Tucked in the mountains of Lesotho are the siPhuthi speaking people who have maintained their language and culture, despite the shifting cultures around them, and have been in desperate need of a Bible translation. Partnering with the Bible Society of Lesotho, translation work began in early 2019 and has been recognised and covered by national TV and radio stations. The Bible translation process has also given the language status with the government; it will be named the second national language of Lesotho.

One of the Mother Tongue Translators, Mr Nzuzo Potsane shared how he had been told in his old church that it was not possible to translate God’s Word in Siphuthi. He had been struggling with thoughts about why God did not understand Siphuthi. He says after receiving an invitation to join the translation team:

"So God can really hear Siphuthi and eBaphuthi? Isn’t it great to observe that I have been heard?"

Such has been the impact of the Siphuthi translation, that the way has been opened for Siphuthi to be recognised as an official language of Lesotho – a dream come true for the Baphuthi, who have long been marginalised.

A church leader marvelled at the efforts of the Scripture Engagement team. She said as the leader of the church, she is now encouraged and will be preaching and teaching her congregation in Siphuthi; “I have learned that God made every culture and values all cultures.”

Acts | Romans | Matthew (completed in January 2026)

2025 was a year of rapid change, particularly for our team as we were able to engage in Bible translation on a permanent basis. We are grateful to Wycliffe South Africa and Lesotho Bible Society, but most importantly, we give thanks to God for His provision and guidance.

This year was truly a breakthrough for both our team and our community. Through prayer and diligent work, God answered our efforts.

• Regular women’s seminars
• Monthly community and family visits
• Started some listening groups
• Development of SE resources, e.g., Bible picture book and study tools
• Partnership with NGO Rebathusi Siyancedza for Farming God’s Way and Christian Counselling in Lesotho

• Listening group training
• Training for Nzuzo on managing Audio Bibles
• Distribution of translated Scripture for testing
• Complete Bible picture book for publishing
• Implementation of Farming God’s Way
• Implementation of Christian Counselling

1. Two books, Acts and Romans, were translated and completed.
2. Translation of the book of Matthew was initiated and completed in January 2026.
3. The team transitioned to full-time work in October 2025 and secured a functional workplace in Quthing.

1. Communication gaps between partners occasionally affected the teams on the ground.
2. Relocating to a fully functional workplace was challenging due to limited time.

No. people praying for this translation:

28

This language has been adopted by:

NewLife Church Boksburg