Trekking for Mandela
In commemoration of International Nelson Mandela Day, Ekurhuleni has partnered with Sibusiso Vilane, through Awesome Associates, and various companies, to complete the Trek4Mandela Challenge.

This will be in an effort to raise funds that will benefit the Caring4Girls Programme and a Youth Leadership Development Programme.
Vilane, the first black African to conquer the three pole challenge including all seven of the highest peaks on all continents, will “trek” up Mount Kilimanjaro with his team from July 13 until 18.
The challenge is an initiative that is meant to highlight the high values held by former President Nelson Mandela and symbolise the long road he endured to free the country from Apartheid.
Speaking at a press conference on July 8, Ekurhuleni mayor, Mondli Gungubele, said that the challenge would reflect on the path travelled by Madiba and showcase his selfless spirit by raising funds to benefit the greater good.
“Mandela represents the pursuit of excellence and resilience.
“The formers Statesman illustrated that to rise to greatness one must endure and survive the many challenges put before him,” said Gungubele.
Vilane expressed his excitement ahead of the challenge saying that in the past he had conquered a lot, but he had never gotten the opportunity to be involved in charity work.
“When I was approached to help raise funds for the Caring4Girls Programme, I was shocked by the high number of girls who didn’t have access to sanitary towels.
“More than two million girls go without this necessity, and are forced to miss out on school because of it,” said Vilane.
The Caring4Girls Programme will benefit 500 underprivileged high school girls in priority areas in Ekurhuleni and raise R300 000 that will benefit girls in rural areas who have no access to sanitary towels.
“Giving sanitary towels to girls will help in nurturing their self-esteem,” said Gungubele.