The Prime Minister, Mr. Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane, flanked by other Cabinet Ministers graced this year’s edition of the Roof of Africa which commenced with the traditional round the houses within the Maseru Central Business Development (CBD) on Thursday.
Mr. Matekane officiated some races by riding on the open car which hoisted the national flag and drove off leading the way to Mokorotlong via the Kofi Annan Road through the Arrival Centre and back to the starting point.
He was accompanied by the Deputy Prime Minister, Justice Nthomeng Majara, Minister of Trade, Industry and Small Business Mr. Mokhethi Shelile, Minister of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation, Ms. Nthati Moorosi as well as Minister of Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture Mr. Motlatsi Maqelepo.
Speaking to the media at the sidelines of the event, Mr. Maqelepo commended the organisers for having brought into the country world-class riders from across the country.
He said the Roof of Africa is known as the Hard enduro, saying this means it is one of the toughest races in the world.
When asked what Lesotho gains from staging this event, Mr. Maqelepo believed that the economic spin-off from the tourism levy as well as refuelling of the cars and bikes, accommodation and tollgates fees charged at the border bring a lot of money into the country.
He mentioned that hotels and guest houses are fully booked to accommodate the participants, their families and friends.
However, he said there was still a lot to be made about providing enough security to protect the equipment and to ensure maximum safety of the riders as well as the spectators throughout the event.
Furthermore, he said he was impressed to see young bike riders given a chance to showcase their talent at the event, saying that will go a long way in promoting the sport in the country.
The Minister said his ministry was struggling financially but promised to support sports and invited the private sector to invest in sports in the country as part of nation-building and promote peace and tranquillity.
In an interview with one of the handicrafts vendors who sell Basotho hats along the Kings Way, a 21-year-old Limakatso Litabe told the Agency that the event has not changed since the event started on Wednesday.
After the Round the Houses on Thursday, the bike riders will proceed to Maseru Mall for the Time Trial, on Friday the competitors will start at Thaba Bosiu and finish at the Bushman’s Pass, Saturday they will start at the Bushman’s Pass to Thaba Bosiu and will end with the prize giving ceremony on the same day.
This year’s event marks the 55th edition of the Roof of Africa and there are 411 competitors drawn from 14 nations, there are five female competitors and four Lesotho warriors who will hoist the national aloft.
It is divided into four categories: Gold, Silver, Bronze and Iron competitors.
The Roof of Africa rally started in 1967 and it only failed to take place twice in 1998 due to political instability then and again in 2020 due to COVID-19.
Source: LENA 30/11/2023
