The ‘Mandela Boys’ reach top of Kilimanjaro

The determination of the trio to accomplish the feat reflected on Mandela’s resilience over adversity, and also saw them being named the “Mandela Boys” by fellow mountaineers during their six-day climb.

Vilane says that to have been associated with Mandela by fellow mountaineers brought a special feeling.

“People from other continents took keen interest in us, and asked us questions about Mandela’s health. They expressed their love for the icon and that moment was too great to trade it for anything,” he said.

According to Mabaso, the Ekurhuleni Trek4Mandela Challenge was aimed not only at just reaching the peak, but to raise funds to sponsor 500 underprivileged school girls in Ekurhuleni with a year’s supply of sanitary pads.

The sanitary pads will come with complete hygiene kits and educational manuals. This will be done in partnership with the Caring4Girls Foundation.

Awesome says the mission has been accomplished and surpassed its target to sponsor 500 girls.

“We have been able to raise more than we expected, and we can now sponsor more than 500 girls. This is thanks to the good hearts of South Africans and the support from media organisations,” he said.

Ekurhuleni spokesperson, Sam Modiba, says the city of Ekurhuleni is ready for the distribution of the toiletries.

“For the city of Ekurhuleni, this is an urgent matter which seeks to restore the dignity of the girls, as well as to ensure that there are no girls that will miss a week of school every month, because they don’t have the required necessities,” he said.

Modiba also confirmed that organisations who are interested in joining the partnership are still welcome to do so.

The Ekurhuleni Trek4Mandela Challenge team touched down at OR Tambo International Airport, on July 20.