AGP Executive Report

SADC Spending Skills Boost: More than 140 SADC officials will meet in Johannesburg (15–17 July) for training on smarter public spending, using cost-benefit analysis to help governments prioritise health, education, infrastructure and climate resilience. Basotho Jobs Under Pressure: Lesotho faces an urgent job crisis as returning nationals from South Africa strain the labour market, with youth unemployment high and calls growing for investment and economic diversification. Border Rights Row: Lesotho’s Migrant Workers Association says Basotho are being refused entry at South African border posts and stamped “declared undesirable” or “refused entry” without clear reasons, while rights groups demand due process. Migration Crackdown Fallout: South Africa’s migration enforcement has processed over 53,000 foreign nationals for deportation or repatriation, and the government says it may scale back costly operations as numbers fall. Public Health Push: Lesotho launched a national mechanism to coordinate action against non-communicable diseases and injuries, aiming to reduce a growing burden on the health system. Women’s Peace Network: The International Women’s Peace Group launched a Women’s Peace Leadership and Partnership Network in Lesotho to strengthen women-led peacebuilding and development. Youth & Culture: Over 2,300 young musicians from Lesotho and the region are set for the 2026 International Marimba & Steelpan Festival in Johannesburg (24–26 July).

Same-Sex Marriage Court Battle (Botswana): A gay couple’s bid to overturn Botswana’s same-sex marriage ban is being opposed by churches and cultural groups, setting up a landmark regional legal fight. Migration Pressure on the Region (South Africa): Lesotho-linked concerns are rising as Basotho travellers allege being refused entry at SA borders, while South Africa reports more than 53,000 foreign nationals processed for deportation or repatriation and says it may scale back costly enforcement as numbers drop. Judicial Independence (Lesotho): The Judicial Officers Association of Lesotho condemns threats against a magistrate, calling for urgent protection and respect for the rule of law. Public Health (Lesotho): Lesotho launches a national multi-sector platform to coordinate action against non-communicable diseases and injuries. Women Building Peace (Lesotho): IWPG launches a Women’s Peace Leadership and Partnership Network, urging stronger women-led collaboration for sustainable peace. Energy & Jobs (Lesotho): Lesotho pushes universal electricity access by 2030 as solar projects expand, while bicycle delivery is emerging as a practical youth-employment option. Youth Culture (Region): A major marimba and steelpan festival will bring 2,300 young musicians including Basotho to Boksburg in late July.

Women’s Peace Leadership: The International Women’s Peace Group launched its Women’s Peace Leadership and Partnership Network in Lesotho, urging women-led organisations to team up on peacebuilding and national development. Courtroom Mutiny Claims: A retired intelligence officer told the High Court that a mutiny plot in 2015 involved meetings at State House and aimed to weaken the Lesotho Defence Force and overturn the democratic order. Public Health Push (NCDs): Lesotho unveiled a National Multi-sectoral NCDIs Coordinating Mechanism to tackle non-communicable diseases and injuries, with government, WHO and partners aligning services and prevention. HIV Treatment Recovery: The Back-to-Care Campaign reconnected 1,802 Basotho who had defaulted on HIV treatment, reaching 106 health facilities nationwide. Energy Access Plan: Government says it will expand solar power and work toward universal electricity access by 2030, including the China-backed Ha-Ramarothole Solar Phase II. Jobs Through Bicycles: A registered bicycle delivery service is creating livelihoods for young people despite potholes and dangerous motorists. Regional Migration Pressure: South Africa reported processing 53,449 foreign nationals for deportation or repatriation, with Malawians the majority, while Lesotho’s name also appears in visa-free lists for some countries.

Migration Update: Lesotho’s IMC-linked regional focus stays in the spotlight as South Africa reports 53,449 foreign nationals processed for deportation or repatriation by July 11, with Malawians making up over 80%, while government warns against unlawful community “identity checks” and door-to-door intimidation. Judicial Independence: Lesotho’s JOALE condemns threats against a Mohale’s Hoek magistrate, calling for urgent investigation and protection of judicial independence. Public Health: Lesotho marks major progress as the Back-to-Care campaign reconnects 1,802 Basotho living with HIV to antiretroviral treatment after treatment interruptions. NCD Push: The country also launched a national multi-sectoral mechanism to coordinate action against non-communicable diseases and injuries. Energy Access: Lesotho vows universal electricity access by 2030 as Phase II of the Ha-Ramarothole solar project breaks ground, aiming to cut costly electricity imports. Youth & Jobs: A bicycle delivery business in Lesotho is creating livelihoods and tackling youth unemployment, despite road and safety challenges. Women & Peace: Women are urged to lead peace-building efforts for future generations at a Maseru forum.

HIV Care Win: Lesotho’s Back-to-Care Campaign has reconnected 1,802 Basotho who defaulted on HIV treatment to antiretroviral therapy, tracing 88% of those who interrupted care across 106 facilities nationwide. Energy Push: Lesotho vows universal electricity access by 2030 as the Mafeteng Ha-Ramarothole Solar Project expands, with Phase II adding 50MW to reach 80MW and cut costly electricity imports. Solar Expansion: Prime Minister Samuel Matekane broke ground on Phase II of the China-backed Ha-Ramarothole project, citing reduced reliance on imports and faster rural electrification. Border Corruption Sting: A Border Management Authority official was arrested in connection with a R600 bribe allegedly used to fraudulently endorse a Lesotho passport at Maseru Port of Entry. Migration Pressure in SA: South Africa’s anti-migrant protests and enforcement drive have led to over 53,000 foreign nationals processed for deportation or repatriation, while officials warn vigilante identity checks are unlawful. Trade & Jobs: Lesotho highlights progress under the Regional Value Chains Lesotho Plus programme, including market access gains for Basotho firms and support for agro-processing and light manufacturing.

South Africa Migration Crackdown: South Africa’s Inter-Ministerial Committee says it has processed 53,449 foreign nationals for deportation and repatriation, but government is now considering scaling back the costly operation as numbers fell from nearly 4,850 on July 5 to 1,139 on July 11. Border Corruption: A Border Management Authority officer was arrested in connection with an alleged R600 bribe to fraudulently stamp a Lesotho national’s passport at Maseru Port of Entry. Lesotho Power Push: Lesotho vows universal electricity access by 2030 as the Mafeteng solar expansion moves ahead, with Phase II of the Ha-Ramarothole project launched and aimed at cutting reliance on imports. LHWP Progress: The Polihali Dam construction is reported at 50% completion, still on track for reservoir impoundment in the 2027/2028 rainy season. Youth & Health: A nationwide campaign on safe initiation practices kicks off in Mohale’s Hoek, linking cultural rites with health promotion and referral systems. SRHR for Girls: Thamae LEC Primary launches an Ithate Youth Club to teach girls SRHR and encourage parent-child discussions. Regional Mobility: Japan confirms Lesotho as one of only three African countries eligible for visa-free entry for holders of machine-readable passports. Sports Note: Nigeria’s football infrastructure and fan culture are criticised after claims no Nigerian stadium meets FIFA World Cup standards.

Energy Access Push: Lesotho says it’s on track for universal electricity by 2030, as the Mafeteng solar push gathers pace with the China-backed Ha-Ramarothole Phase II expansion. Solar Expansion: Phase II breaks ground on the 50MW Ha-Ramarothole upgrade, lifting total capacity to 80MW and cutting reliance on costly electricity imports. Border Corruption Crackdown: A Border Management Authority official was arrested over an alleged R600 bribe to illegally stamp a Lesotho national’s passport at Maseru Port of Entry, with charges expected in Ladybrand court. Trade & Jobs Focus: The Trade Ministry highlights progress under the Regional Value Chains Lesotho Plus programme, citing more firms at international trade fairs and training for officials to boost Basotho enterprise growth. Road Safety Policy Input: The Finance ministry is collecting public views on a new Motor Vehicle Accident Fund policy (2026–2031), including how compensation should work for everyone in Lesotho. Youth & Health: World Population Day in Mohale’s Hoek spotlights youth aspirations and maternal health, alongside SRHR support initiatives. LHWP Setback: Lesotho Highlands Water Project compensation claims face a setback after the Constitutional Court ruled the dispute should go through the high court. Visa Update: Japan confirms only three African countries get visa-free entry—Lesotho included—though it depends on machine-readable passports. Culture & Community: A safe initiation practices campaign rolls out nationwide, aiming to reduce preventable injuries and deaths while preserving cultural traditions.

Solar Power Boost: Lesotho has broken ground on Phase II of the China-backed Ha-Ramarothole Solar Power Project in Mafeteng, adding 50MW to take capacity to 80MW and cut costly electricity imports. Border Corruption Crackdown: A Border Management Authority official was arrested for allegedly taking a R600 bribe to unlawfully stamp a Lesotho national’s passport at Maseru Port of Entry, with charges expected in court. Trade and Jobs Push: The Trade Ministry says its Lesotho Plus regional value chains programme is helping Basotho firms grow, with companies taking part in international trade fairs and officials trained to strengthen market access. Motor Accident Fund Consultations: The Finance Ministry is collecting public views on a new Motor Vehicle Accident Fund policy for 2026–2031, including calls for awareness campaigns and fair compensation. Youth and Health: World Population Day events in Mohale’s Hoek highlighted youth aspirations and maternal health, alongside efforts to improve Sexual and Reproductive Health services. LHWP Dam Progress: Polihali Dam construction has reached 50% completion, still on track for reservoir impoundment in the 2027/2028 rainy season. Regional Shockwaves: South Africa’s anti-migrant protests are raising fears of labour shortages and economic blowback, while Lesotho’s visa-free access to Japan remains in the spotlight.

Energy Security: Lesotho has broken ground on Phase II of the China-backed Ha-Ramarothole Solar Power Project in Mafeteng, adding 50MW to take total capacity to 80MW and cutting reliance on electricity imports that cost the country nearly M1 billion a year. Border Integrity: A Border Management Authority official was arrested at Maseru Port of Entry for allegedly taking a R600 bribe to unlawfully stamp a Lesotho national’s passport, with charges expected in Ladybrand court and more arrests possible. Youth & Health: Ahead of World Population Day, Lesotho is marking the occasion with a focus on youth aspirations and maternal health, including the handover of specialized equipment to Nts’ekhe Hospital. SRHR in Schools: In Mohale’s Hoek, a Safe Initiation Practices campaign is rolling out with health promotion for boys and young men during initiation season, aiming to reduce preventable injuries and deaths. Road Safety Policy: The Ministry of Finance is collecting public input on a new Motor Vehicle Accident Fund policy (2026–2031), with stakeholders urged to ensure fair compensation and early awareness campaigns. Regional Trade & Jobs: The Trade Ministry says the Lesotho Plus value chains programme is expanding market access for Basotho enterprises, including participation in international trade fairs. Water Project Legal Setback: Highlands Water Project compensation claims have hit a snag after the Constitutional Court ruled the dispute should proceed through the high court. South Africa Spillover: Anti-migrant protests and xenophobic raids across South Africa are escalating fears of economic blowback, with economists warning labour shortages could hurt sectors that rely on foreign workers. Visa News for Basotho: Japan has confirmed Lesotho as one of only three African countries eligible for visa-free entry, but only for holders of machine-readable passports.

Border Corruption Crackdown: A Border Management Authority official was arrested in Maseru for allegedly taking a R600 bribe to fraudulently endorse a Lesotho passport at the Maseru Port of Entry, just as South Africans protested tougher immigration enforcement on June 30. Visa Rules for Basotho Travellers: Japan has confirmed Lesotho is one of only three African countries eligible for visa-free short stays, but only for holders of ICAO-standard machine-readable passports. Motor Accident Fund Policy Consultations: Lesotho’s Finance Ministry is collecting public views on a new Motor Vehicle Accident Fund policy (2026–2031), with officials urging early awareness so victims understand compensation and reviews if funds are too low. World Population Day Focus on Youth: Lesotho will mark World Population Day in Mohale’s Hoek with youth and maternal health at the centre, including support to Nts’ekhe Hospital with maternal care equipment and supplies. LHWP Dam Progress: Polihali Dam construction has reached 50% completion under LHWP Phase II, with the project still aiming for reservoir impoundment in the 2027/2028 rainy season. Trade and Enterprise Push: The Trade Ministry says the Regional Value Chains Lesotho Plus programme is boosting Basotho businesses through value-chain support, training, and access to international trade fairs. Safe Initiation Practices Campaign: A nationwide campaign on safer initiation practices has launched in Phamong, Mohale’s Hoek, bringing health and community leaders together to reduce preventable injuries and deaths while preserving cultural traditions.

Xenophobia and migration crisis in South Africa: Anti-immigration protests escalated as demonstrators went door-to-door, forcibly removing suspected undocumented migrants and handing them to police, with fears of further violence driving thousands to flee. Lesotho nationals caught in the fallout: Lesotho’s repatriation effort has scaled up, with Foreign Affairs confirming at least 40 buses sent to bring home Basotho citizens from the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal amid safety concerns. Court case linked to illegal mining: Defence for three Lesotho nationals accused in the Cleveland mass shooting denies they were involved in illegal mining, saying the men were targeted due to Basotho nationality and infighting in the settlement; the State plans to oppose bail. Jobs and business pressure: Economists warn that migrant departures could hurt South Africa’s labour markets and informal economy, even as protests claim to protect jobs. Lesotho health and youth protection: A Safe Initiation Practices campaign launched nationwide, involving ministries and traditional leaders to reduce preventable injuries and deaths during initiation season. Trade and enterprise support: The Trade Ministry says the Regional Value Chains Lesotho Plus programme is boosting Basotho firms’ competitiveness, market access and jobs. Water project progress: Polihali Dam construction under LHWP Phase II has reached 50% completion, with reservoir impoundment still targeted for 2027/28. Local governance and assets: LNDC says it is owed about M50 million in unpaid rent and plans to remove tenants misusing its properties. World Population Day in Lesotho: Lesotho will mark the day in Mohale’s Hoek with a focus on youth aspirations and maternal health, including equipment handovers to Nts’ekhe Hospital. Youth and SRHR: Thamae LEC Primary launched a youth club to empower girls with Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights knowledge and safer discussion spaces. Sports and youth opportunity: Vodacom Lesotho sponsors the Mountain Runners race in September to promote healthy living and stimulate the local economy.

Safe Initiation Practices: Lesotho’s Ministry of Health, with WHO support, has launched a multisectoral male engagement initiative in Phamong (Mohale’s Hoek) to promote safer initiation during the season, involving health education, disease prevention, and stronger referral links between initiation schools and clinics, while urging boys to focus on sexual and reproductive health, healthy relationships and mental wellbeing. Trade & Jobs: The Trade Ministry says the EU- and BMZ-backed Regional Value Chains Lesotho Plus (RVCL+) programme is boosting Basotho enterprise competitiveness, with 102 companies taking part in eight international trade fairs and 114 public officials trained in trade policy and value chain development. Highlands Water Project Compensation: Compensation claims over LHWP dam losses face a setback after the High Court (as Constitutional Court) ruled the dispute should proceed through the High Court, not constitutional jurisdiction, affecting more than 3,000 individuals and 889 businesses. Public Finance & Policy: The Ministry of Finance is inviting public comments on a proposed Motor Vehicle Accident Fund policy to create a modern, sustainable, victim-centred compensation system and reform the 1989 framework. Youth & SRHR: Thamae Primary launched an Ithate Youth Club to equip girls with age-appropriate SRHR and GBV awareness, including puberty, menstrual health, hygiene, self-esteem and safer decision-making. Infrastructure Progress: Polihali Dam construction under LHWP Phase II has reached 50% completion, with the project still aiming for reservoir impoundment in 2027/2028.

Lesotho Highlands Water Project Compensation: The High Court of Lesotho (sitting as the Constitutional Court) has ruled that thousands of villagers and businesses seeking compensation over dam losses must take their dispute through the high court, saying they have other legal remedies under existing law. Water Infrastructure: Polihali Dam construction under LHWP Phase II has hit 50% completion, with the project still on track for reservoir impoundment in the 2027/2028 rainy season. State Assets & Jobs: The Lesotho National Development Corporation says it is owed about M50 million in unpaid rent and plans to remove tenants misusing properties to make room for genuine investors. Youth & Health: Thamae LEC Primary School launched the Ithate Youth Club to equip girls with Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights knowledge and create a safer space to discuss wellbeing, with parent meetings also planned. World Population Day: Lesotho will mark World Population Day at Qalakheng in Mohale’s Hoek with a focus on youth aspirations and maternal health, including a handover of specialised hospital equipment to Nts’ekhe Hospital. Road Safety Policy: Government is seeking public input on a new Motor Vehicle Accident Fund Policy to improve fair, timely compensation for road crash victims. Sports & Economy: Vodacom Lesotho is sponsoring the Mountain Runners Athletics Club race on 5 September, aiming to boost healthy living, youth opportunities and local tourism.

Lesotho Highlands Water Project: Polihali Dam construction under LHWP Phase II has hit 50% completion, with the project still on track for reservoir impoundment in the 2027/28 rainy season, as major earthworks and concrete works advance. Local Governance & Jobs: The Lesotho National Development Corporation says it is owed about M50 million in unpaid rent and is preparing to remove tenants misusing its properties to improve revenue collection and make space for genuine investors. Youth & Health: Thamae LEC Primary School launched the Ithate Youth Club to equip girls with Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights knowledge and create a safer space to discuss issues, with parent meetings also planned. Public Input: Lesotho’s Ministry of Finance is seeking written comments on a proposed Motor Vehicle Accident Fund Policy aimed at a modern, victim-centred compensation system. World Population Day: Lesotho will mark World Population Day 2026 in Mohale’s Hoek with a focus on youth aspirations and maternal health, including a handover of specialised hospital equipment to Nts’ekhe Hospital. Regional Context: South Africa’s clothing sector faces pressure as raids and xenophobic violence drive immigrant workers to flee, raising fears of factory closures and job losses. Visa Rules: Namibia has updated its visa-on-arrival list, excluding more than 60 countries including Nigeria. Education Opportunity: Rhodes Scholarship applications are open for SADC candidates, including Basotho, with a deadline of August 3.

Sports & Youth: Vodacom Lesotho has partnered with the Mountain Runners Athletics Club to sponsor the September 5 “Mountain Runners” race in Maseru, aiming to boost healthy living, youth opportunities and local business as categories include 5km, 10km and 21km. Financial Literacy: NUL and the Central Bank of Lesotho (CBL) have launched a structured financial literacy programme after rising consumer complaints, targeting gaps in understanding contract terms and improving how Basotho make informed financial decisions. Public Accountability: Lesotho’s three-day Accountability Summit in Maseru is pushing faster passport processing (including SMS alerts) and tighter monitoring of payment systems for service providers, with citizens directly raising concerns to senior officials. Road Safety Policy: The Ministry of Finance is seeking public input on a new Motor Vehicle Accident Fund policy to create a modern, victim-centred compensation system and reform the current 1989 framework. Inclusion: Lesotho is strengthening collaboration to improve access for persons with disabilities, with stakeholders flagging remaining gaps in implementation and the need for more training and public awareness. Regional Context: Lesotho’s repatriation of citizens from South Africa has scaled up amid safety concerns, with Limpho Tau confirming 40 buses deployed to bring Basotho home.

Cross-border safety and reintegration: Lesotho has scaled up the repatriation of citizens fleeing unrest in South Africa, with Foreign Affairs Minister Limpho Tau confirming at least 40 buses dispatched mainly to the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. Public accountability: The Leadership Forum and National Accountability Summit in Maseru is set to become an annual dialogue platform, with the Prime Minister pointing to faster passport processing and new SMS alerts for applicants. Financial literacy push: NUL and the Central Bank of Lesotho launched a structured financial literacy programme to reduce consumer complaints driven by people signing contracts without understanding terms. Road safety policy: The Ministry of Finance is seeking public input on a new Motor Vehicle Accident Fund Policy to create a modern, victim-centred compensation system. Disability inclusion: Lesotho continues expanding access to services for persons with disabilities, with stakeholders calling for better training and stronger public awareness, especially for deafblind inclusion. Environment & conservation: IUCN secured nearly US$5m in GEF funding for Southern Africa projects, including the Orange–Senqu Water Fund spanning Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and South Africa. Sports and local economy: Vodacom Lesotho sponsors the Mountain Runners race in Maseru (Sept 5) to promote healthy living and boost local business.