AGP Executive Report

Anti-migrant unrest: South Africa’s anti-immigrant protests are flaring again, with vigilantes warning they will target undocumented migrants for removal by June 30, reviving fears of past xenophobic violence as anger over jobs, crime and strained services boils over. Home Affairs consultations: In the background, South Africa’s Home Affairs is running nationwide public consultations on Zimbabwean and Lesotho Exemption Permits, after earlier legal challenges pushed the department to follow a more inclusive process. Regional diplomacy: South Africa and Botswana are also pushing ahead on cooperation, agreeing to accelerate high-impact projects under their Bi-National Commission, including water links and trade facilitation. Lesotho watch: Lesotho says it won’t copy South Africa’s SARS-style vehicle registration rules for Basotho motorists, while Lesotho’s EU partnership marks 50 years of support. Health and livelihoods: Lesotho continues to battle Foot and Mouth Disease, with authorities warning people not to eat dead cattle as outbreaks hit farmers’ incomes.

Anti-migrant unrest: South Africa’s anti-immigrant protests are flaring again, with vigilantes threatening to remove undocumented migrants by June 30 as anger over jobs, crime and strained services spills into violence. Home Affairs process: In a separate but related pressure point, South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs has launched nationwide public consultations on Zimbabwean and Lesotho Exemption Permits, after court challenges, with workshops already held in several provinces. Lesotho-US aid deal controversy: A new report revisits how the US pushed Lesotho into a secretive healthcare-linked deal after cutting funding, raising concerns about commercial-style demands and long access to medical data. Water stability: South Africa’s Vaal River system remains broadly stable, with key dams still above full supply levels despite small declines. Lesotho FMD warning: In Lesotho, authorities are urging communities not to eat dead cattle amid the Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak, as farmers report mounting losses. EU ties: Lesotho and the EU marked 50 years of partnership, pledging renewed support on governance, climate resilience and development.

SACU Under Pressure: Botswana’s repeated bans on South African fruits and vegetables are being challenged as protectionism that clashes with the Southern African Customs Union’s promise of freer trade, with critics urging tighter coordination instead of market closures. Lesotho FMD Warning: As Foot and Mouth Disease spreads, Lesotho authorities are warning Basotho not to eat dead cattle and are pushing communities to spot symptoms and report cases. No SARS-Style Vehicle Rules: Lesotho says it will not copy South Africa’s SARS vehicle registration approach for foreign-registered cars, citing the close Lesotho–SA relationship and the need for careful consideration. EU–Lesotho 50 Years: The EU and Lesotho marked five decades of partnership, highlighting support for governance, climate resilience, and economic growth. Regional Sports: Zimbabwe will host Region 5 table tennis championships, while Lesotho is among countries set to compete in upcoming regional events.

EU–Lesotho Milestone: The EU and Lesotho marked 50 years of partnership in Maseru, pledging continued support for development, governance, climate resilience and jobs for young people. Water Crisis Pressure: In South Africa, Ekurhuleni told a human rights inquiry it needs about R3bn to replace ageing water pipes, as residents report sewage spills, unreliable supply and slow fixes. FMD Hits Farmers: Berea livestock and dairy farmers say the Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak is deepening poverty, with emergency restrictions cutting off milk sales. Cricket Qualifiers: ICC T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional C qualifiers are set for Nigeria again, with Lesotho among the teams chasing two spots for the next stage. Lesotho Sports/Community: Trade Test certificates were awarded to 1,300+ Basotho, aimed at boosting work locally and abroad. Digital Services: Lesotho’s e-services push is moving through “evolution stages” toward full automation to reduce queues. Regional Tensions: Online claims about Botswana and Tanzania retaliating against South Africa were denied, as Ghana delayed evacuations of 800+ citizens due to legal and flight hurdles.

Tribute in the spotlight: South Africa’s arts world packed Joburg Theatre to honour publicist, DJ and fashion designer Maria McCloy, who died on 12 May at 50, with Thandiswa Mazwai and other major names leading emotional tributes. Farming under pressure: In Berea, farmers say the Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak is crushing incomes as milk sales are restricted and households slide deeper into poverty. Water accountability: Water utilities warn municipalities have treated water systems like “cash cows,” leaving huge losses underground and debts to water boards—while calls grow for real emergency action. Jobs and skills: More than 1,300 Basotho who completed Trade Test assessments received certificates, with government pushing recognition and pathways for work beyond Lesotho. Energy and digital push: Lesotho wrapped up an Energy Access Dialogue and MICSTI began validating e-services automation to cut queues. Sports calendar set: CAF confirmed the full 2027 AFCON qualifiers fixtures, with Lesotho drawn in Group A. Climate readiness: Lesotho is launching a community-led anticipatory action project to better respond to climate disasters.

Water Crisis Accountability: South Africa’s water boards say municipalities treated water systems like “cash cows” — R27-billion owed, and about half the water lost underground — while President Ramaphosa’s emergency in the sector hasn’t yet brought the kind of visible fixes seen in electricity. Skills for Work: In Maseru, over 1,300 Basotho received Trade Test certificates at LOIC, with the Education Minister saying the qualification is recognised across SADC and could open jobs abroad. Digital Government: Lesotho’s e-services push is moving through “evolution stages” toward full automation, aiming to cut queues and manual work. AFCON 2027 Focus: CAF has confirmed the full qualifiers draw and fixtures, with Morocco drawn alongside Gabon, Niger and Lesotho, and Nigeria facing Madagascar, Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau in Group L. Climate Readiness: Lesotho is launching a climate disaster project to strengthen community-led early action through partners including the Red Cross and WFP. Business Watch: Gem Diamonds reports lower sales volumes but higher prices in its first quarter.

Central Banking Pressure: South Africa is set to raise interest rates to fight inflation as the Iran war keeps pushing up energy, food and fertiliser costs, with more African central banks likely to shift from “hold” to hikes if prices stay hot. AFCON 2027 Buzz: CAF’s Cairo draw has set the qualifying groups for the Kenya-Uganda-Tanzania tournament, with Lesotho landing in Group A alongside Morocco, Gabon and Niger, while South Africa and Kenya meet in Group D and Nigeria face Madagascar, co-host Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau in Group L. Lesotho Governance & Independence: A spiritual leader urged Cabinet to put national interest first ahead of the 60th independence anniversary, as officials also move to set dates for national prayer. Sentebale Update: The HIV charity says it has appointed two new trustees and started work on its 2027–2030 strategy in its 20th anniversary year.

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers Draw: The CAF draw in Cairo has set the road to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, with Lesotho placed in Group A alongside Morocco, Gabon and Niger, while South Africa are in Group D with Kenya and Eritrea; Nigeria land in Group L with Madagascar, Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau, and Zambia are in Group I against Algeria, Togo and Burundi. Independence Call: As Lesotho heads toward 60 years of golden jubilee independence, a spiritual leader urged Cabinet to put national interest first and prioritise stability and integrity. Sentebale Strategy: Sentebale appointed two new trustees and says it has completed regulator-required actions as it begins work on a 2027–2030 strategy in its 20th anniversary year. Governance Watch: A motion on MPs’ code of conduct was blocked from being debated without notice, after opposition leaders demanded proper consultation. Sports-Regional Politics: Namibia’s Robert Shimooshili and Zimbabwe’s Nqobile Magwizi both secured Cosafa executive roles, signalling fresh regional momentum.

Cosafa Leadership Shake-up: Zimbabwe FA boss Nqobile Magwizi has been elected to Cosafa’s executive committee after elections at the Harare congress, joining ordinary members Lijane Nthunya (Lesotho), Robert Shimooshili (Namibia) and Peter Simelane (Eswatini), as Oabile Thona Tariq Babitseng takes over as Cosafa president and Alfred Randriamanampisoa becomes vice-president. AFCON Qualifiers Draw: Ghana has landed in Pot 2 for Tuesday’s draw for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, with hosts Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania guaranteed finals spots but still playing qualifiers. Parliament Ethics Clash: In Maseru, MPs’ code of conduct motion was blocked from being debated without notice after opposition raised concerns about consultation. Mining Jobs Pressure: Lesotho’s energy and mining ministry says mine closures are linked to a weak global diamond market, and is exploring alternatives like crushed stone. Child Labour & TIP Reporting: MISA Lesotho and World Vision are running media training workshops to improve how journalists report trafficking in persons and child labour. Education Hunger Relief: Motimposo MP ‘Makatleho Motsoasele’ is funding porridge for primary pupils after hunger incidents and food insecurity fears.

MPs’ Code Clash: Lesotho’s National Assembly voted to block a motion on MPs’ code of conduct from being debated without notice, after the Leader of Opposition argued MPs needed time to study it—while the chair said consultations were already offered. Maternal Health Accountability: Across Africa, experts say the maternal mortality crisis is driven less by missing medical know-how and more by weak leadership, coordination and accountability. Child Labour & TIP Reporting: MISA Lesotho and World Vision are running specialised media training on trafficking in persons and child labour, aiming to help journalists report safely and legally. Schooling Crisis: New reporting highlights that 100 million African children are still out of school, with progress stalling as numbers rise again. Lesotho on the Ground: Ha Ramakhetheng residents near Maseru say lack of access roads and transport leaves them walking hours for clinics and shops. Local Learning Boost: Abia High School installed a hydroponic system to build practical, climate-smart farming skills.

Home Affairs Budget: Deputy Minister Njabulo B Nzuza used the Home Affairs Budget Vote debate to push a “culture change” agenda—aiming for a modern, secure, efficient, citizen-centred department as the 2026/27 plans move from promises to practice. Immigration & Permits: Across the region, South Africa’s ZEP/LEP consultations keep the spotlight on how many permit holders remain active, with audits and legal wrangling shaping what comes next for thousands of migrants. Football Governance: Namibia’s Robert Shimooshili has been elected to COSAFA’s executive committee, while the AfCON PAMOJA 2027 qualifier draw is set for Tuesday in Cairo—both pointing to a busy week for southern African football administration. Education & Hunger Relief: In Lesotho, a Motimposo MP-backed porridge initiative is helping learners start school with their first proper meal after days of food insecurity. Sports & Infrastructure: Lesotho also marked the opening of the FSC Stadium of Life in Maseru, built with sustainably sourced timber.

AfCON Draw Day: The D-day draw for the AfCON PAMOJA 2027 group qualifiers is set for Tuesday in Cairo, splitting 48 teams into 12 groups of four, with the top two in each group booking finals spots. Home Affairs Budget: Deputy Minister Njabulo B Nzuza used the Home Affairs 2026/27 Budget Vote to push a “modern, secure, efficient, citizen-centred” department built on culture change. Lesotho in the spotlight: Lesotho’s public-private dialogue is back on the calendar for May 20, aiming to turn private-sector growth plans into action. Regional migration pressure: South Africa’s anti-migrant protests are still driving diplomatic fallout, with Ghana approving the evacuation of 300 citizens. Sports and courts: In Lesotho, the Court of Appeal reinstated criminal proceedings against former PM’s office minister Temeki Tsólo and co-accused, sending the case back for a faster hearing. Food insecurity at home: A Motimposo MP-backed porridge drive is helping learners who are going to school hungry.

Home Affairs Budget Focus: Deputy Minister Njabulo B Nzuza used the Home Affairs 2026/27 Budget Vote debate to push a “culture change” message—aiming for a more modern, secure, efficient and citizen-centred department as the state tries to keep immigration and electoral systems running smoothly. Regional Diplomacy Watch: South Africa’s migration tensions are spilling outward, with Ghana approving the evacuation of 300 citizens from South Africa as protests and attacks on foreign nationals intensify, raising pressure for an African Union-level response. Lesotho Courtroom Update: In Lesotho, the Court of Appeal has reinstated criminal proceedings against former Prime Minister’s Office minister Temeki Tsólo and co-accused after overturning a High Court stay, sending the case back for a faster hearing under case management. Food Security at School: At Motimposo Primary School, a porridge initiative is stepping in for learners facing hunger, after reports of fainting and prolonged lack of food.

India-Africa Summit Push: India is hosting the 4th India-Africa Forum Summit in New Delhi from 28–31 May 2026, aiming to turn political, security, trade and people-to-people ties into fresh deals under the theme “Innovation, Resilience and Inclusive Transformation,” with the New Delhi Declaration expected at the end. Lesotho in the Spotlight: Lesotho’s media is also moving outward—Lesotho TV’s editor visited Namibia’s NBC to learn how digital and “condensed” newsroom models could help Lesotho’s own newsroom upgrades. Food Security at School: In Motimposo, a porridge initiative is stepping in after learners fainted and reported prolonged hunger, with the wider backdrop of rising food insecurity across Basotho households. Justice in Focus: Lesotho’s Court of Appeal reinstated criminal proceedings against former PM’s office minister Temeki Tsólo and co-accused, sending the case back for a faster hearing. Regional Health Access: Qacha’s Nek patients in Whitehill are still relying on a free boat to reach Tebellong Hospital when private transport is too costly.

Smartphone Push: Vodacom is stepping up prepaid smartphone financing with “Easy2Own,” letting customers pay deposits plus small daily or weekly amounts—miss payments and the phone locks, pay and it unlocks. Immigration Audit: South Africa’s Home Affairs is auditing how many Zimbabwe Exemption Permit holders remain active after consultations on ZEP/LEP, as numbers are said to have fallen. Courtroom Reset: Lesotho’s Court of Appeal reinstated criminal proceedings against former PM’s office minister Temeki Tsólo and co-accused, sending the case back for a faster hearing. Local Politics: South Africa’s IEC wrapped a two-week KZN voter-confidence drive ahead of the 2026 local government elections. Food Pressure: A Lesotho school feeding lifeline—Motimposo’s porridge initiative—highlights how hunger still hits learners hard. Healthcare Access: Qacha’s Nek patients wait for a free boat to Tebellong Hospital, where private transport costs can block care. Trade Debate: Public comment on AGOA modernization is pushing for stronger labor and human-rights standards over corporate carve-outs.

School Feeding Relief: At Motimposo Primary in Maseru, MP Makatleho Motsoasele has stepped in to serve warm soft porridge to learners after hunger-linked incidents left children fainting and even vomiting blood—amid a 2025/26 food insecurity crisis affecting 524,000 Basotho. Courtroom Reset: Lesotho’s Court of Appeal has reinstated criminal proceedings against former PM’s office minister Temeki Tsólo and co-accused, overturning a High Court stay and sending the case back for a faster hearing. Parliament Discipline: The National Assembly Speaker, Tlohang Sekhamane, says absentee and late MPs will now face action after years of warnings, using temporary and urgent standing orders. Regional Energy Watch: South Africa expects about R18.8bn from electricity exports to eight neighbours, including Lesotho, as costs and supply pressures stay in focus. Sports Money Trouble: The Soweto Marathon prize dispute is still unresolved for top finishers, including Lesotho’s Joseph Seutloali.