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.

One of the Mother Tongue Translators, Mr Potsane Nzuzo 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.

The team has had a slow start to the second phase of translation, in which their goal was to translated four books by September 2025. This is because their consultant, Dr. Fabian Dapila, faced a lengthy season of illness which affected his ability to be involved. In August he went to be with the Lord. His loss has been grieved by all those who knew and admired him. 

Busie Paulo has now stepped in as the new consultant on the project and work has resumed. They held workshops in August, September, and October. They are busy with the book of Genesis, and once they have finished it they will begin work on the book of Luke.

The workshops span two weeks, during which they also engage in language development activities with Busie over the weekends. This work is crucial for furthering the language and enhancing its standing in the community.