A powerful blend of photography and purpose took centre stage at the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) headquarters, as the Imbumba Foundation, in partnership with IDC, celebrated the launch of the Trek4Mandela Coffee Table Book.

The publication is a stunning tribute to courage, solidarity, and the enduring mission to end period poverty.

Spanning more than a decade of Trek4Mandela expeditions, the book pairs breath taking visuals with deeply personal narratives from renowned South African figures, including Dr Pali Lehohla, Dr Regina Mhaule, Professor Thuli Madonsela, Sello Hatang, and Imbumba Foundation CEO Richard Mabaso.

Read more: Trek4Mandela launches inspiring coffee table book to fight period poverty

Reflecting on the origins of the initiative, Mabaso shared an emotional memory. “In 2011, I was lying under a tree when my niece came crying. Blood was flowing down her thighs, she was starting her period and didn’t understand what was happening.

“She told my mom, but my mom said, ‘No, you can’t speak about this in front of your uncle’.” That narrative underscores how one moment of silence became the catalyst for a movement of empathy and activism.

“That day changed my life. In 2012, I decided to climb Mount Kilimanjaro… Today, I can say we’ve reached over three million girls with dignity packs.”

The launch also unveiled future plans for Trek4Mandela International, including upcoming climbs in Italy and Australia, as well as a major new campaign, breaking the Guinness World Record for the most people braaiing simultaneously, all in the name of raising funds for the cause.

Big Save head of marketing, and a long time Trek4Mandela partner, Dylan Jardim introduced the world-record attempt to be held at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Heritage Day, September 24. “It’s R200 a ticket, and with that, you’ll get boerewors, a roll, and an apron. The money that you spend will go directly to Trek4Mandela, to support the world’s food day drive, where they are aiming to provide one million meals across South Africa.”

Reflecting on the broader significance of the event, Professor Bonang Mohale emphasised the power of storytelling. “If we don’t tell our stories, others may tell them in ways misaligned with our truths. Unless lions tell their own stories, the narratives will remain unfinished. Today, we stand in solidarity with the Imbumba Foundation for refusing to let another story be imposed upon us.”

Adding context to the symbolic weight of the initiative, former statistician Lehohla noted that evidence-based outreach is vital in driving social change, and that Trek4Mandela exemplifies how bold action, anchored in data and purpose, can uplift nations.

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