AGP Executive Report

Migration Crackdown in the Spotlight: South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa denied the country is xenophobic, but promised action as anti-immigrant protests and attacks on foreign nationals continue, warning against vigilante violence while acknowledging real public concerns about illegal migration and pressure on services. Lesotho–Kenya Football Update: Harambee Stars beat Lesotho 4-0 in a friendly after a 1-1 draw in the first match, with Kenya coach Benni McCarthy pushing for a sharper, more ruthless response in the rematch. Lesotho Disability Support: Lesotho highlighted progress on assistive technology access, including policy steps and low-cost device training, even as funding and rollout gaps still limit wider reach. Queen ‘Masenate’ Golden Birthday Mass: In Matsieng, the Queen marked her 50th golden birthday with a church mass attended by the Royal Family and officials, thanking God and pledging continued service. Connectivity Boost in Senekane: Econet Telecom Lesotho handed over a new network tower and a school kitchen in Senekane, aiming to improve mobile coverage and support learners. Big Investment Deal: Lesotho signed a $6.2bn hydropower and AI data centre agreement, a major foreign investment aimed at reducing reliance on South African electricity.

Migration Tensions in South Africa: President Cyril Ramaphosa promised action on illegal migration after anti-immigrant protests and warnings of xenophobic attacks, stressing that only authorised officials can enforce the law. Lesotho Disability Support: Lesotho reports progress on assistive technology access through policy and local innovation, but says funding and implementation gaps still limit wider reach. Queen ‘Masenate’s Golden Birthday Mass: In Maseru, the Queen marked her 50th golden birthday with a holy mass at St. Louis Catholic Mission, with the Royal Family and officials in attendance. Lesotho Sports—Kenya vs Lesotho: Harambee Stars beat Lesotho 4-0 in a friendly, while Kenya’s coach Benni McCarthy signalled changes after the earlier 1-1 draw. Connectivity Boost in Senekane: Econet Telecom Lesotho handed over a new mobile tower and a school kitchen in Senekane, aiming to improve coverage and support learners. Big Investment Deal: Convalt Energy signed a $6.2bn agreement for a 1,200MW hydropower project and AI data centre in Mokhotlong, a major step toward energy independence. World Cup Warm-ups: Today’s football schedule includes Kenya vs Lesotho and other international friendlies as teams fine-tune ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Hydropower + AI deal: Lesotho has signed a binding agreement with US firm Convalt Energy for the Kobong Hydropower and AI Data Centre Project worth about 98 billion maloti, pairing at least 1,200MW of renewable power with a green-powered AI data centre in Mokhotlong—aimed at cutting electricity imports and boosting jobs, though feasibility and approvals still come first. Connectivity boost in Senekane: Econet Telecom Lesotho launched a new network tower at Senekane Primary School and handed over a modern school kitchen, promising better mobile coverage for nearby communities and urging residents to protect the infrastructure. Digital push for youth: A Digital Innovators Summit in Maseru urged Basotho to embrace technology for public development and safer online participation, with officials pointing to plans to digitise water systems. Water worries in the region: A global drinking-water quality review flags unsafe water risks across many African countries, while a separate open letter highlights ongoing water interruptions in South Africa’s Crosby area. Sports—Lesotho vs Kenya: Harambee Stars and Lesotho meet again in a friendly rematch after a 1-1 first leg, with Kenya’s staff promising changes and Lesotho’s coach Benni McCarthy demanding sharper game management. Women’s football—Starlets in Zambia: Harambee Starlets face Zambia in a FIFA Four Nations tournament as they fine-tune ahead of Wafcon. Migration tensions in SA: South Africa’s government continues to respond to anti-migrant violence with warnings against vigilantism and talk of regional envoys, as neighbouring countries issue caution to their citizens.

Hydropower + AI Investment: Lesotho signed a $6.2bn (98bn maloti) deal with Convalt Energy for the Kobong Hydropower and AI Data Centre project in Mokhotlong—1,200MW of clean power paired with an AI data centre, aimed at boosting energy independence and creating jobs, though feasibility and approvals still come first. Trade Diplomacy: Prime Minister Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane met Dubai Chambers in Johannesburg to push stronger trade and investment ties, highlighting Dubai’s logistics, infrastructure and digital economy expertise and calling for a Dubai–Lesotho business forum. Connectivity for Schools: In Senekane, a new telecoms tower and modern kitchen were handed over to Senekane Primary School, with officials saying better network coverage will expand access to information and mobile money. Digital Skills Push: A Digital Innovators Summit in Maseru urged Basotho youth to embrace technology for public development and safer participation in the digital space, including digitising water systems. Child Energy Support: The Ntlafatsa Bana project launched in Quthing to provide solar home systems and clean cookstoves to child-grant households, targeting safer, healthier living and less spending on fuel. Winter Disruption: Severe weather has closed South Africa’s Sani Pass due to heavy snow on the Lesotho side, with travellers advised to delay trips until the route is declared safe. Health Watch: Lesotho is investigating reports of influenza-like illnesses across several districts as South Africa confirms its first winter COVID-19 case.

Sports Spotlight: Harambee Starlets take on Zambia in Ndola as Wafcon preparations push them to sharpen their “clinical edge,” while Harambee Stars face a Lesotho rematch after Benni McCarthy slammed their second-half game management in a 1-1 draw. Energy & Tech Deal: Lesotho signed a $6.2bn (98bn loti) Kobong agreement with Convalt Energy for 1,200MW hydropower plus a green AI data centre—aimed at cutting electricity imports and boosting jobs, though it’s still subject to feasibility and approvals. Cross-Border Weather Disruption: Heavy snow has closed Sani Pass, with KwaZulu-Natal urging travellers to postpone trips into Lesotho as teams assess storm damage in uMlalazi. Public Services & Community Growth: A Senekane Primary School project delivered a telecom tower and kitchen to improve connectivity and learning, while LEPEU brought services closer to members in Mapoteng. Child Welfare & Clean Energy: The Ntlafatsa Bana project launched solar home systems and clean cookstoves for households with children under five. Regional Migration Tensions: Nigeria says over 1,000 citizens have registered to voluntarily return from South Africa amid anti-migrant unrest, as Lesotho and others urge caution.

Cross-Border Safety: South Africa’s anti-foreigner unrest is spilling across the region, with Mozambique saying hundreds of its citizens are returning home and Kenya, Lesotho and Zimbabwe urging nationals to stay cautious. South African police warned anti-immigration groups against taking the law into their own hands after two Mozambicans were killed in Mossel Bay, while Mozambique’s higher death toll claim was rejected by police. Energy & Digital Push: Lesotho signed a binding $6.2bn (about 98bn maloti) deal with Convalt Energy for the Kobong hydropower and AI data centre project, aiming to cut electricity imports and boost jobs, though feasibility and approvals still remain. Winter Disruptions: Heavy snow has closed Sani Pass, with KwaZulu-Natal advising travellers to delay trips into Lesotho; disaster teams are assessing storm damage in uMlalazi. Tech for Development: In Maseru, Basotho youth were urged to embrace technology and AI for public development, including digitising water systems with EU support. Agriculture Support: RSDA and the agriculture ministry promoted dual-purpose chicken farming in Teya-teyaneng to help households recover from past poultry disease losses. Public Health Watch: Lesotho is monitoring influenza-like illness in multiple districts as South Africa confirms its first winter COVID-19 case.

Winter Travel Disruption: Snow forced the closure of Lesotho’s Sani Pass, with KwaZulu-Natal authorities warning motorists to postpone trips until the route is declared safe. Public Safety: The same storm system damaged homes in uMlalazi, and disaster teams were deployed while officials urged residents to use braziers and generators safely in well-ventilated spaces. Government Accountability: Lesotho’s Ministry of Finance will start asset-registration training for ministries from June 15, after Auditor General reports raised concerns that government assets are not fully captured on the national register. Justice Update: In Lesotho’s treason trial, a state witness told the High Court that some police officers fled to South Africa after alleged 2014 army attacks on police stations, including Police Headquarters in Maseru. Child Protection Law: The Senate adopted the Children’s Protection and Welfare (Amendment) Bill 2023, aimed at strengthening safeguards for vulnerable children. GBV Coordination Push: Stakeholders in Maseru were urged to revive and better coordinate the Anti-GBV Coordination Forum to improve prevention, protection, response and survivor support. Water Inequality: Villagers around Matukeng and Maseru say they still lack reliable clean water despite Lesotho exporting water to South Africa, calling it a basic human rights failure.

Xenophobia and migration tensions in the region: Mozambique says five of its citizens were killed in South Africa’s anti-foreigner violence, while South African police confirm two Mozambicans died in Mossel Bay after assaults, with motives still unclear—prompting fresh warnings to citizens across the region, including Lesotho, to stay vigilant. GBV coordination push in Lesotho: A senior gender official in Maseru called for reviving Lesotho’s Anti-GBV Coordination Forum, saying stronger stakeholder links are needed to prevent violence, protect survivors, and avoid duplicated efforts. Child protection law moves forward: The Senate adopted the Children’s Protection and Welfare (Amendment) Bill 2023, strengthening protections for children facing abuse, neglect and exploitation. Public finance accountability: Lesotho’s Ministry of Finance will start asset-registration training for ministries from June 15, responding to Auditor General concerns that government assets are not fully captured on the assets register. Water access crisis in Maseru outskirts: Villagers near Matukeng say they still depend on distant streams for basic needs despite nearby developments, demanding equitable access to clean, reliable drinking water. Sports—Lesotho on the pitch: Lesotho play Kenya in an international friendly in Pretoria, with the team named for the match.

Water & Accountability: Villagers in Mokhotlong have lodged a formal complaint against the African Development Bank over alleged damage linked to the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, saying blasting and quarry work harmed homes, contaminated water, disrupted farms, and left people relocated without proper consultation, with compensation described as inadequate. Women’s Sport: Zimbabwe’s Mighty Warriors depart for Zambia for the Four Nations Tournament, where they open against Lesotho, with Lesotho in the spotlight as the regional competition runs June 6–8. Football (Kenya–Lesotho): Kenya’s Harambee Stars face Lesotho in Pretoria friendlies, but preparations have been hit by hotel and payment disputes that left players stranded in a lobby for hours, while coach Benni McCarthy also unveiled a new-look squad for the June 4 and 7 matches. Justice: A Lesotho man has been sentenced to life imprisonment in South Africa for the brutal, premeditated murders of two men on a Komani farm, and was also convicted for entering and staying in the country without valid documentation. Disaster Preparedness: In Mohale’s Hoek and Mokhotlong, Lesotho is pushing Impact-Based Forecasting and Disaster Risk Reduction training, with calls to involve the media so weather warnings reach communities faster. Dairy Sector: Government and dairy stakeholders in Maseru urged stronger public-private collaboration to revive Lesotho’s dairy industry, citing low production, weak services, and heavy reliance on imports.

Regional Xenophobia Watch: Namibia urged its citizens in South Africa to stay vigilant and contact consular offices if needed after anti-migrant unrest and vigilante checks on foreign nationals and businesses. Cross-border Violence Update: Mozambique accused South Africa of failing to protect its citizens after reports of Mozambicans killed in Mossel Bay; South African police confirmed two deaths but disputed the higher toll. Immigration Crackdown vs Safety: South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa called for tougher enforcement against illegal migration while warning authorities not to fuel xenophobia or violence. Lesotho Football in the Mix: Kenya’s Harambee Stars face Lesotho in Pretoria friendlies this week, with squad changes and a reported hotel/payment dispute that left players stranded briefly. Disaster Preparedness: Mokhotlong DDMT members trained in Disaster Risk Reduction to strengthen responses and protect lives and property. Dairy Sector Push: Government and stakeholders met in Maseru to revive Lesotho’s dairy industry, citing low production, weak services, and heavy import reliance. Weather Forecasting Upgrade: Lesotho Meteorological Services says involving the media in Impact-Based Forecasting will help communities act on weather risks in time.

Football & Youth Sport: Kenya’s Harambee Stars and Starlets face fresh hurdles ahead of key June fixtures, with Starlets coach Beldine Odemba accusing Simba Queens of repeatedly delaying player releases and work-permit issues ruling out goalkeeper Lilian Awuor and defender Enez Mango for the Four Nations Tournament in Zambia. Local Sports (Lesotho link): Kenya’s men’s team will play Lesotho in a two-legged friendly in Pretoria (Lucas Moripe Stadium) on June 4 and June 7, with coach Benni McCarthy calling up five new players including Micah Obiero. Regional Fisheries Governance: SADC has renewed the board of the Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre in Maputo, keeping Stanley Ndara as chair and naming Lesotho’s Bokang Makututsa as a stakeholder representative. Labour Diplomacy: Lesotho’s labour minister Tseliso Seth Levalo Mokhosi met counterparts at the ILO conference in Geneva to discuss cooperation in labour matters. National Identity Access: Lesotho’s Home Affairs and Police are intensifying outreach with house visits to elderly people and persons with disabilities to help them obtain National Identity Cards. Queen’s 50th Birthday: Maseru marked Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso’s golden jubilee with a special Holy Mass at Mofumahali oa Tlholo Roman Catholic Church.

Labour Diplomacy: Lesotho’s Minister of Labour met counterparts at the 114th ILO conference in Geneva, including meetings with ministers from Lebanon, Sudan, Syria, Paraguay and Lesotho’s own Tseliso Seth Levalo Mokhosi, to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in labour. Home Affairs Push: The Ministry of Home Affairs and Police is now doing house visits to help elderly people and persons with disabilities get National Identity Cards, so they can access services like social protection, banking, healthcare and voter registration. Local Roads: The Minister of Local Government and Chieftainship pledged swift action after a walkabout on the dilapidated Semphetenyane road, following complaints about long delays linked to budget constraints and water-pipe issues. Nutrition Support: The Lesotho Red Cross, with UNICEF, launched a community-focused nutrition messaging project in several districts to strengthen nutrition clubs and resilience amid climate shocks and food insecurity. Regional Shockwaves: Reports from South Africa continue to fuel tension over alleged xenophobic attacks, with Mozambique claiming deaths of its citizens while South African police confirm only some killings and investigations continue. Sports Note: Harambee Stars left for a friendly against Lesotho, with coach Benni McCarthy making squad changes ahead of the June 4 and June 7 fixtures in Pretoria.

Lesotho Highlands Water Project: The LHDA is seeking a consultancy for a floating solar feasibility study on the Katse and Mohale reservoirs, aiming to cut Lesotho’s heavy electricity import dependence (nearly 50% of consumption) and guide how projects could scale beyond 100MW. Regional Justice & Tourism: SADC justice ministers in Victoria Falls are set to push the Draft Agreement for a SADC Tourism UNIVISA, designed to make travel easier for tourism and transit across member states. Gender & Census Inclusion: Lesotho’s LGBTQ community group says the expanded gender options in the national census are a welcome step, though it wants more training for enumerators to handle questions sensitively. Youth & AI Skills: Sebabatso Youth Training launched in Maseru, using American Corner AI tools to help young entrepreneurs translate products and services for new markets, with the US ambassador urging Lesotho to position itself for AI infrastructure and data centres. Sports—Cross-border link: Kenya’s Harambee Stars have adjusted their June fixtures and will play Lesotho in a two-legged friendly, with Lucas Moripe Stadium hosting both matches. Health—Mental wellbeing: WHO data cited in regional reporting places Lesotho among the highest suicide-rate countries in Africa, underscoring the need for stronger mental health support.

World Cup Visa Chaos (South Africa): Bafana Bafana’s World Cup departure slipped by a day after a US visa bungle left assistant coach Helman Mkhalele and other staff without clearance; Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie called it a “debacle” and demanded a SAFA report, but visas for players were secured and the squad finally left Johannesburg for Mexico on Monday. Lesotho–SADC Regional Cooperation: SADC justice ministers meeting in Victoria Falls put the proposed SADC Tourism UNIVISA on the agenda, aiming for a unified visa for tourism and transit across member states. SADC Fisheries Oversight: Stanley Ndara was reappointed to lead the SADC Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre, with ministers also urging member states to clear outstanding contributions. Lesotho Energy Plan: The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority seeks a consultancy for a floating solar feasibility study for Katse and Mohale reservoirs, targeting reduced reliance on electricity imports. Lesotho Youth & AI Skills: Sebabatso Youth Training was launched in Maseru, using American Corner AI tools to help young entrepreneurs reach new markets and create jobs. Local Economy Shock: Lesotho’s Kao diamond mine is set to shut down at the end of June due to fuel cost pressures and weak global diamond prices. Mental Health Snapshot (Regional): WHO data shows Lesotho has the highest suicide rate in the region at 36.7 per 100,000, with South Africa also among the highest.

Diamond Sector Shock: Storm Mountain Diamonds will shut Kao Mine on 30 June, citing a fuel-cost surge, depressed rough diamond prices and pressure from lab-grown stones—leaving hundreds of workers facing uncertainty. Monetary Policy: Lesotho’s central bank raised the Central Bank Rate by 25 basis points to 6.75% as Middle East-linked energy disruptions push up fuel and transport costs, threatening inflation and external reserves. Waste Crisis: An Ombudsman report says 80% of Lesotho’s waste is unmanaged, with illegal dumping and open burning driving soil, water and air pollution and putting healthcare workers and waste pickers at risk from contaminated sharps. Elections Prep: The Lesotho IEC launched a Civic and Voter Education Strategy and voter registration drive, stressing trusted identity documents and informed participation ahead of upcoming electoral processes. Trade Relief for Farmers: Lesotho welcomed China’s lifting of temporary wool import restrictions, saying held consignments are being released and payments to farmers have started. Regional Football: Kenya’s Harambee Stars will play Lesotho in a June friendly series in Pretoria after earlier fixtures were changed. World Cup Fallout (SA): Bafana Bafana’s World Cup departure was delayed by a visa paperwork snag, with officials and the sports minister trading blame as the team finally plans to travel on Monday.

World Cup logistics: South Africa’s Bafana Bafana World Cup charter from Johannesburg to Mexico was delayed after a visa snag. Sports minister Gayton McKenzie says all players now have US visas, with only a few support staff still outstanding, and the team will depart Monday. Regional sport ties: Kenya’s Harambee Stars have reshuffled their June friendlies, with two matches against Lesotho in Pretoria (June 4 and 7) after earlier plans fell through. Lesotho health diplomacy: Lesotho congratulated Ethiopia on the launch of the Lafto International Standard Hospital, praising it as a milestone for healthcare access. Lesotho economy & governance: The Central Bank of Lesotho raised its rate by 25 bps to 6.75% as global tensions and fuel-price pressures threaten inflation and reserves. Waste crisis: An Ombudsman report says 80% of Lesotho’s waste is unmanaged, with major public health risks from illegal dumps and open burning. Mining jobs at risk: Storm Mountain Diamonds (Kao Mine) will close, citing collapsing diamond prices and lab-grown competition, leaving over 800 workers affected.