LIMPOPO – Sandi Lee Moore of Haenertsburg has been recognised as one of SummitX’s standout contributors, earning top honours at the organisation’s 2026 annual awards.

The SummitX 2026 Awards, organised by the SummitX Mountaineering Club, celebrate outstanding individuals, teams, and hosts, recognising excellence not only in physical achievement but also in consistency, leadership, and meaningful contribution to the community.

Moore received her award for adventure, achievement, and storytelling with a third place in the photo of the year category for her striking image titled “Gateway to Another Realm”.

The winning photograph was captured in the lush rain forest of Blyde Canyon on a cool, misty day after a demanding 16km hike. The image stood out for its atmospheric quality and sense of immersion, reflecting Moore’s deep connection with nature and her passion for creative photography.

“Taking fabulous photos in nature is never challenging,” Moore said.

Her journey in photography began in 2008, following a serious back injury that proved to be a turning point in her life. That same year, she won gold in the landscape category at an awards evening held at Emperor’s Palace in September 2008, an early milestone in a career defined by resilience and creativity.

Despite her achievements, Moore remains refreshingly unconventional in her approach. She shoots exclusively with her cellphone, affectionately referring to it as “my camera with WhatsApp capabilities”.