affairs is consulting on the future of the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) and Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP) after a court ruling halted termination, but community leaders say submissions are still low as the extended deadline nears. Safety in schools: Lesotho’s Fire Rescue and police are urging schools to revive Disaster Risk Reduction clubs and run regular emergency drills, warning that fewer simulations and risky learner behaviour raise fire risks in winter. Traditional knowledge protection: Lesotho is holding ABS Week to link Basotho biodiversity knowledge with the Nagoya Protocol, aiming for fair access and benefit-sharing mechanisms. Child rights & inclusion: LNLVIP says some parents still hide visually impaired children, blocking access to education and healthcare, ahead of Day of African Child. Health alert: The Ministry of Health reports influenza-like illness clusters in seven districts, with rapid response teams deployed while lab investigations continue. Digital push: Lesotho launches an AI Skills Development Programme for youth enterprises, pairing e-commerce training with AI tools. Border rules: SARS ends free passage for Lesotho vehicles, requiring temporary import declarations for crossings into South Africa. Lifestyle & culture: Starlink is now active in Lesotho, with police vehicles reportedly fitted with receivers.

Traditional Knowledge Protection: Lesotho is holding a consolidated Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) Week to strengthen protection of traditional knowledge and genetic resources under the Nagoya Protocol, linking Basotho biodiversity know-how with fair benefit-sharing rules. Disability Rights: The Lesotho National League of Visually Impaired Persons (LNLVIP) says some parents still hide visually impaired children, blocking access to education and healthcare, ahead of Day of the African Child. Child Safety & Health: Parents are urged to talk openly with daughters about puberty and menstruation, while Lesotho’s Ministry of Health flags influenza-like illness clusters in seven districts and deploys rapid response teams. Youth & Learning: World Vision Lesotho rolls out a 2026–2030 child wellbeing strategy focused on ending violence, improving health and nutrition, and boosting water and sanitation, and LMPS trains communities in disaster response in Bela-Bela. Digital & Skills: Lesotho launches an AI Skills Development Programme to help youth enterprises blend e-commerce with AI tools. Culture & Community: LCTSA plans to integrate traditional games into schools for Lesotho’s 60 years of independence celebrations.

Migration & xenophobia in the region: Durban’s Sherwood has become a makeshift holding ground for thousands of migrants, with families sleeping in overcrowded conditions as anti-foreigner pressure and a looming June 30 ultimatum drive mass flight; aid workers warn against rushed distribution and authorities scramble to manage a fast-growing crisis. Lesotho tech & connectivity: Starlink is now active in Lesotho after receiving a 10-year licence in April 2025, with the service highlighted through police and remote-area connectivity. Education & youth: Lesotho is pushing menstrual health education, urging parents to talk openly about puberty and hygiene; meanwhile, lecturers warn competency-based curriculum won’t work unless teaching, classroom delivery, and assessment are aligned. Health alerts: The Ministry of Health reports influenza-like illness clusters in seven districts, with rapid response teams deployed while lab testing continues. Community protection & development: World Vision launches a 2026–2030 child wellbeing strategy focused on ending violence against children, health and nutrition, and water and sanitation. Culture & sport: LCTSA plans to integrate traditional games into schools as Lesotho marks 60 years of independence, aiming to protect livelihoods and pass knowledge to younger generations. Governance & rights: An Ombudsman report says government has failed to implement most recommendations on prison and mental health conditions, leaving vulnerable people in worsening circumstances.