Talitha Oosthuizen: Climbing mountains for change
Talitha Oosthuizen is about to trek to Everest Base Camp not just for adventure, but to speak out against human trafficking and rhino poaching.
Mrs South Africa 2nd Princess Talitha Oosthuizen is preparing for one of the biggest challenges of her life: trekking to Everest Base Camp in Nepal.
On February 25, she will leave South Africa to begin the two-week journey to the base of the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest. At her send-off event at Hotel Sky on February 18, she said the climb is not just about reaching 5,364m above sea level.
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“This is not just a climb. It is a spotlight on the lives stolen by human trafficking and the rhinos lost to greed.”
Oosthuizen explained that she has already climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and completed more than 40 hiking trails across South Africa and Namibia. However, this journey is more personal.
She has chosen to raise awareness for Shattering Shackles, an organisation that fights human trafficking, and GreenTracks, which supports anti-poaching canine units.
According to Oosthuizen, thousands of people in South Africa are affected by human trafficking.
“It is a reality in our country that we cannot ignore.” She also spoke about rhino poaching, saying more than 10 000 rhinos have been killed in Africa in recent years.
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“If we do not protect our wildlife, who will?” After becoming Mrs South Africa 2nd Princess, she decided to use her platform to create awareness. “I am carrying that little girl I once was,” she said, referring to her experience as a survivor of gender-based violence.
“When I plant that flag, I am doing it for every South African woman.” She elaborated that the trek will start in Kathmandu, followed by a flight to Lukla. From there, the group will hike for days through small villages and stay in basic teahouses along the way.
@caxtonjoburgnorth Talitha Oosthuizen speaks about her love for hiking and career in Sandton on February 18, 2026. Video: Duduzile Khumalo #caxtonlocalmedia #News #Community #Localnews #johannesburg #SA #Fyp #2026 #Sandton ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North
Oosthuizen pointed out that temperatures can drop to minus 20 degrees at night. Altitude sickness is a real risk. “If my body says no, I will accept it. But I am going there with courage.”
Oosthuizen believes her climb is about more than reaching a destination. “If my journey inspires even one woman to find her courage, then every step will have been worth it.”
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