Hike brings Basotho neighbours together

By Emily Setona

CLARENS – Borders disappeared and boots hit the same trail when hikers from QwaQwa, Clarens and Lesotho came together for a 10km unity hike on Saturday, 6 September.

For six hours the three teams walked, laughed and shared meals — proving that mountains don’t divide people, they connect them.

*”WE ARE FAMILY”*

The day started with a prayer. Despite forecasts of strong winds, the weather cleared and the trail was perfect.

For Matlotlo Mmole, 39, it was more than just walking.

“We had team-building games, a potjie kos competition and the spirit of togetherness was amongst us. It was great,” he said.

Khabiso Nkune, 42, an experienced hiker from Lesotho, said the relationships were built on years of shared trails.

“We are still trying to explore hiking trails between the Free State and Lesotho because we are family,” she said.

Nkune said the Clarens route hit the sweet spot — challenging but not strenuous.

“I loved this trail. It was 10km, not too trying, and the fact that we spoke the same language made it special,” she said.

*CHILDREN OF MOSHOESHOE*

For Nkune, the hike was a living example of Basotho unity.

“When they say we are all the children of Moshoeshoe as Basotho, I experienced that this weekend,” she said.

She was especially inspired by the older women who joined the hike.

“There were also older women who inspired me to keep on hiking. We shared a lot as Basotho women because I could relate to them,” Nkune said.

The unity hike showed how outdoor activities can reconnect communities separated by borders and celebrate a shared language, history and heritage.

For the participants, the Clarens landscape became more than a backdrop. It was a reminder that neighbours are family — and family walks together.