Lesotho is a forgotten kingdom, an imperceptible piece of land
on the world map. Encased within a giant
who would gladly swallow it. This tiny country
is an exception in Africa. Every winter it is covered with snow. There is even a ski slope. Lesotho is full of water. It supplies South Africa
which is sorely lacking. This manna of money is not found
not in infrastructure, of this magnificent territory. The Lesothans do not ask
one thing to their king. Let him modernize the country. The road is really scary! I'm scared here
there are precipices everywhere. He can lose at any time
car control, and crash to the bottom of the ravine. On these roads, it doesn't matter that you
be a man in a hurry, or rather patient, you do not have a choice. you have to ride
slowly, if you want to live. I spend a lot of money
gasoline on these roads, because i am everything
time in 4x4 position. Patients suffer a lot from not
to be able to get to the hospital quickly. Maybe the government will end
by doing something for us. Since the time we ask him. In Lesotho, roads
are so dangerous that bush taxis are still
led by men. Taxi women, they,
are confined to the cities. These two happy rebels have
decided that had to change. Alice and Febelina are going to leave
skim the tracks of their country, looking for new customers. They put all their savings
in a final revision of their minibus. The brakes are dead. I managed to change the pads. If I hadn't seen
the problem with the brakes, they could have had a fatal accident. In town, they have too much competition. On the other hand, in the countryside,
taxis are rare. Alice and Febelina, hope
double their salary. But William, a friend, is not reassured
to know them alone on the slopes. They should wear
a gun, like me. Of our time,
these roads have become risky. These girls are easy prey
and criminals know it. They must learn
to use a weapon. I need a weapon, because I always travel
with money on me. The bandits could
try to rob me, or kidnap me. A gun is the only thing
who could protect me. Only, neither Alice nor Febelina have
still afford to buy one. Caution is their best weapon. And of course, family prayers. Young women hit the road
dreaming of future fortune. But they forgot one detail. Unlike the city, on the slopes of Lesotho, road signs... Are rare. I am completely lost. I look on the map
if i can find my way, and find the right path. Do not improvise Taxi brousse who wants. Alice and Febelina's problems, are just beginning. work in town, it was still much quieter. The road is really scary! It's not even a road. I'm scared here
there are precipices everywhere. However, usually
nothing scares us. It's the first time I've been there. I just want to continue on foot. These big descents scare me
because even if I brake, my taxi won't stop. And it's not the brake
hand that will stop us. I'm too scared to drive here. Ask someone else if you're scared! Go ahead since you're being smart! Yes, but if I take the wheel
you don't want to stay in the car! Between facing the descent
and pass the wheel to his girlfriend, Alice quickly made her choice. The outside temperature has
do not exceed ten degrees, the old korean taxi
is a real pressure cooker. I need to fill the tank
of water before it overheats. We go long distances
and the taxi consumes a lot of water. I may be a woman, I am capable of
fix a lot of things on my taxi. I wonder what else awaits us
and if we're not going to have to sleep on the road. And they still don't have
found customers to transport. Again, Alice and Febellina did not
taken into account an important fact. In Lesotho,
many cross the country on horseback. It is the only means of transport that allows
to reach the villages ignored by the tracks. This horde of riders
is not on a walk, it represents justice. Hello Sir.
I take it you know who I am? Yes, here we all live in peace. Nothing abnormal around here? No Sir, I didn't see anything strange. No one mistreats women? No sir, sometimes a few fights
but nothing serious. We are the militia men. Here we help the police
to fight crime. The police only travel by car, but in these mountains,
you can only move on horseback. So these places
are infested with criminals. This is why the villagers
mountains need the militia. Rémaketsé and his men were engaged
by the police to maintain order. They baptized themselves "The wrath of the lion". The militia has all the rights, or in any case she grants them to herself. And they are ruthless, with a certain class of thieves. What motivates me to chase
cattle rustlers, it is that I raise animals myself. And it's my breeding that assures
the survival of my family. Thieves are ready to do anything to
not fall into our hands. And often it ends
in a bloodbath. Making examples, according to Rémaketsé, it would be the only way to get away
cattle rustlers. But there is a flip side to terror. People don't really like them. It's really scary when you
arrive like a horde in the village. We wonder what the problem is. Everything is fine.
Did you see anything unusual around here? Right now my only concern is
to find something to eat for the winter. On a horse, surrounded by these men, Remaketze is almighty. But in a few days
he will find himself behind the wheel, on one of the roads
the toughest in the country. And there, he will have to face his fears. In this country that lacks everything, system D remains
the watchword of the inhabitants. Given the poverty of our country, it is very difficult to have
access to service stations. There are only in the big cities.
Elsewhere, we manage. Never too careful, Nelson made his hatch
gasoline a small safe. Nelson is a traveling gas station attendant. He buys the precious liquid in town. To sell it to the highest bidder. I carry this gas can
in a remote village, He's at the end of this road,
about 62 kilometers away. The people there don't have
ways to get around. Once I deliver it,
mountain dwellers, will come to refuel. It will be used for taxis,
to power the generators. No buses or public transport
common on these mountain roads. So there is a rule
among the drivers. They don't leave anyone
by the side of the road. They never know
if they won't be next. On these roads, it doesn't matter that you
be a man in a hurry or rather patient, you have no choice, you have to ride
slowly if you want to live. But there is another problem. These rotten tracks are damaging
cars quickly. They wear out too quickly. Especially the taxis that run all
the day on these roads. Their car breaks down at top speed. And it becomes piles of junk
in just a few months. The road is long and difficult. Nelson gives himself courage
with products, extremely dangerous for a driver. There, I remove the seeds, otherwise they
sizzle when I smoke and it annoys me. It's from Lesotho,
it's poor quality. There's a bit of everything in there. Beyond the fine little
probable in this lost corner, smoking weed while driving can
have dramatic consequences. Especially along the ravines. But Nelson does not seem
not be aware of it. I like to smoke when I'm driving. Because it's dangerous
to drive here. After smoking, driving
becomes much easier. I'm fully focused
on my conduct. There are not all these things that
clutter my mind. Well, not really these forbidden delights have provoked
lots of damage to his car. And apparently her boss doesn't have one.
never understood the reason. My boss keeps telling me,
"Be focused on your driving"! The next collision will cost him
surely his driver's seat, and can be much more. Come on, let's get some water! I'm tired of fetching water. We come here to fill the cans, because if we don't have water in reserve, what might happen,
the engine is going to explode. liters and liters
water for the engine, but still no customers for
our 2 bush taxi drivers. When we see people walking
by the side of the road, we will try to make them
get in the taxi. We look good sitting on it! - Where are you going ma'am?
- I'm waiting for another car. She says anything.
She must think we want to kidnap her. Those, I don't think they have any money. A miracle could happen. Maybe we
will find passengers at the next village. Finally a customer and 16 Loti
in their pocket, i.e. €1. Where are you going ? I'm going to see the doctor. I continue straight? I've been driving for four years. Before, I was the assistant of the
driver and I collected the money. Until I pass
my driver's license. And then I had to wait two years
before carrying passengers. It's a man's job. But I have to do it
to feed my family. bad times,
have their good sides. The time to cross them
and another customer shows up. I found myself there because
I lost my job. With Alice, we know each other
for a long time. So she asked me to come
work with her. We share the profits
and we send everything to our families. Female bush taxi drivers
are few in Lesotho. So she commands respect. These girls are much more
brave as the drivers. I have more confidence when
women are driving. We can go upstairs ? This group of travelers
in a few kilometers, will quickly think the opposite. Listen to music,
that makes me happy. Have passengers in my taxi,
it makes me happy too. Only,
this descent will make her disillusioned. The track is extremely slippery
and the vertiginous precipice. Step on the brake! The young woman accustomed
to drive around town, struggles to control his old taxi. And she has a way of her own
to reassure its passengers. I'm laughing because I'm really scared! Do not worry,
she is very careful. No, we prefer to go down and continue
on foot, we are much too afraid. We leave our things
and you pick us up in the valley. We are afraid because the driver
she herself is afraid. It is known here
there are always accidents. This road gives me a headache. Looked
our tires, they are completely smooth. We should find someone
to help us down. Maybe the guy that's coming
can get us out of here. I'm afraid, I can't do it. What is the problem ? The road is very slippery with gravel
and I'm afraid I can't stop. Your tires are too smooth. What I can do is hold on
with a rope to prevent you from slipping. Thanks very much ! But why isn't it
not you in front and I stay behind? But no, I have to be behind for you
prevent slipping and crashing down Don't worry !
I tied a strong knot. I think it will help me, but I don't
I'm still not so reassured. - You take the wheel to get off?
- Me ? - Yes, you could drive too!
- No, I do not want. Maybe it's our
last day on earth. Drive in the middle of the track!
You will see where you are going! Stand more to the right! Yes there you go, right now! In fact, life is not a piece of cake!
There I realize it. Me who thought I was cowardly,
it's nothing next to you! A good scare later, Alice and Febellina find
their passengers, surprised to see them arrive
in one piece. All these emotions made them hungry. We're starving, it's been a long time
that we should have eaten. There is no store to buy
food in this lost corner. They pocketed €5. What to offer the dreamed pleasure. We were really very hungry. Luckily we won a little
money to buy food. It's always better when
we share the same plate. We can eat anything. But what we eat the most, it's mutton. We love that! I don't like to eat vegetables. They give me heartburn. But hard for her to eat
meat every day. Alice and Febellina win
barely 1000€ per year. Nelson, the itinerant gas station attendant, does not earn much more to deliver
gasoline in the mountain villages. He's been driving for 6 hours without stopping, and he only traveled 40 kilometres. It must be said that they take the tracks
located at the bottom of the canyons. The rockiest. Nelson sits at 20
kilometers from the village. This is little, but the distance is enormous when
you have to walk it at night. The dangers are many. Between wandering beasts. And thieves. Nelson and his two passengers
of fortune prefer to camp. But not anywhere. The mountains of Lesotho
are full of caves. Some are like
time machines. They house the oldest
world cave paintings. Look on this stone what they have
drawn. Yes, there it is an aurochs! It is a pride. A pride in achieving
that our ancestors lived here. They used to hunt and
they used the blood of animals, to paint on the walls. Unlike modern man who goes
in a store to buy matches, they only had wood
and twigs to make fire. They were born here.
They lived here. And then they completely
disappeared from this world. It's an important part
of our history. And the most important is
to manage to preserve it. The thermometer is close to zero degrees, hardly any more by the fireside. Alice and Febellina, they,
are much warmer. Their kitty of the day feeds
their joy of living. The next morning, the fiesta
of the day before left traces. But she didn't start
their good humor. We have to stop drinking
and eat more pizzas! You're right,
I will never drink alcohol again. With this pizza,
it looks like it's my birthday. I wonder where the almighty found
the people who cooked this pizza. There's Russian sausage in it,
it's too good ! You really suck at food. I have never eaten something so good! By the way, stop guzzling
and leave some! The young women head
towards the valley of the horses. Today, find customers
is not their primary concern. They are going to attend an event
important to Alice. We'll see, Entaï, my cousin. He's a well-known rider.
in horse racing. Even if the car must suffer, We're still going to cheer him on. Because it's worth it! horse racing
don't argue on a racetrack, but in the highlands of Lesotho. In the country, the riders
are considered heroes. Every week, he travels long
distances to line up at the start. Entai, Alice's cousin, drags his entire fortune behind him. Horse racing allows me
to support my family, and eat my fill. Thanks to this sport, I can buy what
Normally, I can't afford. It has been 15 years now that I
participate in horse races. When I started,
I was running short distances. And then I gained experience. And I got better
than my opponents. Afterwards, I managed to buy two horses, one for small errands and another
for the one like today. But not everything is going to happen
as Entai intended. No poster,
no advertisement announced it. the sound of running, spread from village to village, carried by the wind and travelers. These horses don't look
fit to win the race! 300 people meet as
by magic on this piece of land. Everyone will bet their meager savings, hoping to improve the ordinary. I take the bets. Each bettor gives the name of his horse,
put the money down and go back to his place. There is no maximum amount for
paris, for horse owners, They can bet all they want,
15, 30 or even 60€ per race. For example,
if there are ten euros at stake in a race, the winning rider will pocket €6. And the second 4€. Entaï, join the starting line, under the encouragement
of Alice and Febellina. - Is that Entai over there?
- Yes it's him ! I told you it was his horse. I bet on him! Alice, you should choose a donkey.
You would be fine! The race is on. But suddenly,
as he takes the lead, Entai's horse swerves. But what is he doing? It makes no sense ! Entaï, made a spectacular comeback, but cross the line
in second place. My reins are broken
and I lost control of the horse. I will try to register
in another race. Entaï will win it easily. With his horse, the young man
don't just race, he also renders services
that save lives. Some riders
no longer look the same, when he swaps their reins
against a steering wheel. Like Rémaketsé, the leader of the militiamen. On his horse he is a person
dreaded throughout the mountain. But when he changes his outfit
of vigilante for that of taxi, He becomes a man like the others,
with its faults and its fears. Especially on this road he takes
for the first time. Remaketze is going to get people
from his village in South Africa. It is for their own safety that
I transport my Basotho compatriots, between South Africa and Lesotho. Zulus on the other side
from the border, often attack the Basotho, They see us as thieves. The militiaman is not afraid to play
punch with his enemies. But on this track, over the miles,
fear settles in him. The first kilometers of the Sani Pass
are drinkable, but I got screwed. I underestimated how far the road
becomes impractical. And it can be very expensive. Ramaketsé borrows for
the first time the Sani Pass. The track connects South Africa to Lesotho. 40 kilometers of switchbacks, lined with ravines. I spent some time
in South Africa with my daughter-in-law. In a short time, two of these children are
deceased and the other two married. There's no other way back
home than to take the Sani Pass. This track is misleading, you have to be a very good driver
experienced to get to the end. He can lose at any time
car control, and crash to the bottom of the ravine. I can not do it anymore. I feel less and less able
to drive on this track. She is really too dangerous. It's going to end badly! The proud militiaman admits defeat. According to him, prosecuting thieves
is much easier, than to drive on this infernal track. I'll take the wheel
we attack the most difficult part. In the event of an accident here, the emergency services
take a very long time to arrive. The climb is endless. It must be said that the pass culminates
at 3000 meters above sea level. This driver avoided the worst. It remains to get him out of the ditch. And there, that's another story. It happened just after the bend. I caught the sun in my eyes. I felt
the rear wheels hit the edge of the ditch. The car slid. The other driver
saw nothing and continued on his way. All the cars need to buckle up
between them to tow it out of the ditch. Ramaketsé tells himself that he had
reason to let go of the steering wheel. It's the first time
that I drive on this track. And I could have easily done
the same error as him or even worse. Most people in Lesotho, would like their small country
be attached to South Africa. The African giant is a modern country
which continues to grow. Unlike their kingdom. It has been 17 years since there was
no change in this country. It would be better if we were once for
all incorporated into South Africa. In Lesotho we have diamonds,
water and other riches, but you can't see it. Yet even South Africa
needs our water to survive. But all the money goes in the pocket
politicians and their families. The country never sees the color of it. There it is, the wealth of Lesotho. The snow. The image is striking. View amazing in Africa. She gave the kingdom her nickname,
"the water tower". It must be said that this is the country
the highest in Africa. Its lowest point is
at 1300 meters above sea level. Winter falls in August. At this moment, the thermometer goes negative,
-10 degrees. Do you feel like the wind is freezing? Fébellina, we will have to
we dress warmly. Look, this place was made for
animals, not for men. And still I don't even know
what animal can live here. The man knows how to tame the snow. Lesotho and South Africa, have the only ski slopes
of this part of the continent. In combinations, few Lesothans. and many South Africans. Skiing is not an affordable sport
for most people in the country. Alice and Fébellina had never
seen by skiers in their lifetime. It is possible to stand
on this stuff? I can never wear
this kind of shoes. Look at these people, they are brave! How do we get a job here? For pretty girls like you,
it should be easy! Are there Basotho who do
skiing or is it only for white people? Yes, it happens. - Would you like to try?
- Yes why not. To rent a pair of shoes,
it's 70€ You can't go there
with your slippers! We don't have the money
it's only for the rich. Me if I had money,
I would buy myself crisps. Yes, if I had money I would buy myself
good sausages too. I would feel them gently slipping away
in my stomach. For us Basotho,
skiing is not common. It's much more so for white people.
They love it! When it starts to snow,
we see all the white people in South Africa, who land here. I really like this place. I envy the people who take advantage of it. I am too poor
and I spend my time behind the wheel. A soda and some dreams, those are the only things
that they can afford, in this ski resort, reserved for golden youth
South African. While waiting for the country to develop, these people stick together. In the villages,
everyone helps with their means. When he is not participating
horse racing, Entaï turns into an ambulance driver. This old lady sent for him. I was told you needed
to ride to the hospital. Yes son, I am sick and it is necessary
take me to a doctor. What's wrong ? I have pain in my shoulders,
in the chest and knees. The sick suffer a lot
not being able to go, quickly to the hospital. Maybe the government will end
by doing something for us. Since the time we ask him. the aching body, the old lady will endure a day
horseback to reach the hospital. I really like this old lady. Because she tells me
always stories. I wouldn't like her to fall badly
sick because she makes me happy. Right now, I'm sad. because nobody
don't tell me stories. She's too sick to do it. It's normal what I'm doing here. But apart from me, nobody
does not take care of the old people of the village. I do it because I know the old
have a lot to teach us. I take care of it like
from my own parents. The people of Lesotho tend
to say that to sit without doing anything, do not remove the thorn from the foot. They fight every day so that their life is
the least difficult possible.
