“Welcome home, you are the nation’s pride, your courageous act of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to raise awareness of the plight of others portrayed Nelson Mandela’s attribute of resilience,” said the proud Gungubele to the climbers.
The team arrived on Monday evening, following a successful summit of Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, on International Mandela Day (July 18).
Mountaineer Sibusiso Vilane lead a group of 37 accomplished and amateur mountain climbers to Uhuru Peak, which is 5 895m above sea level, to raise funds for a campaign which aims to restore dignity to the African girl child.
The fourth annual Trek4mandela expedition is an initiative by a group of mountain climbers and celebrities to
raise funds for improving the lives of young girls across Africa by donating packs of sanitary product through the Caring4Girls campaign.
Over 270 000 girls from disadvantaged areas across South Africa are set to benefit from the campaign.
Media personality Penny Lebyane, a first time climber of Mount Kilimanjaro, said: “It has been an emotional, but fulfilling journey.
“As a woman I resonate with the challenges of the girl child entering womanhood, and the lack of sanitary products should never hinder her academic life while I can help.”
Most of the climbers vowed to take up the challenge again next year, should they be given the opportunity. They also pledged to continue doing good in honour of Mandela’s legacy.
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