AGP Executive Report

Border and migration pressure: South Africa’s Border Management Authority says 4,229 undocumented people were intercepted between April and July, with most caught along the northern corridor bordering Zimbabwe, then areas near Lesotho and Mozambique—alongside 318 joint operations and nearly 10,000 deportations. Water security watch: Deputy Minister David Mahlobo insists South Africa “will not run out of water,” but warns of localised deficits, ageing infrastructure and unreliable supply; meanwhile, the Integrated Vaal River System remains stable, with key dams still near or above full supply. Climate-smart farming push: Lesotho farmers are being urged to act early on looming El Niño—adjust planting, improve water management and adopt climate-smart practices—while the Agriculture Ministry reviews a Smart Subsidy and Agriculture Insurance pilot aimed at helping farmers manage drought, erratic rainfall, floods and livestock disease risks. Youth and participation: Parliament’s Social Cluster Committee chair Mokhothu Makhalanyane calls for a rethink of the proposed Youth Bill so youth development and meaningful decision-making are built into government structures, not just consultations. Circular economy opportunity: A regional Circular Innovation Challenge offers R250,000 in investment and mentorship for businesses in Lesotho and neighbours with circularity solutions and ready prototypes. Creative economy support: Création Africa 2 selects 15 finalists (with 67% women) from 340 applicants for incubation and investment-readiness, including Lesotho-linked ventures in crafts, fashion, publishing and music. Wildlife conservation link: Prince Harry’s Diana memorial fund income has been redirected from Sentebale to Botswana’s Elephants Without Borders, with reported use for satellite-tracking collars in the Okavango Delta.

Severe Weather Impacts Lesotho: Heavy snowfall and strong winds disrupted travel and damaged homes, with the Qacha’s Nek border gate closed at times and the Ramatseliso’s Gate kept shut longer; in Mokhotlong, about 24 pregnant ewes died after being trapped in snow and attacked by dogs, while at least 13 people were left homeless in Berea. Climate Risk for Farmers: Ahead of an anticipated El Niño, farmers were urged to act now—adjust planting times, improve water management, and adopt climate-smart practices—because reduced rainfall could hit crops, livestock, and already-stressed grazing and water resources. Agriculture Insurance Review: The Ministry of Agriculture reviewed a Smart Subsidy and Agriculture Insurance pilot, assessing whether insurance can protect farmers from climate-related risks like drought, erratic rainfall, floods, and livestock disease. Wool & Mohair Livelihoods: A Maseru-based wool and mohair broker, Baokunyaoda, says it is improving farmer cashflow and market access by cutting delays and transport costs, while linking local clip to international buyers. SADC Summit Focus: Lesotho’s PM will attend the SADC 46th Ordinary Summit in Durban, where the regional agenda includes resilient, sustainable, and inclusive industrialisation tied to infrastructure, agriculture, and critical minerals. Youth Participation Debate: Parliament’s Social Cluster Committee chair Mokhothu Makhalanyane called for a rethink of the Youth Bill so youth development and meaningful decision-making sit at its core.

Severe Weather Impacts Lesotho: Heavy snowfall and strong winds disrupted travel, closed border gates, damaged homes and killed livestock, with families left homeless and pregnant ewes dying after being trapped in snow. Climate Risk for Farmers: Ahead of an El Niño season, farmers were urged to act now—adjust planting times, improve water management, protect soil moisture and use climate-smart practices to reduce drought and flood losses. Agriculture Insurance Review: The Agriculture Ministry reviewed a Smart Subsidy and Agriculture Insurance pilot, aiming to build an insurance system that uses reliable data to protect farmers from climate-related risks and support investment. Wool & Mohair Value Chain: Farmers and brokers highlighted faster payments and better market access in Lesotho’s wool and mohair trade, while hybrid ram and buck recipients requested training on animal care to cut issues like diarrhoea and mites. Youth Participation Debate: Parliament’s Social Cluster Committee chair Mokhothu Makhalanyane called for a Youth Bill that institutionalises youth representation in decision structures, not just consultations. Circular Economy Opportunity: A regional circular innovation challenge offers R250,000 for businesses with circularity solutions and prototypes ready for testing. Tourism Reform Roadmap: Lesotho’s tourism and hospitality sector is adopting a three-year reform plan to tackle inefficiencies, skills gaps and infrastructure shortfalls.

Severe Weather & Livelihoods: Lesotho’s highlands saw disruptive snowfall and strong winds, with the Qacha’s Nek border gate reopening while Ramatseliso’s gate stayed closed; reports include homes damaged in Berea and livestock losses in Mokhotlong, underscoring how quickly weather shocks hit food security and safety. Climate Risk for Farmers: FAO urges Basotho farmers to act now on looming El Niño—adjust planting times, improve water management, and adopt climate-smart practices—because drought and erratic rainfall threaten both crops and grazing. Agriculture Insurance & Smart Subsidies: The Agriculture Ministry reviewed a Smart Subsidy and Agriculture Insurance pilot, aiming to protect farmers from climate-related risks like drought, floods and livestock disease using better data and a workable insurance system. Wool & Mohair Value Chains: Farmers and brokers are pushing for faster, more direct market access; Baokunyaoda’s Lesotho operations highlight reduced transport costs and quicker payments, while WaMCoOP beneficiaries request training for hybrid rams and bucks. Regional Environment & Water: A Lesotho-Botswana water transfer project office opened in Maseru, pointing to ongoing regional efforts to manage scarce water resources. Biodiversity & Conservation: Prince Harry’s Diana memorial fund donations have been redirected to Botswana’s elephant conservation group Elephants Without Borders, including satellite tracking for elephants in the Okavango Delta.

Severe Weather Impacts Lesotho: Heavy snowfall and strong winds disrupted travel and livelihoods, with border gates affected and reports of homes damaged and livestock losses in highland districts. Climate Risk for Farmers: Ahead of an El Niño season with a 100% chance, farmers were urged to act now—adjust planting times, improve water management, protect soil moisture, and use climate-smart practices to reduce drought and flood impacts. Agriculture Insurance Review: The Agriculture Ministry reviewed a Smart Subsidy and Agriculture Insurance pilot, exploring how insurance could help farmers manage climate-linked risks like drought, erratic rainfall, floods and livestock disease. Wool and Mohair Support: A hybrid rams and bucks culling programme under WaMCoOP is continuing, with beneficiaries requesting training on animal care after monitoring flagged issues like diarrhoea and mites. Circular Economy Funding: Lesotho-based businesses with circular economy prototypes can apply for a R250,000 investment and mentorship opportunity through the Circular Innovation Challenge. Tourism Reform Roadmap: Lesotho’s tourism and hospitality sector is adopting a three-year joint reform plan targeting market visibility, skills gaps and infrastructure constraints. Youth, Jobs and Agriculture: Youth were encouraged to pursue productive sectors—especially agriculture—to build economic independence and employment.

Severe weather impacts Lesotho: Cross-border travel and livelihoods were hit by heavy snowfall and strong winds, with the Qacha’s Nek Gate reopening while Ramatseliso’s Gate stayed closed longer; in Berea, winds left families homeless, and in Mokhotlong about 24 pregnant ewes died after being trapped in snow and attacked by dogs. Climate-smart farming push: Farmers were urged to act early on El Niño warnings—adjust planting times, improve water management, protect soil moisture, and use climate-smart practices—because drought and erratic rainfall could cut yields and strain grazing and water. Agriculture risk protection: The Agriculture Ministry reviewed a Smart Subsidy and Agriculture Insurance pilot, focusing on how insurance could help farmers manage drought, floods and livestock disease, with better data needed to design workable products. Wool and mohair value chain support: Hybrid rams and bucks distributed under WaMCoOP are being monitored, with beneficiaries requesting training on proper care to reduce issues like diarrhoea and mites. Circular economy opportunity: Businesses across Lesotho can apply for a circular innovation challenge offering R250,000, mentorship, and product testing exposure at the V&A Waterfront. Women’s weaving livelihoods: Hatoa Mose Mosali says weaving preserves skills and income for women, but growth is constrained by limited buyers, expensive equipment, and costly exhibitions.

Severe Weather & Livelihoods: Severe snowfall and strong winds have disrupted travel and damaged homes in Lesotho, with Qacha’s Nek Border Gate reopening but Ramatseliso’s Gate still closed as heavy snow continues; in Mokhotlong, about 24 pregnant ewes died after being trapped in snow and attacked by dogs, while in Berea at least 13 people were left homeless after winds destroyed houses. Climate Risk for Farmers: Ahead of an El Niño season with a 100% chance, farmers are being urged to act now—adjust planting windows, improve water management, protect soil moisture, and use climate-smart practices—so drought and grazing pressure don’t catch communities off guard. Agriculture & Resilience: Farmers are also seeking training on caring for newly distributed hybrid rams and bucks under the Wool and Mohair Value Chain Competitiveness programme, after monitoring flagged issues like diarrhoea linked to feeding and mites when hybrids mix with local animals. Regional Water Security: Namibia warned that a possible return of El Niño could worsen water shortages in the Orange-Senqu basin, urging stronger joint planning and climate adaptation across the four basin countries. Tourism Reform: Lesotho’s tourism and hospitality sector is set to adopt a three-year joint reform roadmap to tackle inefficiencies, skills gaps and infrastructure shortfalls, aiming to boost jobs and growth.

Severe Weather in Lesotho: Heavy snowfall and strong winds disrupted life across Lesotho, closing key border routes like Qacha’s Nek Gate and keeping Ramatseliso’s Gate shut, while reports also highlighted homes damaged in Berea and livestock losses in Mokhotlong. Climate-Smart Farming: With El Niño expected, Lesotho farmers were urged to act now—adjust planting times, improve water management, and use drought-proofing and early warnings to protect crops and grazing. Wool & Mohair Support: Beneficiaries under the WaMCoOP programme asked for training on caring for newly distributed hybrid rams and bucks, as monitoring flagged issues like feeding-related diarrhoea and mites. Agriculture Commercialisation Push: A call was made for the private sector to lead agricultural commercialisation, with government focused on enabling investment and value addition from production to processing. Youth & Agriculture: Youth leaders were urged to embrace agriculture for economic independence, alongside calls for stronger youth participation in decision-making through the proposed Youth Bill. Tourism Reform Roadmap: Lesotho’s tourism and hospitality sector adopted a three-year joint reform plan targeting skills gaps, market visibility and infrastructure to boost jobs and growth.

Severe weather in Lesotho: Heavy snowfall and strong winds have disrupted life across Lesotho’s highlands, closing key border routes and damaging homes. Qacha’s Nek Gate reopened, while Ramatseliso’s Gate stayed shut due to continued heavy snow, with officials expecting a reopening on Aug. 14. In Berea, winds destroyed three houses in Ha Masheane, leaving at least 13 people homeless. In Mokhotlong, about 24 pregnant ewes died after being trapped in snow and attacked by dogs, a major loss for local herders. Climate-smart farming push: With El Niño expected this season, farmers were urged to act now—adjust planting times, improve water management, protect soil moisture, and use climate-smart practices—so drought doesn’t catch communities unprepared. Youth and livelihoods: Young people were called to embrace agriculture and other productive sectors for economic independence, alongside efforts to support skills, equipment and financing for food production. Cross-border safety reminder: Reports also highlight people still getting stuck in snow despite early warnings, underscoring the need to heed alerts and avoid risky travel.

Severe Weather & Safety: Severe snowfall and strong winds have disrupted travel across Lesotho, closing key border routes like Qacha’s Nek Gate (reopened) while Ramatseliso’s Gate stays shut until Aug. 14; in Berea, three homes were destroyed and at least 13 people are homeless, while in Mokhotlong about 24 pregnant ewes died after being trapped in snow and attacked by dogs. Climate Risk for Farmers: Farmers are being urged to act on El Niño warnings now—adjust planting times, improve water management, and adopt climate-smart practices—because reduced rainfall could hit crops and livestock; the message is clear: manage water and soil moisture early. Youth & Livelihoods: Youth were called to embrace agriculture for economic independence and job creation, and choral music supporters urged greater government and stakeholder funding, training, and infrastructure to turn cultural talent into sustainable employment. Regional Water Planning: Namibia warned that a possible El Niño return could worsen water shortages in the Orange-Senqu basin, urging stronger joint planning among basin countries including Lesotho.

Climate & Weather Disruption: South Africa’s severe winter system is spilling into the region, with SAWS issuing Orange Level 6 disruptive snow warnings for parts of the Eastern Cape (including Senqu, Elundini and Matatiele) and Yellow alerts extending toward Free State areas along the Lesotho border and western KwaZulu-Natal—bringing hazardous roads, possible temporary isolation of communities, and ongoing emergency response. Water Security & Climate Risk: Namibia warns that a possible return of El Niño could worsen water shortages in the Lower Orange River, urging stronger basin-wide planning among Orange-Senqu basin countries that share water with Lesotho. Biodiversity & Climate Impacts: Conservationists fitted satellite trackers on bearded vultures at Molumong in Lesotho’s highlands to track how the birds use habitat before and after Polihali Dam floods—aiming to protect a regionally critically endangered species. Regional Water Infrastructure: ORASECOM opened a Lesotho-Botswana Water Transfer Project Management Office in Maseru, a milestone for planning major water movement while stressing environmental protection and long-term development. Food Security & Resilience: Prime Minister Matekane handed over more than 150 tractors and farming machines to farmers, including youth and women, to boost production and strengthen Lesotho’s resilience.

Severe Winter Weather: South Africa’s SAWS issued Orange Level 6 disruptive snow warnings for parts of the Eastern Cape, with heavy snow and icy roads expected to disrupt livelihoods and leave some communities temporarily inaccessible; several mountain passes were closed and emergency teams were deployed as fog, drizzle and slippery conditions persisted. Cross-Border Climate Risk: Namibia warned that a possible return of El Niño could worsen water shortages in the Lower Orange River, urging Orange-Senqu basin countries to strengthen joint planning and climate adaptation. Illegal Mining Tragedy: A rockfall at an illegal mine near Rustenburg killed 14 miners, most of them Basotho, with others injured and possibly trapped underground—highlighting unsafe, unregulated mining risks to people and communities. Wildlife Conservation: Conservationists fitted satellite trackers to bearded vultures at Molumong in Lesotho’s Maloti highlands to track how Polihali Dam flooding may shift feeding and habitat use for the regionally critically endangered birds. Water Security Planning: The Lesotho-Botswana Water Transfer project management office opened in Maseru under ORASECOM, aiming to coordinate major water transfer planning while protecting livelihoods and the environment. Food Security Support: Prime Minister Matekane handed over more than 150 tractors and farming machines to youth, women and farmers’ groups to boost production and reduce hunger.

Illegal Mining Tragedy: Police say 14 illegal chrome miners were killed and several others may be trapped after a rock fall near the Nkaneng informal settlement in North West, with most victims believed to be from Lesotho—another stark reminder of how unregulated mining endangers people and the environment. Winter Weather Disruption (Regional): South Africa’s severe snow system continues to hit the region, with Orange Level 6 disruptive-snow warnings in parts of the Eastern Cape and Yellow warnings extending toward areas along the Lesotho border—bringing road closures, hazardous travel, and risks to livelihoods. Wildlife Conservation: Conservationists fitted three adult bearded vultures with satellite trackers at Molumong in Lesotho’s highlands to track how the birds use habitat before and after the Polihali Dam floods—aimed at protecting a critically endangered species. Water Security & Cooperation: ORASECOM, Lesotho and Botswana opened a Lesotho–Botswana Water Transfer project office in Maseru, pushing planning for a major water scheme while stressing environmental protection and long-term benefits. Independence Immunisation Push: As Lesotho nears its 60th independence anniversary, civil society is urging stronger vaccine uptake and sustainable immunisation financing as a core national priority.

Severe Winter Weather: South Africa’s SAWS has issued an Orange Level 6 warning for disruptive snow in parts of the Eastern Cape (including Senqu, Elundini and Matatiele), with possible major traffic disruption and some communities temporarily inaccessible, while lighter snow warnings also cover areas along the Lesotho border and into KwaZulu-Natal. Road Disruptions: Authorities report multiple mountain passes shut by snow and hazardous conditions, with motorists urged to obey closures and avoid risky routes. Lesotho Link: Forecasts point to snow and icy conditions affecting high ground into Lesotho and the Free State–Lesotho border zone, raising travel and livelihood risks for border communities. Wildlife & Climate Impacts: Conservationists fitted bearded vultures with satellite trackers at Molumong to monitor how the birds use habitat before and after Polihali Dam floods—key for a species confined to Lesotho and the Drakensberg. Water Security: A Lesotho–Botswana Water Transfer project management office opened in Maseru, aiming to strengthen regional water planning and environmental safeguards. Food Security & Resilience: Lesotho’s tractor handover supports farmers to boost production, while humanitarian voices call for shifting from emergency food aid to long-term, climate-smart investments.

Winter Weather Disruptions: Lesotho’s street vendors in Maseru reported fewer customers and missed shifts as cold, rain and wind hit the city, with Lesotho Meteorological Services and disaster managers monitoring conditions. Regional Snow & Road Closures: Across South Africa, heavy snowfall shut key Eastern Cape mountain passes and even closed the R415 border route between Matatiele and Qacha’s Nek, while KZN saw the R617 closed near Kokstad as a truck got stuck; SAWS issued severe snow and damaging-wind warnings across multiple provinces. Wildlife Under Pressure: Conservationists fitted three adult bearded vultures with satellite trackers at Molumong in Lesotho’s highlands to track how Polihali Dam flooding may shift feeding and breeding areas. Water Security Planning: ORASECOM opened a Lesotho–Botswana water transfer project office in Maseru, aiming to strengthen regional water security and long-term environmental safeguards. Climate-Smart Food Security: Humanitarian groups urged a shift from emergency food aid to long-term climate-smart farming investments to help communities withstand worsening climate impacts.

Climate & Weather Alerts: South Africans are bracing for a disruptive winter system, with SA Weather Service warnings including Orange Level 6 snow risk in parts of the Eastern Cape and possible light snowfall over areas including Lesotho, plus damaging winds and waves along the KZN coast. Wildlife Conservation: Conservationists fitted three adult bearded vultures with satellite trackers at Molumong to monitor how Polihali Dam flooding may shift feeding and breeding habitat in the Maloti range. Water Security & Regional Cooperation: ORASECOM opened a Lesotho-Botswana water transfer project management office in Maseru, a milestone for planning a major scheme to boost regional water security while aiming to protect the environment. Food Security Support: Prime Minister Matekane handed over 150+ tractors and farming machines to youth, women, associations and subsidised farmers to strengthen Lesotho’s food production and jobs. Environment Restoration: The LHWP marked 40 years with a tree-planting drive under the Green Initiative, calling for public action to protect forests, biodiversity and ecosystems.