Lesotho Off-Road Association (LORA) would like to address the understandable concern and speculation around the future of the Roof of Africa event. As the long-term custodians of the ‘Mother of Hard Enduro’, LORA is conscious of its obligations to the local and global Hard Enduro communities, the people and government of Lesotho, Lesotho Tourism, local businesses, and of course the sponsors, and would like to assure all stakeholders that the event will indeed continue.
The riding community at large will be aware that Live Lesotho has taken the decision to terminate their involvement as organisers of the event, with immediate effect. This follows the breakdown in renewal negotiations between LORA and Live Lesotho at the end of their 4-year contract period. 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, in order to ensure that the bar that has been set for The Roof is upheld and taken to new heights.
“On behalf of everyone at LORA, I’d like to express my thanks to Charan Moore and his team at Live Lesotho for their hard work over the 4-year duration of our contract with them,” commented Koo Lemeke, Chairman of LORA. “We regret that a mutually agreeable resolution to our negotiations was not arrived at, but would like to assure everyone who loves the Roof that the Roof will continue, starting with the 2023 event,” he added.
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 are able to 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.
“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.
Since its inception, the Roof of Africa has helped to raise Lesotho’s international profile and attracted a great many visitors to the country and the Maluti Mountains. LORA remains 100% committed to the future of the Roof, and to ensuring that this race remains a fixture on the Hard Enduro calendar for many years to come.
“We have already contacted the organisers of the World Enduro Super Series (WESS) regarding their criteria for both promoters and events, and will issue regular updates on any developments,” concluded Lemeke.
More details about the new Roof management partners and any changes/updates to the event itself, will be released in due course.
For any queries, please contact: lora@mokmap.com