Conquering Africa’s highest peak for charity
It was a double victory for Dwayne Lorentz, when he summited Africa's highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, both for himself and his charity of choice.
DWAYNE Lorentz (57), together with his employer, recently handed over R10 000 worth of groceries to the Merebank Cheshire Home in Wentworth.
Lorentz, a safety, health, environmental and quality (SHEQ) manager at Associated Additives in Jacobs said, “The managing director of our company, Siyabonga Ngcobo, challenged me when he heard that I was planning to climb to the highest point in Africa. He committed to donate R10 000 to a charity of my choice if I made it to the summit and displayed our company name at the top.
“I packed my bright red company branded body warmer, which came in very handy due to the freezing temperatures, particularly on the day of the summit, and wore that at the top,” he said.
Lorentz said his company has a long history with the charity organisation, and has been supporting it for years.
“Our previous occupational health nurse, Sister René Pretorius, was passionate about community upliftment and paying it forward. She would have fundraisers at work, and use the money to buy groceries for the home. It made sense to continue to support them,” he said.
ALSO READ: Merewent Cheshire Home to gain international expertise
Lorentz, who lives in Pinetown, said it was also a proud moment for him as it was his second attempt.
“I attempted to climb the mountain about 15 years ago with some friends. Unfortunately, about two hours from the summit, altitude sickness got the better of me and I had to turn back on advice of our guide at the time. However, I do not like unfinished business and the fact that I had not reached the summit was always in the back of my mind.
“A few years ago, a few of my friends started speaking about climbing Kilimanjaro. I immediately committed to joining them. Unfortunately, the trip was delayed due to Covid-19, but we got to start our adventure in July 2022. I did it with some really good friends, and my youngest daughter, Casey, which made it extra special,” he said.
Lorentz said they started their climb on July 11, and summited at sunrise on July 16.
The father of three, said it was one of the most challenging experiences in his life.
“Although I had done some fitness training, all the correct equipment, and experienced guides with us every step of the way, it was still extremely challenging. You cannot prepare for altitude sickness and have no way of knowing how it will affect you. There is medication that does help lessen the symptoms, but by the day before summit the effects of the lack of oxygen start taking its toll. I think that was the biggest challenge, just trying to breathe,” he said.
ALSO READ: Going Beyond Limitations
Lorentz said despite the challenges, he remained motivated.
“I think the main motivation was that I would probably never have this opportunity again, and I had to complete my unfinished business. Another big motivator was that by reaching the summit, I would be able to help those less fortunate, in this case the home,” he said.
ALSO READ: Cheshire home needs your support
He said this experience has taught him that it is important to believe in oneself and follow through on commitments. He also encouraged others to set themselves goals.
“It does not have to be as big as climbing a mountain, but by setting a goal, working towards it, and finally reaching the end is very rewarding.”
Winnie Mkhize, the manager at the home said, “We appreciate Associated Additives for fulfilling social responsibility commitment to our home. The sponsorship of groceries will supplement our provisions and enable us to meet our residents nutritional needs. We are also thankful to Dwayne for his selfless act to help the home,” she said.
For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook or Twitter. You can also follow us on Instagram.
