In a groundbreaking fusion of sport and purpose, the United States Embassy, Alliance Française de Maseru, and Sepheo have partnered with the Pedals4Purpose team to launch the Sepheo MTB Traverse, a daring nine-day mountain bike journey from the highlands of Lesotho to the shores of the Indian Ocean.
Scheduled for May 1 to 9, the 650-kilometre ride, ascending an astonishing 14,000 metres, is aimed at raising M280,000 to replace Sepheo’s ageing, 30-year-old school bus. The bus is a vital lifeline, connecting marginalised children in Maseru’s villages to education and safety.
The ride, themed “Combining two passions in life: cycling and being useful,” will be led by Malefetsane Lesofe, a former street child turned professional cyclist from Lesotho, and Augustin Douillet, a French humanitarian and cycling enthusiast who is the brain behind the initiative.
“We ride not to compete, but to contribute,” Douillet told journalists at a press briefing held in Maseru. “We’re doing what we love to serve a cause we deeply believe in.”
A ride with purpose, the journey will begin on May 1 at Alliance Française de Maseru. The duo will then traverse Lesotho’s rugged interior, passing through Molimo Nthuse, Thaba-Tseka, Linakeng, Mokhotlong, and the legendary Sani Pass, before crossing into South Africa en route to Scottburgh Beach, their final destination.
Along the way, they will participate in the Sani2C Ocean to Mountain Tournament on May 7, not as competitors, but as champions for vulnerable children.
Douillet shared that their goal is to raise €14,000 (approximately M280,000), one euro for every metre of elevation gained. So far, M90,000 has been raised thanks to the generous support of individual donors and partners, including Cycle World Bloemfontein, Bike Hangar, Office National, and the U.S. Embassy in Lesotho.
From the streets to the saddle, Lesofe’s story embodies the struggle and resilience of many children supported by Sepheo. Once facing the same harsh realities as Sepheo’s students, he discovered a passion for cycling that lifted him out of hardship. Today, he gives back as a coach at Sepheo’s pump track, nurturing a new generation of riders and dreamers.
“Sepheo gave me a second chance. Now I’m helping others take their first,” Lesofe said.
Since its founding, Sepheo has helped reduce the number of children living on Maseru’s streets by 95 percent, according to Associate Director ’Malechesa Matete.
“Our work goes beyond the classroom,” Matete said. “We offer psychological healing, academic support, family reunification, and a clear path to the future. But to do that, we need reliable transport to reach the children who need us most.”
The new vehicle will not only provide safer, more efficient transport, but will also extend Sepheo’s reach to even more children in need.
Seabata Mahao is a general news reporter with special focus on Business and Sports.
Started working at Newsday in 2021.
has an Associate Degree in Journalism and Media.
