Sarel Nong returns to Mzansi to a grand welcome
Sarel Nong returned to Mzansi on Sunday, 22 April from his expedition to conquer the highest mountain above sea level, Mount Everest, to help impoverished girls in the #Caring4Girls campaign.
POLOWKANE – The founder and former president of Sapa Yopa Motorcycle Club received a warm welcome from family and friends in the form of a special surprise party at his mother’s house in Seshego Zone 2.
Nong took on Mount Kilimanjaro last year as part of the #Trek4Mandela campaign in preparation of his Everest expedition.
Read more: Sarel Nong summits Mt Kilimanjaro
He and five fellow South Africans, Sibusiso Vilane, the first African to successfully summit the mountain, Mrs South Africa 2017/18 Nicole Capper, Tiger Brands LTB Board member Maya Makanjee, Amesa Chairperson Ester Masinga and Heritage Capital Investment Founder Kedibone Imathui, travelled to China on Monday, 9 April.
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He made a grand entrance at the surprise party, being dropped off in a blue-light government officials’ vehicle before making his way to his fiancée Palesa Sekhaolelo and their daughter, Angel-Koketso. They were joined by their family who were overjoyed that he came back home safe.
Founder and owner of Tea O’Clock, Tshepo Mathabatha, was the day’s programme director and introduced the guest speakers while all and sunder eagerly awaited Nong’s turn on stage to regale them with tales of his journey.
“I thank everyone who came to celebrate with me on this special day, I didn’t expect so many people but I am honoured,” Nong said. “Even though it was a difficult journey to summit Mount Everest, it was beautiful. I thank God that I made it back home safely. We took on the highest mountain above sea level to raise money to help keep girls who cannot afford sanitary towels in school.”
You might also want to read: [WATCH] Sarel Nong in -35 degree weather: “I can’t do this anymore”
He spoke highly of his fellow climbers, especially motivational and inspirational speaker, Sibusiso Vilane, who started climbing mountains after meeting John Doble, a former British High Commissioner, in 1996 and the pair became regular hiking companions. Through his help, Vilane became the first black African to summit Mount Everest. He recognised Nong’s effort and hard work last year when they summited Mount Kilimanjaro.
“Vilane called me and said he’s starting a South African team of seven to summit Mount Everest and he asked me to join him. I was more than thrilled at the offer and willing to take the risk,” Nong said, adding he was the only climber who would represent Limpopo which gave him even more pride and motivation to accept.
Capricorn District Municipality Mayor, John Mpe, attended the welcome home party and during his turn behind the podium, congratulated Nong on his bravery and hard work.
“We thank you and congratulate you for representing us well, placing Limpopo and South Africa on the map. You have once again made us proud with your achievement,” Mpe said.
Nong thanked his church, the Methodist Church, Sapa Yopa Motorcycle Club, Lebowa Funerals, his family and friends, and the ANC for supporting him through his journey.
Guests jumped at the opportunity to snap a photo or two with their star and icon during the party.
