The iconic motorcycle race, the Roof of Africa, is set to make history this year by closing off the global Hard Enduro World Championship (HEWC), a first for both the event and the country.
Known as “The Mother of Hard Enduro” due to its rugged and challenging nature, the Roof of Africa will this year determine the 2025 Hard Enduro World Champion, thereby placing Lesotho in the heart of the world’s toughest motorcycle racing circuit.
The recognition follows the race’s formal inclusion in the HEWC calendar by the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) earlier this year, a milestone that elevates the Roof of Africa from a continental event into a globally sanctioned world championship finale.
From November 19 to 22, the Lesotho Off Road Association (LoRA) will host what promises to be a record-breaking edition of the race, marking a momentous leap from regional prestige to international acclaim.
At the official launch this week, LoRA’s Chairperson Mopeli Ntabe said preparations were in full swing to ensure the event meets international standards.
“This year we are having a different race as it is going to serve as the final round of the World Hard Enduro Championship,” Ntabe said.
“We certainly hope we will be able to deliver something special for Basotho, for motorsport lovers, and for the world.”
Event Director Ross Whitehead added that the Roof’s new global status is the culmination of years of effort to grow the race’s scale and appeal.
“I invite everybody to come and enjoy the Roof this year and put it out in a positive light about what we are trying to achieve to make this a truly Lesotho event,” Whitehead said.
“Our primary goal is to grow the economy and trade within Lesotho through the Roof of Africa.”
The Roof’s elevation to world championship status is also expected to boost Lesotho’s profile as a premier adventure tourism destination. ‘Manchafalo Motšoeneng, who spoke on behalf of Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC), said the event continues to play a crucial role in stimulating the economy.
“The economic relevance of the Roof of Africa rally cannot be overlooked. Each year, thousands of spectators from different parts of the world come to witness the spectacular race, generating millions of maloti for the country’s hospitality and service sectors,” Motšoeneng said.
She revealed that last year alone, the event generated an estimated M5 million in direct spending, mostly through accommodation, food, and transport. With its new global championship status, even higher visitor numbers and revenues are expected this year.
The 2025 edition will begin with administrative checks and scrutineering at Avani Lesotho and Casino on November 19, followed by a new city parade through downtown Maseru on November 20, giving spectators a rare chance to see the elite riders up close before they head into Lesotho’s rugged mountains.
The main race will then shift to Ha-Lebamang, Roma, where competitors will take on some of the most punishing terrain in southern Africa over three intense days.
Lesotho will once again be proudly represented across several categories. In the Silver Class, local riders Basia Maseatile, Sechaba Chabeli, and Moiphepi Bereng will fly the national flag.
In the Bronze Class, Timello Tsolo, Malakane Besele, Katleho Tlhaole, and Joseph Motenane will be in action. The Iron Class will feature Peter Andrews, Jabulani Mhlanga, Thabo Monaheng, Eric Salley, David Salley, and Hlaoli Lesekele.
In the elite Gold Class, defending champion Wade Young of South Africa will once again be the rider to beat as he chases a record 10th Roof of Africa title. The 29-year-old has dominated the event since his first win in 2012 and will look to secure another victory to seal his status as one of Hard Enduro’s all-time greats.
He faces stiff competition from fellow South Africans James Moore and Matthew Green, alongside international heavyweights Teodor Kabakchiev (Bulgaria), Billy Bolt (England), and veteran Graham Jarvis (UK).
Since its inception in 1967, the Roof of Africa has grown from a regional endurance race into a symbol of Basotho resilience and adventure spirit. It has only been cancelled twice, in 1998 due to political unrest and in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, further underscoring its enduring legacy.
Summary
- The iconic motorcycle race, the Roof of Africa, is set to make history this year by closing off the global Hard Enduro World Championship (HEWC), a first for both the event and the country.
- Known as “The Mother of Hard Enduro” due to its rugged and challenging nature, the Roof of Africa will this year determine the 2025 Hard Enduro World Champion, thereby placing Lesotho in the heart of the world’s toughest motorcycle racing circuit.
- The recognition follows the race’s formal inclusion in the HEWC calendar by the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) earlier this year, a milestone that elevates the Roof of Africa from a continental event into a globally sanctioned world championship finale.
Seabata Mahao is a general news reporter with special focus on Business and Sports. Started working at Newsday in 2021. Working in a team with a shared goal is what I enjoy most and that gives me the motivation to work under any environment leading to growth.
