AGP Executive Report

SADC Summit in Durban: South Africa takes over the SADC chair as leaders meet Monday, with migration, trade, critical minerals, industrialisation and security on the agenda. Lesotho’s Foreign Affairs Minister Limpho Tau says migration affects the whole region, not just South Africa. Anti-migrant pressure: Ahead of the summit, the March and March movement plans a final-day march and picket in Durban under “It’s time to fetch your people,” demanding tighter visas, asylum reviews, action against employers of undocumented workers, and limits on access to public services. Border and repatriation numbers: South Africa’s Border Management Authority says 4,229 undocumented people were intercepted between April and July, while repatriations have reached nearly 90,000 by early August. Lesotho trade boost: The US Senate extended AGOA for two more years, protecting Lesotho’s preferential access for textiles and apparel. Lesotho governance and courts: A Lesotho treason trial was postponed to September after former Deputy PM Mothetjoa Metsing travelled to Zambia as an election observer. Creative economy under strain: Lesotho’s copyright law is still from 1989 while AI is reshaping design work, leaving creatives doing unpaid “fixes,” and women weavers report market access challenges.

AGOA Boost for Lesotho Textiles: The US Senate has extended the African Growth and Opportunity Act for two more years, keeping Lesotho’s preferential access to American markets and protecting jobs in the textile and apparel sector. RFP Power Struggle in Lesotho: A Lebona Lephema-aligned faction says it will go to court to force an elective conference in the Revolution for Prosperity and to remove deputy leader Nthomeng Majara, after Matekane-linked directives banned unsanctioned party gatherings. SADC Summit Watch: South Africa is set to take over the SADC chair at the Durban summit, with migration, trade, critical minerals, industrialisation and security on the agenda—issues Lesotho will be watching closely. Court Delays in Treason Case: Former Deputy PM Mothetjoa Metsing’s treason trial was postponed to September after he travelled to Zambia as an election observer. Youth Bill Rethink: Parliament’s Social Cluster Committee chair Mokhothu Makhalanyane urged a shift from a narrow “Youth Bill” to a “Youth Development” approach with real youth representation in decision structures. Copyright Under Pressure from AI: Basotho creatives say AI is eating into design and photography work while Lesotho’s copyright law still lags behind modern technology. HIV 95-95-95 Spotlight: UNAIDS points to Lesotho among countries that have reached the 95-95-95 HIV targets, stressing that progress depends on government-health-community partnerships.

AGOA Boost for Lesotho’s Textiles: The US Senate has extended AGOA for two more years, keeping Lesotho’s preferential access to American markets and giving textile and apparel firms more stability. RFP Power Struggle in RFP: A Lephema-aligned faction says it will go to court to force an elective conference and remove deputy leader Nthomeng Majara, after Matekane barred unsanctioned party gatherings. SADC Summit in Durban: South Africa takes over the SADC chair for 2026/27 as leaders meet on Aug 17, with migration, trade, critical minerals, industrialisation and security on the agenda. Youth Bill Pushback: Parliament’s Social Cluster Committee chair Mokhothu Makhalanyane wants the Youth Bill reframed around real youth development and decision-making power. Metsing Treason Trial Delayed: Mothetjoa Metsing’s treason case was postponed to September after he travelled to Zambia as an election observer. Electricity and Roads: PM Sam Matekane reiterated a 2030 electrification goal and announced plans for the Moitšupeli-Mpatana road. Copyright vs AI: Basotho creatives say AI is eating into their work while Lesotho’s copyright law still lags behind. Agriculture Insurance Review: The Agriculture Ministry reviewed a smart subsidy and insurance pilot aimed at protecting farmers from climate risks. LEC Forensic Audit Cost: The Auditor-General’s office spent about M12m on a forensic audit into Lesotho Electricity Company issues, raising budget questions. Business Opportunity: A circular economy challenge offers Southern African entrepreneurs R250,000 plus mentorship and product testing exposure.

RFP Power Struggle: Prime Minister Sam Matekane has barred Revolution for Prosperity (RFP) officials from holding unsanctioned party activities, as Lebona Lephema steps up efforts to build support ahead of a potential bid for deputy leadership. Court Compliance Clash: The opposition says court orders must be followed unless stayed or overturned, rejecting government’s reliance on pending litigation as an excuse for non-compliance. Judicial Process Delayed: Former deputy PM Mothetjoa Metsing’s treason trial was postponed to September after he travelled to Zambia as an election observer. Public Funds Scrutiny: The Auditor-General’s office has spent about M12.0m on a forensic audit into Lesotho Electricity Company (LEC) issues, raising questions about budget adequacy. Agriculture Risk Planning: The Agriculture Ministry reviewed a Smart Subsidy and Agriculture Insurance pilot, focusing on climate-risk protection and the need for reliable data. Electricity and Roads: PM Matekane reiterated a pledge to electrify every household by 2030 and announced plans to build the Moitšupeli-Mpatana road. Copyright vs AI: Basotho creatives say AI is eating into their work while Lesotho’s copyright law still lags behind modern technology. Business and Courts: A businesswoman sues the LDF for over M6m over unpaid jersey supply dating back to 2013. Regional Focus: Lesotho’s PM is set to represent the country at the SADC summit in Durban, with Lesotho pushing for chairing the SADC Troika in 2027–2028.

SADC Summit Focus: Prime Minister Sam Matekane will represent Lesotho at the 46th SADC Ordinary Summit in Durban on 17 August, with Lesotho pushing to chair the SADC Troika from 2027–2028 under a theme centred on resilient, inclusive industrialisation. Court & Governance: The treason trial of former Deputy Prime Minister Mothetjoa Metsing has been postponed to September after he travelled to Zambia as an election observer, while the PAC says it cannot prosecute and urges cases to be handled by DCEO and the courts. Energy & Public Finance: The Office of the Auditor-General spent about M12.0 million on a forensic audit into Lesotho Electricity Company (LEC) financial mismanagement and procurement irregularities. Justice System Rules: A DCEO case against former LNLVIP officials was deferred because defence lawyers failed to file the new Form L under the 2026 Criminal Litigation Rules. Local Economy & Jobs: Lesotho’s tourism and hospitality sector is adopting a three-year joint reform roadmap to tackle market visibility, skills gaps and infrastructure issues. Culture & Rights in the Creative Sector: Basotho creatives warn that AI is eating into their work while Lesotho’s copyright law still dates back to 1989. Women’s Livelihoods: A Maseru weaving group says it survives but struggles to find buyers, with marketing and costly equipment limiting growth. Business & Courts: A businesswoman has sued the LDF for over M6 million over unpaid jersey supply dating back to 2013.

AI & Copyright Clash: Basotho creatives say AI is eating into design and photography work, while Lesotho’s copyright law still dates to 1989, leaving artists stuck doing unpaid “fixes” for AI-made logos and posters. Women’s Craft Under Pressure: Weavers in Hatoa Mose Mosali keep traditional skills alive, but struggle to find buyers, afford equipment, and access exhibitions—limiting growth despite decades of operation. Regional Trade & Policy: South Africa’s draft crypto rules could reshape how some remittances are settled across Southern Africa, using crypto in the background while keeping customer payments in rand. SADC Politics & Accountability: A fresh push for SADC scrutiny is being framed against Lesotho’s court-order disputes, while Lesotho’s PM heads to the Durban summit to campaign for chairing the SADC Troika. Public Finance & Oversight: PAC says it cannot prosecute, pointing people to DCEO and LMPS after concerns about misuse of public funds; meanwhile, the Auditor-General’s office spent M12m on a forensic audit at LEC. Agriculture Risk Planning: The agriculture ministry reviews its smart subsidy and insurance pilot, and farmers are urged to act early on El Niño warnings with climate-smart practices. Court Process Update: A DCEO case against LNLVIP officials was deferred after lawyers failed to file the new Form L under the 2026 Criminal Litigation Rules. Business & Jobs: Lesotho’s tourism sector is adopting a three-year joint reform roadmap, aiming to tackle skills gaps, weak market visibility, and infrastructure issues.

HIV Targets in Focus: UNAIDS highlights Lesotho among the countries that have reached the 95-95-95 HIV goals, stressing that progress comes from strong government leadership plus community partnerships that keep people on treatment and virally suppressed. Tourism Reform Push: Lesotho’s tourism and hospitality sector has adopted a first joint, three-year reform roadmap to tackle inefficiencies, weak market visibility, skills gaps and infrastructure problems, with government aiming to open space for private investment while improving laws to protect the industry. Trade Talks with India: India and SACU (including Lesotho) signed terms of reference to start negotiations on a preferential trade agreement, with talks expected to begin within a month and wrap up within a year, targeting tariff cuts on selected goods. Youth and Jobs: Parliament’s social cluster chair says Lesotho’s Youth Bill should focus on youth development and meaningful representation in decision-making, while the agriculture ministry urges young people to move into productive sectors like farming, supported by tractor and loan initiatives. Climate-Smart Farming: Farmers are being urged to prepare for El Niño by adjusting planting times, improving water management and adopting drought-proofing practices ahead of likely rainfall shortfalls. Regional Pressure on Migration: South Africa’s deportation and repatriation costs are under scrutiny, with Pretoria seeking reimbursement from other African governments—an issue that could ripple into the region, including Lesotho.

SADC Leadership: South Africa will host the 46th SADC Heads of State summit in Durban on 17 August, kicking off its chair tenure and pushing regional goals on industrialisation, infrastructure, agriculture and critical minerals. Migration Costs: South Africa says it has spent nearly $18m repatriating deported or returning migrants and is seeking reimbursement from Malawi, Ethiopia and Nigeria—amid rising tensions and attacks linked to illegal immigration. Mining Tragedy: Lesotho confirms its citizens were among 14 illegal miners killed in a Rustenburg mine collapse, with more details still being verified by the Lesotho embassy. Trade Talks for Lesotho: India and SACU (including Lesotho) signed terms of reference to start negotiations on a preferential trade agreement, with talks expected to begin within a month and aim to finish within a year. Tourism Reform: Lesotho’s tourism and hospitality sector has adopted a three-year joint reform roadmap to tackle inefficiencies, weak market visibility, skills gaps and infrastructure problems. Youth & Jobs: Parliament’s social cluster chair says the Youth Bill should focus on youth development and representation; meanwhile, youth leaders urge agriculture as a route to economic independence. Business Support: Basotho Business Community (We Care) is rallying for a fundraising festival on 29 August to raise M1m for ‘Nete Leotlela’s reconstructive surgeries. Agriculture Ahead of El Niño: Farmers are being urged to adjust planting times, improve water management and adopt climate-smart practices as El Niño risks rise.

Trade Talks for India–SACU PTA: India and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) have signed Terms of Reference to restart negotiations for a Preferential Trade Agreement, with talks expected to begin within a month and conclude within a year; the pact covers goods like cars, pharmaceuticals and industrial machinery, and includes SACU members South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho and Eswatini. Border Crackdown in the Region: South Africa’s Border Management Authority says it intercepted 4,229 people trying to enter illegally between April 1 and July 31, with the northern corridor (Zimbabwe), then Lesotho and Mozambique, recording the highest numbers. Migration Costs Spark Reimbursement Push: South Africa is seeking reimbursement from Malawi, Nigeria and Ethiopia for repatriation expenses after deportations and repatriations of more than 80,000 immigrants, with costs described as “unforeseen and unavoidable.” Lesotho Youth and Farming Focus: In Maseru, youth were urged to embrace agriculture for economic independence, while farmers were advised to act early on El Niño warnings with better planting timing, water management and climate-smart practices. Local Agriculture Support: Qacha’s Nek farmers say new machinery is helping them boost yields and reduce labour-intensive farming ahead of the summer season. Choral Music Gets a Call for More Support: Young people involved in choral music asked for stronger backing, saying the sector can create jobs and promote Lesotho’s culture beyond the country. Parliament Update: A Lesotho treason case involving former LDF commander Mothetjoa Metsing and others has been postponed to September 21–24, after one accused took an official trip to Zambia.

Trade Talks: India and SACU have signed Terms of Reference to kick off negotiations for a Preferential Trade Agreement, with talks expected to start within a month and wrap up within a year—aimed at tariff relief and deeper economic ties for South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho and Eswatini. Court Update: Lesotho’s treason case involving former LDF commander Mothetjoa Metsing and others has been pushed to September 21–24 after an accused’s trip to Zambia. Youth & Jobs: Lesotho’s Agriculture Minister urged young people to embrace agriculture and other productive sectors for economic independence, pointing to tractor support for youth and farmers. Climate & Farming: Farmers were told to act now on El Niño warnings by adjusting planting times, improving water management and using climate-smart practices. Regional Migration Pressure: South Africa says it has spent about R292m on repatriations and is seeking reimbursement from Malawi, Nigeria and Ethiopia amid heightened anti-immigration tensions. Border Enforcement: South Africa’s Border Management Authority intercepted 4,229 undocumented people trying to enter illegally, including many via the Lesotho border. Disaster in Mining: In South Africa’s North West, a disused mine dump collapse killed at least 14 suspected illegal miners, many believed to be Basotho, as rescue teams continue searching. Culture: Young people called for greater support for Lesotho’s choral music industry, arguing it can create jobs and promote Basotho culture.

India–SACU Trade Talks: India and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) agreed the terms of reference for a preferential trade pact, with negotiations set to start within a month and finish within a year, covering SACU members South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini. Migration Costs & Reimbursement: South Africa says repatriations of foreign nationals have cost about R292m, and Home Affairs is seeking reimbursement from Malawi, Nigeria and Ethiopia—amid wider regional tensions and a major migrant exodus. Labour Inspections Under Scrutiny: South Africa is running high-impact workplace blitz inspections to curb labour exploitation and illegal employment, but experts warn the approach may struggle without sustained resources and strategy. Lesotho in the Spotlight: Lesotho’s Parliament Speaker Tiohang Sekhamane visited The Gambia to learn from UNDP-backed governance financing partnerships, while Lesotho’s independence immunisation push stresses vaccines as a national priority. Regional Trade Facilitation: SACU is expanding its Regional Authorised Economic Operator pilot to Namibia, Botswana and South Africa to speed border clearance for accredited traders. Weather Watch: Severe cold and snow warnings in South Africa include areas near Lesotho, with authorities urging extreme caution on roads. Mining Tragedy: A mine dump collapse in South Africa’s North West killed 14 suspected illegal miners, mostly Basotho, with rescue efforts ongoing.

Parliament and governance: Lesotho’s Parliament Speaker Tiohang Sekhamane met The Gambia’s President Adama Barrow with UNDP and foreign affairs officials, saying he wants to learn how The Gambia uses UNDP partnerships to improve government development financing. Public finance and accountability: Parliament urged that Auditor General recommendations must lead to corrective action and enforcement, not “dusty” findings, as oversight bodies push for faster follow-through. Constitutional tensions: The Constitutional Court postponed the Polaki contempt application against Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane after questions over whether the PM was personally served with the interim order. Trade and regional integration: AfCFTA held a dispute settlement and trade goods capacity workshop for Lesotho’s trade ministry and private sector, while SACU expanded its AEO pilot to Namibia, Botswana and South Africa, building on the Lesotho phase. Water and food security: ORASECOM opened a Lesotho-Botswana water transfer project office in Maseru, and Matekane handed over 150+ tractors to farmers to boost food production. Health priority: INCL launched Lesotho’s Independence Immunisation Campaign, calling vaccines a core national investment as barriers to uptake persist. Regional spillover: South Africa’s illegal mining tragedy near Rustenburg killed 14 suspected miners, mostly Basotho, as severe weather warnings continue across the region.

Illegal mining tragedy: Fourteen illegal chrome miners were killed and several others injured after a rock fall near the Nkaneng informal settlement in North West, with police saying some may still be trapped. SACU trade facilitation: SACU is expanding its Regional AEO pilot to Namibia, Botswana and South Africa, with a second phase starting 18 August to speed up border clearance for accredited traders. Migrant exodus ripple effects: South Africa has seen more than 178,000 African immigrants leave amid crackdowns and xenophobic protests, raising fears for children’s schooling and access to HIV care—while factories and farms scramble for labour. Lesotho governance and courts: The Constitutional Court postponed the Polaki contempt application against the Prime Minister after questions over whether he was personally served, as opposition again petitions SADC over alleged defiance of court orders. Independence health push: As Lesotho nears 60 years of independence, civil society is urging stronger support for immunisation financing and uptake through an Independence Immunisation Campaign. Water and food security: ORASECOM opened a Lesotho–Botswana water transfer project office in Maseru, and Prime Minister Matekane handed over 150+ tractors to farmers to boost food production. Accountability drive: Parliament says audit recommendations must lead to corrective action, not “dusty” findings, as it launches the Auditor General’s 2026–2031 plan. Weather watch: Severe cold and snow warnings affecting the region include disruptive conditions along the Lesotho border and nearby routes.

Independence & Health: As Lesotho marks 60 years, the Immunisation Network of Civil Society Organisations (INCL) launched an Independence Immunisation Campaign, urging national support for vaccine financing and uptake to protect every child. Trade & Disputes: The AfCFTA Secretariat ran a four-day dispute settlement and trade goods workshop for Lesotho’s Ministry of Trade and the private sector, aimed at helping the country handle AfCFTA responsibilities and protect its rights. SADC Border Reform: SADC is pushing to make border trade easier through the Simplified Trade Regime, targeting lower costs and fewer hurdles for small-scale traders across the region. Water Security: ORASECOM opened the Lesotho-Botswana Water Transfer Project Management Office in Maseru, a step toward planning one of southern Africa’s major water schemes. Food Security Push: Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane handed over 150+ tractors and farming machines to youth, women, associations and subsidised farmers. Governance & Courts: The Constitutional Court postponed the Polaki contempt application against the PM after questions over whether the interim order was personally served. Public Finance Oversight: Parliament urged that audit recommendations lead to real corrective action, not “dusty” findings, as the Auditor-General’s 2026–2031 plan was launched. Procurement Integrity: The LPPA sensitised suppliers and contractors on how to use procurement complaints mechanisms under the Public Procurement Act. Weather Watch: Severe winter conditions are also in the region, with snow and slippery roads reported around Lesotho border areas.

Severe Weather Watch: South Africa’s Weather Service has issued damaging-wind and disruptive-snow warnings affecting areas along the Lesotho border, with icy roads and possible travel and service disruptions. Cross-Border Trade: SADC is pushing to simplify border procedures under its Simplified Trade Regime to cut costs for small traders, with Lesotho among member states. Lesotho Governance & Courts: The Constitutional Court postponed the Polaki contempt case against the Prime Minister after questions over whether the order was personally served, while opposition parties petitioned SADC over the government’s alleged defiance of court orders. Public Finance Oversight: Parliament urged that audit recommendations must lead to corrective action, not “dust,” as the Auditor-General launched a 2026–2031 strategic plan to strengthen audit independence and impact. Water & Food Security: ORASECOM opened the Lesotho-Botswana water transfer project office in Maseru, and Prime Minister Matekane handed over 150+ tractors to farmers in a food security push. Public Procurement: LPPA stepped up supplier awareness on how to use complaints mechanisms under the Public Procurement Act. QMMH Accountability: The Public Accounts Committee heard allegations of improper vehicle hiring at Queen Mamohato Memorial Hospital, including claims linked to senior officials.

Public Finance & Accountability: Parliament says audit recommendations must lead to corrective action, not “findings that gather dust,” as the Auditor-General’s 2026–2031 strategic plan targets stronger oversight and independence. Constitutional Court & Ombudsman Crisis: The Constitutional Court postponed the Polaki contempt application against the Prime Minister after questions over whether he was personally served with the interim order. Governance & Reforms: Government consultations are underway to operationalise the Tenth Amendment via a new, streamlined National Reforms Implementation Authority, while opposition parties petition SADC over alleged defiance of court orders. Water Security: A Lesotho-Botswana Water Transfer project management office has opened in Maseru, a milestone for regional water planning under ORASECOM. Food Security & Agriculture: Prime Minister Matekane handed over more than 150 tractors and farming machines to youth, women and farmers’ groups, with government-backed financing. Procurement Watch: LPPA is sensitising suppliers and contractors on how to use procurement complaints mechanisms under the Public Procurement Act. Economy & Daily Life: A report claims Lesotho has spent over M200 million on streetlights while Maseru’s night-time economy remains weak. Regional Context: South Africa’s anti-migrant crackdown has triggered an exodus of over 178,000 people, leaving farms and factories scrambling for labour.