Kilimanjaro climb helps DUT’s Dr Khumalo to give back
What began as a bucket-list climb became an act of service as Dr Nonhlanhla Khumalo conquered Mount Kilimanjaro to support disadvantaged children in KwaZulu-Natal.
FOR DUT’s Dr Nonhlanhla Khumalo every step mattered while recently climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds to purchase 50 pairs of school shoes for the children of Nkanyezi Youth Development Camp in Bergville, KwaZulu-Natal.
The Writing Centre Practitioner summitted Africa’s highest peak during a six-day hike via the Machame Route. Khumalo said the milestone event was also part of her birthday celebration.
“Celebrating another year was a significant milestone and a true blessing, which inspired me to celebrate in a way that was more meaningful than the usual self-indulgent options,” said Khumalo.
Instead of going on holiday or hosting a lavish party, Khumalo decided to be thankful for another year of her life and express gratitude by giving back to those in need.
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“I wanted to do something purposeful, something that would allow me to give back to the community and make a positive impact on other people’s lives. Summiting Mount Kilimanjaro has long been a bucket-list goal for me, and this journey presented the perfect opportunity to hike for a cause,” said Khumalo.
Summit Mount Kilimanjaro was a worthy challenge that Khumalo readily accepted. She said the trek towards Stella Point was the hardest part of the hike. It started at 12:00 midnight and they arrived at the summit at sunrise. When she got to Stella Point (one of three Kilimanjaro summits), Dr Khumalo said she was completely exhausted, but she had to dig deeper and remember why she was doing this.
Thinking about those children at Nkanyezi Youth Camp ensured that she hiked the last 45 minutes to the Roof of Africa, Uhuru Peak (5895m above sea level). “When I got to Uhuru Peak, I was overwhelmed with so many emotions and with this summit, the children of Nkanyezi Youth Camp were going to have school shoes because I had managed to reach the Roof of Africa,” said Khumalo.
Summing up her experience in one sentence, Dr Khumalo said: “To remain grounded and humble because life is not about status, positions and worldly accolades.”
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