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ROOF OF AFRICA BOOST FOR ECONOMY-PM

His Majesty King Letsie III and the Prime Minister, Dr Moeketsi Majoro officiated the start of the Roof of Africa Time Trial on Thursday at Thaba Bosiu Cultural Village after a year absence due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Both His Majesty and the Prime Minister were pleased to see the return of the most loved off-road motorbiking, The Mother of All Hard Enduro, as witnessed in the Prime Minister’s official Twitter account.
“The return of Roof of Africa Rally will help boost the economy of the country after it had suffered during the COVID-19 lockdowns,” he said.
The spokesperson of Lesotho Off-Road Association (LORA), Mr. Keketso Malebo disclosed that about 400 international riders are participating this year, saying this will be advantageous to the economy which was always boosted by this annual event, reportedly contributing M100 million into the economy annually.
The race is mostly attended by South African riders who make a majority of all categories, Gold, Silver and Bronze. The most successful rider in the last 10 years of the race is a South African youngster ‘Wade Young’ who won it at age 17 in 2012, 2014, 2017 and 2018.
Wade’s dominance has been challenged by English Graham Jarvis who also won in 2011, 2013, 2016 and 2015.
This year, LORA introduced another category thus the Iron category, which is intended for amateur riders and those who ride for fun. It is also dominated by South African riders.
The race will span two districts, where the start will be at Thaba-Bosiu, Maseru and Sefikeng Area in Berea.
The race is known for tough terrain and tough routes, hence the name, Mother of All Hard Endures.
In 2016, the race claimed the life of one South African rider Willie-John Le Hanie who died en route to Bloemfontein Hospital after sustaining fatal injuries when he crashed descending a steep hill in the Bushman’s Pass area.
About 10 Basotho riders participated in the race and are expected to perform well after participating in another new race by LORA, Senqu Hard Enduro in September this year.
The race is mainly sponsored by the French oil company Motul and is reportedly televised and watched by more than 30 million households in Europe.
By Staff reporter: ’Maphoka Likotsi

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