The Reporter - Lesotho

[NEWS]
Operations at the Qacha’s Nek Port of Entry between Lesotho and South Africa have been temporarily suspended following heavy snowfall that has created unsafe travelling conditions in the area.

Heavy snowfall forces temporary closure of Qacha’s Nek border post - The Reporter Lesotho | Fresh News, Daily Operations at the Qacha’s Nek Port of Entry between Lesotho and South Africa have been temporarily suspended following heavy snowfall that has created unsafe travelling conditions in the area. The South African Border Management Authority (BMA) said the decision was taken as a precautionary measur...

[NEWS]
The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) will on Friday launch an initiative to plant 40, 000 trees around the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) sites from July to October this year.

LHDA to plant 40, 000 trees at LHWP sites - The Reporter Lesotho | Fresh News, Daily The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) will on Friday launch an initiative to plant 40, 000 trees around the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) sites from July to October this year. The event will take place at Ha Molapo in the Butha-Buthedistrict. The tree planting exercise is one o...

[NEWS]
A Southern African NGO, Gender Links will on Thursday commemorate the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, through a regional webinar.

Gender Links to mark World Day Against Trafficking in Persons - The Reporter Lesotho | Fresh News, Daily A Southern African NGO, Gender Links will on Thursday commemorate the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, through a regional webinar. This year’s commemoration will be held under the United Nations theme, “Trapped Behind the Scam”, highlighting the growing links between human trafficking...

[NEWS]
SA waives medical report requirement for Visa applicants
'Mants'ali Phakoana
The South African government has waived the requirement for applicants to submit a medical report when applying for visas and permanent residence permits, according to a new ministerial immigration directive issued by the Department of Home Affairs.
The directive, signed by Minister of Home Affairs Dr Leon Schreiber on July 17, 2026, grants a blanket waiver for the medical report previously required under South Africa's Immigration Act, 2002.
The waiver applies to all future applications for temporary visas and permanent residence permits, as well as applications that are still awaiting adjudication.
According to the notice published in the South African Government Gazette, the directive took effect yesterday. The Department of Home Affairs has also instructed that the directive be brought to the attention of all permitting officials and be published on the VFS visa application website.
The move is expected to simplify the visa application process for foreign nationals, including many Basotho who travel to South Africa for work, study and business.

[NEWS]
Rotary Club donates to vulnerable children

By Lehlohonolo Sekonyela

The Rotary Club of Mantsopa brought warmth, comfort and hope to orphaned and vulnerable children at St Cecilia Children's Home in Ha Buasono on Saturday through a winter outreach initiative aimed at easing the impact of Lesotho's cold temperatures.

The club donated 55 blankets and clothing to children living at the home, where resources remain limited despite government support. Many of the children have had to share blankets, making the donation especially meaningful during the harsh winter season.

In addition to the blankets, volunteers donated warm clothing and served hot soup with fresh bread, creating an afternoon filled with kindness, fellowship and joy.

In receiving donation on behalf of the orphanage, Her Royal Highness Princess Maseeiso Mohato Seeiso praised the Rotary Club of Mantsopa and its partners for demonstrating that love, compassion and brotherhood remain the foundation of a caring society.

"This act of kindness such as the donation of blankets to vulnerable children serves as a reminder that every member of society has a responsibility to care for those in need,” she said.

She urged Basotho to embrace these values not only through charitable donations but also in the way they raise and nurture children.

She noted that children thrive in environments where they are surrounded by love, protection and guidance, adding that investing in their well-being today will help build a stronger and more prosperous Lesotho in future.

Speaking at the event, Rotary International District 9370 Youth Chairperson, Makhetha Motsoari, said the organisation has maintained a close relationship with St. Cecelia Orphanage over the years through various community service initiatives.

Motsoari recalled that Rotary members had previously donated trees to the centre as part of efforts to improve its surroundings and promote environmental sustainability.

Receiving the donation, the founder of St. Cecelia Orphanage, Father P**e Mahlaku, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Rotary clubs for their continued generosity and unwavering support.

He said the blankets would go a long way in protecting the children from cold and improving their daily lives.

Father Mahlaku added that the orphanage continues to rely on the goodwill of donors and community partners to meet the needs of children under its care.

[NEWS]
Econet, UNDP to boost digital innovation partnership
By Karabo Nkoe
Econet Telecom Lesotho (ETL) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are set to strengthen strategic collaboration aimed at leveraging digital technology and innovation to support sustainable development initiatives in the country.
The two organisations will formalise their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Maseru tomorrow.
The partnership is expected to provide a framework for collaboration between ETL and UNDP in using digital technology and innovation to advance sustainable development initiatives.

[NEWS]
LCN backs Public Participation Bill

'Mants'ali Phakoana
The Lesotho Council of Non-Governmental Organisations (LCN) today held a national consultation meeting on the proposed Public Participation Bill, 2026.
Also known as the Private Member's Bill the motion was initiated by Mokhethoaneng Member of Parliament, Mokhothu Makhalanyane. It is aimed at strengthening citizens' involvement in government decision-making.
Makhalanyane said the Bill is expected to be tabled before the National Assembly in September this year. LCN president Reentseng Letsoela described the consultation as timely and necessary, saying the proposed law had been identified as one of the organisation's priorities during its last Annual General Meeting.
"The consultation is important because it allows civil society organisations and other stakeholders to scrutinise the Bill and ensure it truly reflects the aspirations of Basotho. Meaningful public participation is at the heart of democracy, and this legislation has the potential to strengthen that principle," Letsoela said.

[OPPORTUNITIES]