Roof of Africa organisers split

Seabata Mahao

The events management company, Live Lesotho, will no longer be involved in the Roof of Africa (ROA) race after partying ways with the race custodians, Lesotho Off Road Association (LORA).

Live Lesotho was contracted by LORA to manage the annual showpiece together with the Retro Roof, during their past four-year-long marriage.

In a statement this week, Live Lesotho said their contract was not renewed following unsuccessful negotiations with LORA.

The statement said the contract between the two parties was up for renewal at the end of January this year, but negotiations ran until February 26.

“We are aware of premature statements and opinions that are circulating our negotiations with LORA and our involvement with the ROA. However, these are not our official statements nor position on this matter,” Live Lesotho said in the statement.

On their part, LORA also released a press statement confirming they have ended their contract with Live Lesotho.

LORA said Live Lesotho decided to end their involvement as organisers of the event with immediate effect, following a breakdown in contract renewal negotiations.

“LORA is dismayed that this is the ultimate decision made by Live Lesotho, but we want to assure all interested parties that we will now begin the process of vetting a suitable management partner to ensure that the bar that has been set for The Roof is upheld and taken to new heights.

“LORA recognises that planning and organising an annual event of this scale and calibre is no small undertaking. This awareness will guide the selection process and ensure that future partners can build on the awesome legacy of the Roof, and continue to elevate the status of the race through innovation and a determination to give back to the riding community and people of Lesotho.”

Since its inception, LORA said, the Roof has helped to raise Lesotho’s international profile and attracted many visitors to the country and the maluti mountains.

LORA said it remains fully committed to the future of the Roof, and to ensure that it remains a fixture on the Hard Enduro calendar for many years to come.  

LORA chairman, Likotsi Lemeke expressed gratitude to Live Lesotho founder, Charan Moore, and his team for their hard work during their partnership.

“We regret that a mutually agreeable resolution to our negotiations was not arrived at, but would like to assure everyone who loves Roof of Africa that it will continue, starting with the 2023 event,” Lemeke said.

“The Roof is bigger than any one organisation, including ourselves, and we are determined to see it continue for the benefit of everyone who loves Lesotho, and loves Hard Enduro,” he added.

He said they have already contacted the organisers of the World Enduro Super Series (WESS) regarding their criteria for both promoters and events managers and would issue regular updates on any developments.