AGP Executive Report

Media Training: MISA Lesotho and World Vision are running specialised workshops to help journalists report safely on trafficking in persons and child labour, with sessions on 19 May and 27–28 May. Cultural Craft, Modern Homes: Litema wall art is getting a contemporary makeover—showing up in wallpapers, textiles, and bold wall décor. Football Governance: COSAFA’s 2026 leadership reshuffle is locked in: Tariq Babitseng is elected president, while Namibia’s Robert Shimooshili and Zambia’s Brenda Kunda retain key roles. AfCON Build-Up: The PAMOJA 2027 qualifying draw in Cairo is set for Tuesday, with Ghana and Cape Verde missing out on top-seed status despite World Cup qualification. Lesotho Spotlight: Lesotho TV’s newsroom exchange with Namibia’s NBC focuses on digital platforms and newsroom convergence. Sport & Infrastructure: Maseru’s FSC Stadium of Life officially opens—Africa’s first stadium built with sustainably sourced timber at the Kick4Life Centre. Health & Science: WHO urges Basotho media to keep pushing science-based reporting as Lesotho expands HIV prevention tools.

Media Skills Boost: MISA Lesotho and World Vision are running specialised workshops to help journalists report safely on trafficking in persons (TIP) and child labour, with sessions starting tomorrow and continuing on 27–28 May. AFCON Qualifiers Draw: Ghana and Cape Verde have qualified for the 2026 World Cup, but both miss out on top seeds for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying draw in Cairo on Tuesday. Regional Football Leadership: Namibia’s Robert Shimooshili and Zambia’s Brenda Kunda keep COSAFA executive roles after the Harare elective assembly, as Tariq Babitseng is elected unopposed as COSAFA president. Lesotho Media Exchange: Lesotho TV’s news chief visits Namibia’s NBC to learn newsroom and digital platform practices. Sports & Culture on the Ground: Lesotho’s FSC Stadium of Life in Maseru is officially opened—Africa’s first stadium built with sustainably sourced timber—while Lesotho pushes tourism marketing at Durban Indaba ahead of major independence celebrations. Health & Science Messaging: WHO urges Basotho media to keep promoting science-backed health reporting.

COSAFA Power Shift: Namibia’s Robert Shimooshili was elected to the COSAFA executive in Harare as Botswana’s Tariq Babitseng took the presidency unopposed, with Brenda Kunda of Zambia keeping the reserved women’s seat and Lesotho’s Lijane Nthunya also named on the committee—setting the tone for a new 2026–2029 push on regional football. AfCON Qualifier Draw: The D-Day draw for AfCON PAMOJA 2027 group qualifiers happens Tuesday in Cairo, with 48 teams split into 12 groups and hosts Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda already guaranteed places. Lesotho Media Exchange: Lesotho TV’s Celinah Leteketa visited Namibia’s NBC to learn newsroom and digital practices as Lesotho moves toward a more integrated, online-ready media setup. Sport, Arts & Culture Budget: South Africa’s Sports, Arts and Culture Department outlines a R6.617bn 2026/27 plan—sport and culture as nation-building tools. Health & Science Push: WHO urges Basotho to “stand with science,” backing media’s role in accurate health reporting. Immigration Tensions: Anti-migrant protests in South Africa keep escalating, with Ghana approving evacuation of 300 citizens amid regional backlash.

AfCON Draw Day: The D-Day draw for AfCON PAMOJA 2027 qualifiers is set for Tuesday, May 18 in Cairo, splitting 48 teams into 12 groups of four, with hosts Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda already guaranteed places—so only one extra team from each host group can qualify. PR Spotlight: Takemore Mazuruse won top public relations honours at the Community Builders in Africa Awards in Harare, celebrating two decades of community-focused communications. Media Exchange: Lesotho TV’s news chief, Celinah Leteketa, visited Namibia’s NBC to learn how newsroom convergence and digital platforms can strengthen Lesotho’s own online push. Sports Money Woes: The Soweto Marathon prize dispute is still unresolved, with top finishers including Lesotho’s Joseph Seutloali waiting on owed payments amid a tangle of testing and ownership questions. Arts & Culture: Lesotho’s tourism push continues at Durban Indaba, while Maseru’s FSC Stadium of Life—Africa’s first sustainably timber-built stadium—officially opens, tying sport to social impact. Health Messaging: WHO urged Basotho media to keep “Reporting Health Right” as Lesotho rolls out new HIV prevention tools.

India-Africa Summit Build-Up: New Delhi is set to host the 4th India-Africa Forum Summit (May 28–31, 2026), aiming to turn political and economic ties into fresh deals under the “IA Spirit” theme, with a “New Delhi Declaration” expected at the end. Lesotho Media Exchange: Lesotho TV’s news chief Celinah Leteketa visited Namibia’s NBC to learn how digital platforms and newsroom “convergence” can strengthen Lesotho’s own growing online presence. Parliament Pressure: Lesotho’s National Assembly Speaker Tlohang Sekhamane says absentee and late MPs will face action after years of warnings. Sport, Culture, and Community: Maseru’s Kick4Life Centre has opened Africa’s first FSC-certified timber stadium, while Lesotho’s winter football challenge kicked off in Mapoteng. Regional Arts & Identity: South Africa’s xenophobia-fuelled anti-migrant protests continue to spark backlash and evacuation talks, even as creatives like Bassline Fest’s Maleh and media icon Maria McCloy are remembered for shaping culture.

India-Africa Summit Build-Up: India is gearing up for the 4th India-Africa Forum Summit in New Delhi (28–31 May 2026), aiming to turn political, security, trade and people-to-people ties into fresh deals under the theme “IA Spirit: Innovation, Resilience and Inclusive Transformation,” with a “New Delhi Declaration” expected at the end. Lesotho Media Exchange: Lesotho TV’s news chief Celinah Leteketa visited Namibia’s NBC to learn how digital platforms and newsroom “convergence” can strengthen Lesotho’s own media operations. Parliament Pressure in Maseru: Lesotho’s National Assembly Speaker Tlohang Sekhamane says MPs who keep arriving late or missing sittings will face action, after years of warnings. Sport & Culture on the Ground: Lesotho’s FSC Stadium of Life in Maseru officially opens—Africa’s first stadium built with sustainably sourced timber—while South Africa’s Vodacom lifts its long-term customer growth target as financial services expand. Regional Tensions: Across Southern Africa, immigration-related unrest is still driving emergency moves like Ghana’s plan to evacuate 300 citizens from South Africa.

Media Exchange: Lesotho Television’s news chief Celinah Leteketa visited Namibia’s NBC to learn how digital platforms and a more “condensed” newsroom model could strengthen Lesotho’s own converged TV-radio operations. Diplomacy & Trade: India’s Africa Forum Summit heads to New Delhi on May 31, with meetings of senior officers and foreign ministers first—aiming to deepen political, security, economic, cultural and people-to-people ties under the “IA-SPIRIT” theme. Sports Spotlight: Namibia finished fourth in the Africa Region 5 Golf Championship in Eswatini, with Likuis Nande dropping to sixth after a tough third round, while Kyle Johnson climbed to seventh. Ongoing Tension: A Soweto Marathon prize-money dispute still hangs over top finishers, including Lesotho’s Joseph Seutloali, as organisers cite paperwork delays amid a wider ownership fight. Parliament Pressure: Lesotho’s Speaker Tlohang Sekhamane says absentee MPs will face action after years of warnings, using temporary and urgent standing orders.

Parliament Crackdown: Lesotho’s National Assembly Speaker Tlohang Sekhamane says he will finally act on MPs who are absent or arrive late, after years of pleading—temporary and urgent standing orders are now on the table. Culture & Sport Funding: In a separate DSAC budget vote, the Sport, Arts and Culture Department outlines a R6.617bn allocation for 2026/27, aiming to build national cohesion through sport and the arts. Marathon Money Fight: In South Africa, Soweto Marathon top finishers—including Lesotho’s Joseph Seutloali—still haven’t received prize money, with the delay tied to drug-test paperwork and a deeper dispute over race ownership. Sustainable Stadium in Maseru: Lesotho’s FSC “Stadium of Life” opens at the Kick4Life Centre—Africa’s first stadium built with sustainably sourced timber. Regional Arts Pulse: Maleh’s Bassline Fest return is framed as a homecoming, while tourism marketing continues at Durban Indaba ahead of Lesotho’s 60th Independence celebrations. Migration Tensions: Across the region, xenophobia fears keep driving evacuations and warnings to citizens in South Africa.

Sport, Arts & Culture Budget: Deputy Minister Peace Mabe opened the DSAC Budget Vote 2026/27, with R6.617bn earmarked for sport, arts and culture—plus R1.341bn for recreation development and sport promotion. Immigration Tensions: A fresh pushback against xenophobia is making headlines again, with debate arguing the crisis is being misdirected and handled with too little accountability. Regional Safety Moves: Ghana has approved the immediate evacuation of 300 citizens from South Africa as protests and fears for migrants intensify, while South Africa insists viral “fake videos” of attacks are being used to damage its reputation. Lesotho Arts & Culture on the ground: Lesotho’s FSC Stadium of Life in Maseru—Africa’s first stadium built with sustainably sourced timber—has officially opened, tying sport to social impact at the Kick4Life Centre. Music Spotlight: Maleh’s Bassline Fest return is framed as a full-circle homecoming, with her Lesotho roots and South Africa grind shaping her Afro-soul journey.

Gaza and Lebanon Escalation: Israel’s strikes across Lebanon and Gaza continue to intensify, with Lebanon reporting child casualties and UN-linked reconstruction talks still stuck. Regional Security Shock: Iran is said to be allowing Chinese vessels through Hormuz as the wider Gulf situation stays tense, while reports also point to Saudi strikes on Iran-allied targets. South Africa Xenophobia Fallout: Ghana has approved the evacuation of 300 citizens from South Africa as protests against foreign nationals spill into violence; Lesotho’s High Commission also warns Basotho to avoid protest areas and carry documents. Local Arts Pulse: Pietermaritzburg TikTok sensation “Gatsheni” is turning shoe repairs into a cultural bridge, and Maleh’s Bassline Fest return is framed as a full-circle homecoming. Lesotho Public Life: WHO urges Basotho to “stand with science,” while the government is still gathering flood and snow impact data for relief. Sports & Culture: BOSMA announces a June masters softball tournament bringing Lesotho, Botswana and South Africa together in Jwaneng.

Food–Climate–Water Focus: A new Africa-wide framework argues the continent can’t tackle hunger without treating climate shocks and water stress as one problem. Lesotho Football Fallout: An allegedly fraudulent ID row involving Mangaung United’s Alfred Mosoeu could derail the ABC Motsepe League national playoffs—while Lesotho FA officials say the player was cleared. Vodacom Growth: Vodacom lifted its long-term customer targets, betting on expanding financial services alongside mobile growth. Arts & Culture Loss: South African creative powerhouse Maria McCloy has died at 50, prompting tributes across media, fashion and music. Lesotho Health Messaging: WHO urged Basotho to “stand with science,” highlighting new HIV prevention tools and the media’s role in accurate reporting. Tourism Push: Lesotho is marketing its winter attractions at Durban’s Africa Tourism Indaba, including Afriski and Independence celebrations. Sport & Community: BOSMA announces a Lesotho–Botswana–SA masters softball tournament in Jwaneng (14–16 June). Regional Safety Alert: Lesotho’s High Commission warns nationals in South Africa to avoid protest hotspots and carry IDs amid xenophobia-linked unrest.

Arts & Culture Loss: Tributes are pouring in after South African media personality, DJ, publicist and fashion designer Maria McCloy died at 50 in a Johannesburg hospital, with colleagues remembering her as a creative force who “brought people together.” Sport & Community: Lesotho-linked news also hits the week’s sports pages: a “Stadium of Life” in Maseru is now Africa’s first sustainably built timber stadium, while BOSMA announces an international softball masters tournament in Jwaneng (14–16 June) featuring veteran teams from Botswana, Lesotho and South Africa. Health & Media: WHO urges Basotho to “stand with science,” praising media’s role in accurate health reporting as Lesotho rolls out new HIV prevention tools. Disaster Response: Lesotho’s Disaster Management Authority is gathering damage data after flash floods and snow, as government prepares relief. Regional Tensions: South Africa’s government condemns “fake videos” tied to alleged attacks on foreigners, as Lesotho and others issue travel cautions for nationals in affected areas.

Diplomatic Fallout Over Xenophobia Videos: South Africa’s government has condemned “fake videos and images” said to depict attacks on foreign nationals, insisting it has “nothing to hide” as Ghana pushes the African Union to act and Kenya, Malawi, Lesotho and Zimbabwe warn citizens in SA to stay cautious and carry IDs. Public Health & Science: WHO urged Basotho to “stand with science” at a Lesotho media workshop, pointing to advances like Lenacapavir and warning that climate and conflict are widening health risks. Disaster Relief Planning: Lesotho’s Disaster Management Authority is gathering data on damage from flash floods and snow, with Prime Minister Matekane urging communities to avoid building in unsafe areas. Fintech Expansion: Araxi shareholders backed its 80% acquisition of Pay@ after competition approval, aiming to deepen payments reach across Southern Africa. Sports & Culture: A Lesotho winter youth tournament kicked off in Mapoteng, while SA’s Afcon 2028 co-host bid talk keeps spotlighting stadium readiness.

Kenya Diplomacy Clash: France’s President Emmanuel Macron was filmed snapping at a noisy audience at the Africa Forward summit in Nairobi, demanding silence and calling it a “total lack of respect,” sparking accusations of patronising tone. Health & Media: WHO urged Basotho to “stand with science” at a Lesotho media workshop, highlighting gains like Lenacapavir for HIV prevention and warning that climate and conflict are widening health risks. Disaster Relief: Lesotho’s Disaster Management Authority is gathering damage data after flash floods and snow, with Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane urging communities to avoid building in unsafe areas and to heed weather warnings. Fintech Expansion: Araxi shareholders overwhelmingly approved its 80% acquisition of Pay@, clearing the way for a major payments push across Southern Africa. Safety on the Ground: Police are probing a double murder after a tavern shooting linked to zama zama turf wars in Riverlea. Sport Ambition: South Africa’s Afcon 2028 co-host bid is gaining momentum, with Lesotho named among partners—though stadium readiness is being treated as non-negotiable.

Fintech Deal: Araxi shareholders have overwhelmingly approved its acquisition of an 80% stake in Pay@ Group, with competition authorities also giving the green light—closing expected in May—pushing the payments giant to expand across Southern Africa, including Lesotho. Violence Probe: Police are investigating a double murder and multiple attempted murders after a tavern shooting in Riverlea/Langlaagte linked to zama zama turf wars, with suspects still at large. Winter Sports Push (Lesotho): The Leloko Serobanyane Winter Challenge kicked off in Mapoteng, running through October with soccer, netball, and community entertainment. Health & Media (Lesotho): Lesotho’s Ministry of Health and WHO trained journalists to “report health right,” while UNDP and MISA Lesotho renewed support for a stronger, independent media sector. Regional Tension (SA): South Africa condemned “fake videos and images” tied to alleged attacks on foreign nationals as neighbouring countries issue warnings to their citizens. Royal Support (Lesotho): Queen ’Masenate donated sanitary towels to ’Matikoe High School learners to tackle period poverty.

Fintech Expansion: Araxi shareholders have backed its acquisition of an 80% stake in Pay@, with Competition Commission approval in place and a May close expected—aimed at boosting payments reach across Southern Africa, including Lesotho. Violence Probe: Police are investigating a double murder and multiple attempted murders after a tavern shooting in Riverlea/Langlaagte linked by locals to zama zama turf wars. Winter on the Ground: The Leloko Serobanyane Winter Challenge kicked off in Mapoteng, mixing football (men and women), netball, and performances to keep youth active through October. Royal Support for Learners: Queen ’Masenate donated 158 sanitary towels to ’Matikoe High School learners, pushing back against period poverty and urging open discussion of menstrual hygiene. Regional Xenophobia Fallout: South Africa condemned “fake videos and images” of alleged attacks on foreign nationals as Lesotho and other countries issued safety advisories to citizens in SA. Media & Tech for Kids: Vodacom Lesotho launched a Child Online Protection page to help families tackle cyberbullying, predators, inappropriate content, and addiction.