AGP Executive Report

Youth Sports & Inclusion: Kick4Life’s Hokahanya campus in Lesotho is turning a hotel base into a pipeline for children’s football dreams, with graduates pushing into the Premier League. Disaster Preparedness: LMPS trained Bela-Bela communities on first aid and disaster risk reduction, urging schools to form DRR clubs. Education & Fair Testing: Lecturers warn competency-based learning will fail unless teaching, classroom practice, and assessment are aligned and reflect rural realities. Child Wellbeing Strategy: World Vision will roll out a new child wellbeing plan in Berea, prioritising ending violence against children and improving health outcomes. Health Alert: The Ministry of Health is investigating influenza-like illness clusters in seven districts after cases appeared in schools and villages. Transport & Disability Costs: A proposed taxi fare hike is sparking outrage, with disabled Basotho calling it a “triple blow” that blocks access to rehab and medication. Independence & Culture: Lesotho marks 60 years of sovereignty with efforts to bring traditional games into schools and keep indigenous sports alive. Regional Migration Pressure: South Africa’s immigration crackdown debate continues, with unions urging workers not to target foreign nationals while border enforcement ramps up.

Botswana–Lesotho ties: The two countries vow to deepen strategic cooperation through a new binational commission, with water, energy, trade, agriculture, education and defense on the agenda. US–Lesotho partnership: A US Africa Command envoy reaffirmed strong friendship with Lesotho, including talks on border security and disaster response. Health alert: Lesotho’s Ministry of Health reports influenza-like illness clusters in seven districts, with rapid response teams deployed while lab tests continue. GBV and justice: A Maseru magistrate sentenced a man for aggravated assault, while another feature highlights how one woman’s long abuse ordeal ended in a fight for survival. Youth and skills: World Vision launches a child wellbeing strategy in Berea, and Lesotho also rolls out an AI skills programme for youth enterprises. Education reform: Lecturers warn competency-based curriculum won’t work unless teaching, classroom practice and assessment are aligned. Transport pressure: A proposed 79% taxi fare hike sparks commuter fury, with disabled advocates warning of a “triple blow.” Culture and heritage: LCTSA plans to bring traditional games into schools as Lesotho marks 60 years of independence. Rights and inclusion: LNFOD marks Albinism Awareness Day, calling out colour-based discrimination.

Botswana–Lesotho ties: Presidents Duma Boko and Sam Matekane launched a binational commission aimed at turning cooperation into results, with water and energy, trade, agriculture, education, defense and natural resources on the agenda, plus a pledge of foot-and-mouth vaccine doses and plans for a Lesotho dam and hydropower link. US–Lesotho relations: US Africa Command’s envoy Robert Scott reaffirmed strong friendship despite trade tariffs, highlighting border security talks (including possible drone surveillance) and disaster-response coordination with the Lesotho Defence Force. Child wellbeing push: World Vision will roll out a new child wellbeing strategy in Berea, focusing on ending violence against children and improving health outcomes through community-driven, low-cost programs. Health alert: Lesotho’s Ministry of Health is investigating influenza-like illness clusters in seven districts, with rapid response teams deployed and lab tests underway. Education & assessment: Lecturers warn competency-based education will fail unless teaching, classroom practice and assessment are aligned and stop copying colonial-style testing. Transport squeeze: A proposed 79% taxi fare hike is set to spark commuter backlash, with disabled advocates warning it will deepen exclusion. GBV spotlight: A Maseru woman’s account of years of abuse and a broken justice system underscores the urgency of protection and support for survivors.

Education & Inclusion: Lesotho’s competency-based curriculum will fail unless teacher training, classroom teaching, and assessment are aligned—lecturers warn that “new words, old practices” are widening gaps for rural and disabled learners. Public Health: The Ministry of Health has flagged influenza-like illness clusters in seven districts, with rapid response teams deployed while lab tests work to confirm causes. Youth & Tech: A new AI Skills Development Programme, backed by the US Embassy and American Corner, is training youth enterprises to use e-commerce and AI tools under the Sebabatso ecosystem. Transport & Rights: A proposed 79% taxi fare hike has sparked commuter fury, and disabled Basotho groups warn the increase will be a “triple blow” that deepens exclusion. GBV & Justice: A woman’s account of years of abuse highlights how a broken justice system can trap survivors—while courts continue to process aggravated assault cases. Health & Gender: Lesotho has launched a data-driven investment case to end maternal deaths, child marriage, and gender-based violence, aiming for “Three Zeros” by 2030. Culture & Heritage: LCTSA is pushing traditional games into schools to mark 60 years of independence, linking heritage to livelihoods and youth participation.

Public Health Alert: Lesotho’s Ministry of Health is investigating influenza-like illness clusters in seven districts, with rapid response teams deployed to schools and villages as lab tests continue. Education & Inclusion: Lecturers warn competency-based curriculum will fail unless teacher training, classroom delivery, and assessment are aligned—tests must reflect Basotho realities, including rural and disabled learners. Maternal & Child Health: A new M2.3 billion investment case aims to cut maternal deaths, child marriage, and gender-based violence, with a “Three Zeros” push backed by domestic mobilisation plans. Transport & Rights: A proposed 79% taxi fare hike is sparking commuter fury, while disabled Basotho face a “triple blow” as higher costs and wheelchair access barriers deepen inequality. Culture & Youth: LCTSA plans to bring traditional games into schools as Lesotho marks 60 years of independence, while MTN Bushfire spotlights Mosotho artist Selimo Thabane carrying Lesotho’s identity abroad. Governance & Accountability: The Ombudsman says government has failed to implement almost all recommendations on prison and mental health conditions after three years. Digital Skills: Lesotho launches an AI skills programme for youth enterprises, linking e-commerce and advanced AI tools to the Sebabatso initiative.

Youth & Clean Water: Lesotho youth delegate Masentle Molapo helped adopt a UN-backed outcome statement from ACERWC youth training in Tripoli, calling for urgent WASH infrastructure so children—especially those with disabilities—can access clean drinking water. Education Reform in Lesotho: At the 15th SAAEA conference in Maseru, Prof Paseka Mosia urged assessment to stop copying colonial blueprints and reflect rural Basotho realities and identities, warning that “teaching to the test” can erase rural life. Local Livelihoods at a Regional Conference: Basotho handicraft vendors used the same SAAEA gathering to sell crafts to SADC delegates, turning policy space into income and hope for youth and families. Elder Protection: Help Lesotho marked World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Leribe, pushing communities to respect, protect and care for older people beyond awareness. Menstrual Health in Qacha’s Nek: Machabeng Government Hospital marked MHH Day with school debates, pad-use demonstrations, and donations of sanitary towels and soap to primary schools. Maternal Care Support: TSSF handed St James Mission Hospital in Thaba-Tseka new maternal and neonatal equipment worth over M80,000 to ease shortages. Community Safety: A Maseru District Hospital paramedic urged people to keep emergency numbers handy during winter fire risks and to prioritize helping victims over filming.

School Food Security & Skills: Lesotho schools are boosting agricultural production to improve nutrition and cut food costs, with agriculture as a compulsory subject and learners growing maize and vegetables. Community Safety Support: Quthing District Administrator handed crime-prevention committees 300 blankets and 20 walkie-talkie radios to strengthen the Lets’eng-La-Letsie ROLL project, with chiefs and police urging responsible use. Elder Protection: Help Lesotho marked World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, calling for Basotho to challenge emotional, physical and financial abuse and to actively visit and support older people. Education Assessment Reform: Prof Paseka Mosia urged the SAAEA conference to stop copying colonial assessment models and make tests reflect rural realities and Basotho identities, warning that “teaching to the test” can erase rural life. Albinism Rights: LNFOD marked Albinism Awareness Day with a call to reject colour-based discrimination and protect the dignity of persons with albinism. Menstrual Health in Qacha’s Nek: Machabeng Government Hospital promoted #PeriodFriendlyWorld with school activities, pad-disposal education, and donations to primary schools. Maternal Care Equipment: TSSF handed St James Mission Hospital life-saving maternal and neonatal equipment worth over M80,000 to ease shortages in its busy maternity ward. GBV Storytelling & Silence: A feature highlights how gender-based violence persists behind fear and stigma, urging communities to break the silence and support survivors.

Education & Inclusion in Focus: In Maseru, Prof Paseka Mosia told delegates at the 15th SAAEA conference that assessment in Africa must stop copying colonial blueprints and reflect rural, disabled and Basotho learners—warning that “teaching to the test” can erase rural life from classrooms. Local Culture Meets Policy: Outside the same SAAEA event, Basotho handicraft vendors used the regional gathering to sell, earn income, and push youth to use social media for opportunity. Mental Health Calls for Action: Dr Thabo Mokhothu says Lesotho’s mental health crisis is being driven by unemployment, substance abuse and family breakdowns, urging public awareness and help-seeking. Rights for Albinism: LNFOD marked International Albinism Awareness Day with a call to reject colour-based discrimination and challenge stigma and exclusion. Gender-Based Violence Spotlight: A Lesotho GBV feature stresses that fear and silence keep violence hidden, even as many women and girls report abuse. Health & Community Support: TSSF handed St James Mission Hospital maternal and neonatal equipment worth over M80,000, aiming to reduce delays for remote families. Food Security Angle: A potato-focused piece highlights Lesotho’s role in FAO’s OCOP push for nutritious, climate-resilient local food systems. Immigration & Governance Debate: Commentary on South Africa’s illegal immigration enforcement argues for strong border management without xenophobia, while regional reporting flags corruption risks at ports of entry.

Food Security & Farming: FAO highlights potato potential for resilience in sub-Saharan Africa, noting Lesotho is among countries using the OCOP initiative to strengthen the potato value chain from seeds to trade. Mental Health in Lesotho: Mohlomi Hospital specialist Dr. Thabo Mokhothu says unemployment, substance abuse, debt and weak support systems are driving a growing mental health crisis, urging people to seek help and tackle stigma. Education & Assessment: Lesotho hosted the 15th Southern African Association for Educational Assessment conference, focusing on transforming assessment, inclusion and the role of AI in learning. Disability & Rights: LNFOD marked International Albinism Awareness Day with a call to reject colour-based discrimination and challenge mocking and exclusion. Health & Community Support: TSSF handed over maternal and neonatal care equipment worth over M80,000 to St. James Mission Hospital, easing shortages in a key maternity ward. Gender-Based Violence Focus: A Lesotho piece urges action to break the silence around GBV, pointing to deep fear, stigma and long-lasting trauma. Menstrual Hygiene Day: Qacha’s Nek marked MHH Day with school activities, pad-disposal demonstrations and donations to help keep girls in class. Local Development: Lebakeng residents are set to benefit from a M1.4 billion road upgrade and major bridge works, aimed at ending decades of isolation. Financial Literacy: The Central Bank of Lesotho ran a Quthing seminar to teach money management and promote use of LesSwitch and modern payment tools. Diplomacy: Lesotho and Qatar discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in education, infrastructure and parliamentary ties.

Immigration & Labour Crackdown: South Africa’s proposed Employment Services Amendment Bill could fine employers R100,000 per undocumented worker, with repeat offences rising to R1 million and even jail time—while a separate case shows an immigration officer and two South African counterparts arrested at Ngwenya Border Post for allegedly taking an E100 bribe to stamp passports. Governance & Voting Integrity: Lesotho’s IEC says only South African citizens who are not classified as “dead” will be eligible to vote in the 4 November local government elections, with ID checks against the national population register. Public Accountability: Lesotho’s DCEO has published names of officials who submitted asset, interest and liability declarations for 2025/26, with details kept confidential. Women’s Health & Community Education: Qacha’s Nek marked Menstrual Hygiene Day with school debates, poetry, pad-use demonstrations and donations of sanitary towels and soap. Local Development & Access: Lebakeng residents are set to benefit from a M1.4 billion road upgrade, including bridge construction, aimed at ending decades of isolation. Culture & Faith Support: The Anglican Church’s TSSF handed St. James Mission Hospital maternal and neonatal equipment worth over M80,000 to ease shortages in Thaba-Tseka.

International Day of Peace Countdown: UN Secretary-General António Guterres told Maseru audiences peace isn’t only made at conference tables, but in classrooms and neighbourhoods—urging everyday “change makers” as the Sept 21, 2026 countdown begins. Public Integrity: Lesotho’s DCEO published names of officials who submitted 2025/26 asset declarations, spotlighting transparency while keeping declaration details confidential. Roads & Connectivity: In Lebakeng, Prime Minister Matekane launched a M1.4bn road upgrade to bitumen standard, plus new gravel links and bridges—aimed at ending decades of isolation and improving access to services. Health & Care: The Anglican Church’s TSSF handed St James Mission Hospital maternal and neonatal equipment worth over M80,000, easing shortages in a busy maternity ward serving remote mountain villages. Money Skills in Quthing: The Central Bank of Lesotho rolled out financial literacy outreach, highlighting LesSwitch and modern payment options to help communities “know your money, use it and invest it.” Menstrual Health: Qacha’s Nek marked Menstrual Hygiene Day with school activities, debates and pad-disposal demonstrations, plus donations to participating primary schools. Winter Safety Push: A Maseru District Hospital paramedic urged families to keep emergency numbers handy during winter fire risks and to teach children safe heating habits. GBV Spotlight: A Lesotho gender-based violence feature calls out how fear and silence keep abuse hidden, urging stronger media and community action to break the cycle.

June 16 Remembered: A reflective piece marks the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Soweto uprising, urging young people to carry forward lessons about economic exclusion and structural youth unemployment. Border Corruption & Migration: An Eswatini-linked UN update says UN presence is being strengthened, not shrinking, while at the Ngwenya Border Post an immigration officer and two South African counterparts were arrested over an alleged E100 bribe for unlawful passport stamping. Gender & Health in Focus: Qacha’s Nek marked Menstrual Hygiene Day with school debates, poetry and pad-disposal demos, while another story tackles how silence fuels Gender-Based Violence in Lesotho. Community Support: The Anglican Church’s TSSF handed over maternal and neonatal equipment to St James Mission Hospital in Thaba-Tseka to ease shortages. Local Development: A major M1.4 billion road project is set to end decades of isolation in Lebakeng, upgrading routes and building river bridges. Money Matters: The Central Bank of Lesotho brought financial literacy outreach to Quthing, highlighting LesSwitch and modern payments. Policy & Elections: The IEC says only “not dead” South African citizens will vote in the 4 November local government elections, with threats to destabilise polls noted.

UN & Africa Appointments: UN Secretary-General António Guterres has named Nigerian diplomat Ahunna Eziakonwa as his Special Adviser on Africa, bringing nearly 30 years of UN experience and a focus on development, governance and sustainable growth. Immigration & Voting Integrity: South Africa’s IEC says only citizens—and not people declared “dead”—will be allowed to vote in upcoming local elections, while DIRCO signals it will bill countries for deportations and detention-related costs as enforcement tightens. Menstrual Health in Qacha’s Nek: Machabeng Government Hospital marked Menstrual Health and Hygiene Day with school debates, poetry, pad-use demonstrations and donations of sanitary towels and soap to primary schools. Roads & Access in Lebakeng: Lesotho’s Matlali–Lebakeng road project (M1.4bn) is set to upgrade a 45km route to bitumen, add school access gravel and build major river bridges, aiming to end decades of isolation. Health Care Support: TSSF (Anglican Church of Lesotho) handed over maternal and neonatal equipment worth over M80,000 to St James Mission Hospital in Thaba-Tseka. Culture & Education: A Lesotho piece argues for harmonising formal schooling with initiation schools (lebollo), highlighting how cultural identity and adulthood training can sit alongside academic learning. Gender-Based Violence Spotlight: Another feature calls out the “silence” around GBV in Lesotho and urges media and community action to break stigma and protect survivors.

Roads & Access: Lesotho’s Lebakeng (Qacha’s Nek area) is set for a major upgrade with a M1.4 billion Matlali–Lebakeng road project, including bitumen works, new gravel links to ’Melikane Combined School, and major bridges over the Tsoelike, Lijabatho, ’Melikane and Senqu rivers—aiming to end decades of isolation. Menstrual Health & Education: Machabeng Government Hospital marked Qacha’s Nek Menstrual Hygiene Day with school debates, poetry, pad-use demonstrations and donations of sanitary towels and soap to primary schools, pushing a #PeriodFriendlyWorld message. Gender-Based Violence & Silence: A Lesotho-focused piece highlights how GBV persists behind fear and stigma, urging stronger media and community action to break the silence around survivors. Initiation & Schooling: A Maseru commentary argues for integrating formal education with initiation schools (lebollo) so cultural identity and adulthood guidance support learners instead of disrupting schooling. Financial Literacy: The Central Bank of Lesotho brought money-management training to Quthing, spotlighting the LesSwitch system and modern payments. Community Development: In Mokhokhong (Roma), rural electrification is finally reaching long-neglected villages—bringing light, but not solving water shortages. Culture & Travel: A travel feature spotlights Lesotho’s high-altitude landscapes and winter snow season, positioning hiking and pony trekking as lifestyle highlights.

Menstrual Health in Qacha’s Nek: Machabeng Government Hospital marked Menstrual Health and Hygiene Day at St Francis High School with pad-use lessons, debates, poetry, and donations of sanitary towels and soap to five primary schools. Roads & access in Lesotho: Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane launched the M1.4bn Matlali–Lebakeng road upgrade, promising bitumen surfacing, new gravel links to ’Melikane Combined School, and major bridge works to end decades of isolation. Local voting rules: The IEC says only South African citizens—excluding people declared “dead”—will vote in the 4 November local government elections, with ID checks against the national register. Winter safety push: A Maseru District Hospital paramedic urged households to keep emergency numbers handy as winter fire incidents rise, warning against unsafe heating and even filming accidents instead of helping. Financial literacy in Quthing: The Central Bank of Lesotho ran a seminar on money management, highlighting the LesSwitch payment system and the CBL Investment Portal. Diplomacy: Lesotho’s deputy prime minister met Qatar’s ambassador to discuss deeper cooperation in education, infrastructure, and parliamentary affairs. Gender-based violence spotlight: A Lesotho media piece urges breaking the silence around GBV, pointing to stigma and fear as the biggest barriers to help. Regional migration tensions: Coverage across the region flags rising anti-immigrant protests and border enforcement debates, with Lesotho-linked guidance appearing in the wider news flow.

Infrastructure & Connectivity: Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane has launched the M1.4 billion Matlali–Lebakeng road project, upgrading a 45km route to bitumen, adding a 1.4km spur to ’Melikane Combined School, and building major bridges over the Tsoelike, Lijabatho, ’Melikane and Senqu rivers—aimed at ending decades of isolation, with completion targeted for February 2030. Public Safety in Winter: A Maseru District Hospital paramedic urged families to keep emergency numbers handy as winter fire incidents rise, warning against braziers, heaters and candles and stressing child supervision and faster reporting. Education & Culture: A Maseru piece argues for integrating formal education with initiation schooling (lebollo) so learners benefit from cultural identity and adulthood preparation without losing academic progress. Gender-Based Violence & Media: A Lesotho-focused commentary highlights how GBV thrives behind fear and silence, calling for stronger media roles in ending gender-based violence. Money & Daily Life: The Central Bank of Lesotho is pushing financial literacy in Quthing, spotlighting LesSwitch and modern payment access. Governance & Service Delivery: Government plans a National Leadership Retreat (June 21–23) and an Accountability Summit (July 1–3) to improve leadership, transparency and results-oriented services.