US aid cuts deal a massive blow for the small African nation of Lesotho: Takeaways from AP's report

HA LEJONE, Lesotho (AP) — In the wake of massive U.S. cuts to foreign aid, the small country of Lesotho , in southern Africa faces deep uncertainty and worry over its HIV-positive residents. HA LEJONE, Lesotho (AP) — In the wake of massive U.S....

Fear and worry in Lesotho: Photos show those affected as US aid cuts affect care for HIV patients

MAPUTSOE, Lesotho (AP) — For the 2.3 million residents of Lesotho, the announcement of massive cuts to the U.S. aid that sustained much of the small African nation’s health care system came as a shock. MAPUTSOE, Lesotho (AP) — For the 2.3 million...

The tiny African nation of Lesotho had victories in its HIV fight. Then, the US aid cuts came

HA LEJONE, Lesotho (AP) — In the snow-topped mountains of Lesotho , mothers carrying babies on their backs walk for hours to the nearest health clinic, only to find HIV testing isn’t available. HA LEJONE, Lesotho (AP) — In the snow-topped...

South Africa: Capitec drives smarter, fee-free international travel boom

With zero international transaction fees, Capitec is transforming the way South Africans travel. Between March and August 2025, clients made 1.9 million international card payments worth R1bn — a 24% year-on-year increase. Source: Reuters. These...

International arrivals surge 30.2% as South Africa’s tourism rebound strengthens

South Africa’s inbound tourism sector continues its strong recovery, with international arrivals up 30.2% year-on-year in August 2025, reaching 935,738 visitors. Between January and August, the country welcomed 6.79 million tourists, a 15.8%...

Tourism minister highlights 6. 79 million visitors in South Africa this year

The month of August has recorded a 30.2% year-on-year increase in South Africa’s international tourist arrivals, reaching 935, 738 visitors. Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille welcomed the continued upward trend in South Africa’s international...

LESOTHO PARLIAMENT TO HOLD SADCOPAC 

Maseru, Oct. 12 –The Parliament of Lesotho will stage the Southern African Development Community of Public Accounts Committees (SADCOPAC) conference and Annual General Meeting at Manthabiseng Convention Centre from October 27 to 31. Speaking in an...

Fugitive SA murder suspect nabbed in Lesotho 

…faces firearm charges Hopolang Mokhopi AN alleged famo assassin, Motlatsi Pebane, wanted in South Africa for serious criminal charges including murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), has been...

Reprieve as SA extends Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP) 

Mathatisi Sebusi BASOTHO working in South Africa under the Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP) have received a huge reprieve after South Africa’s Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, this week announced an extension of the permit. Originally...

Super Eagles set for Lesotho duel despite travel hiccups

BY BEN OGBEMUDIA Nigeria’s Super Eagles are pressing on with calm resolve as a few travel hitches trimmed their 23-man squad ahead of Friday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho in Polokwane, South Africa. Star striker Victor...

Zim now focus on Lesotho

Tadious Manyepo in DURBAN, South Africa AFTER frustrating 2026 World Cup hopefuls South Africa by holding them to a goalless draw in Durban on Friday, the Warriors yesterday immediately shifted both base and focus. They travelled on a charter...

This tiny nation was winning in its fight against HIV. Then Trump cut foreign aid

Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our...

Eric Chelle reacts after Nigeria beats Lesotho, World Cup fate to be decided vs Benin

Nigeria retained their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2-1 win over Lesotho in Polokwane Benin Republic’s win over Rwanda and South Africa’s draw against Zimbabwe spiced Group C up for the final day Super Eagles head coach...

LESOTHO SUPPORTS VISA-FREE POLICY

by LENAOctober 8, 2025October 8, 2025023 Share0 Maseru, Oct. 08 — Following courtesy call on the Prime Minister where instead they met with Chief of Staff Mr. Sofonea Shale, Trans-African Tourism and Unity Campaign team met with Minister of...

How to watch Lesotho vs Nigeria on FIFA+ — it's *FREE*

You can watch Lesotho vs Nigeria live on FIFA+, streaming for free today, Friday, 10 October. The stream includes English commentary as Nigeria look to hit back after a disappointing World Cup Qualifying campaign to this point. The Super Eagles...

2026 WCQ: Live updates from Lesotho vs Nigeria, Zimbabwe vs South Africa matches

Two key 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Group C will be played this Friday from 5pm. Nigeria travel to Lesotho, clinging to the faintest hope of qualification. The Super Eagles are currently in third place with 11 points, behind Benin Republic and...

Lesotho: The kingdom in the sky

The kingdom of Lesotho glows with pride as it celebrates its 59th Independence Day on October 4, 2025. On this historic day in 1966, the Basotho people, under the steadfast leadership of Chief Leabua Jonathan, cast off the chains of 98 years of...

SA mourns as Athletics legend while vacationing with family in Lesotho

Comrades Marathon Association have been rocked by the death of former winner and administrator, Cheryl Winn Winn won the Comrades Marathon in 1982 and competed six times in the iconic ultramarathon event South Africans paid tribute to the former...

TRANS-AFRICA TOURISM CALLS FOR BORDERLESS AFRICA

by LENAOctober 7, 2025October 7, 2025042 Share0 Maseru, Oct.07–Trans-Africa Tourism and Unity Campaign Leader has strongly called for borderless Africa to keep opportunities, boost trade, intra-Africa tourism, cultural exchange as well as keep...

SA records 30% tourism growth led by SADC region visitors

South Africa is enjoying a tourism boom, led by visitors from our regional neighbours. New data from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) shows a 30% increase in international arrivals in August 2025 compared with the same month last year. The...