Reaching the highest peak in Africa for Wenakker in Lydenburg

Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is Africa’s tallest and the world’s largest free-standing mountain.

Johan Keys planned this adventure to raise awareness for Wenakker Home for Intellectually Disabled Adults. His son, Johan (31), is a permanent resident.

He was in Tanzania for eight days, from Saturday 17 until Saturday 24 June. This year is also the 10th anniversary of the death of his son, Gerhard, who passed away in a tragic accident on June 23 2013.

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“It took a lot of determination to follow through with this meaningful adventure.  Some people start training four years in advance. About two months ago, I started eating healthier, stopped drinking socially, and walked 10 000 steps per day. I don’t think I was fit enough and could have been more prepared. But I am relieved and thankful that I was able to complete the adventure,” said Keys.

He and his wife Annemarie manage a guest house in Barberton, and he works in Massingir, Mozambique.

“The lack of oxygen was one of the biggest hurdles I had to overcome. There is not a lot of oxygen at 5 895m above sea level. I sometimes wondered if I was stupid for attempting to climb Kilimanjaro, but my perseverance paid off. Climbers struggle with being nauseous and develop severe headaches because of the lack of oxygen. But it feels like you become one with the mountain, and the determination to finish gives you perseverance. There were six climbers in the group that Keys was part of, and they each had three porters who carried tour luggage and tents. We also had a chef and a few other porters,” said Keys.

“On day seven, at 23:30, we started climbing to reach the summit. We rested at Stella Point to witness the majestic sunrise. The temperature at the summit can be between -23 degrees and 10 degrees. After you walk through the rain forest that surrounds Mount Kilimanjaro, the atmosphere becomes arctic, and you need to make your way through frost and snow. And just as you reach the summit and spend some time there, you realise you now need to climb the 5 895m back to where you started,” said Keys.

“I hope that this adventure will inspire people. People must realise that they are capable of much more than they think. Become part of the lives of the 243 disabled people who call Wenakker their permanent home. They don’t have the opportunities able-bodied people have,” said Keys.