Blind adventurer reaches new heights with Kilimanjaro climb
“Every mountain can be conquered as long as you keep putting one foot in front of the other.”
Shrouded in darkness, a formation of eight men climbed the face of Kilimanjaro. Second from the front, Gerhard Ferreira walked with great effort, willing his body to take the last strides to the top of Africa’s highest peak.
Gathered in the Katse Room at Ebotse on May 29, members and guests of the Garlands Ladies Luncheon Club listened in awe as Gerhard, a blind mountaineer from Lakefield, recounted his 54-year-long journey that led him to stand on top of the world on August 4, 2001.
At the age of 16, Gerhard’s world went dark when a degenerative condition claimed his vision. Starting from humble beginnings, the father of two’s career includes countless accolades, such as becoming one of the country’s first programmers.
He went on to become manager of quality management and coaching at Standard Bank’s Corporate and Investment Bank.
Despite being visually impaired, his vigour and lust for life have taken him on a series of whirlwind adventures. Under the guidance of his running partner and lifelong friend, Denis Tavakin, Gerhard has won two bronze medals at the Comrades Ultra-Marathon, two bronze medals at the Two Oceans Marathon, and two silver medals at the New York City Marathon.
“Whether it is bungee jumping or battling rapids, there is very little that scares me,” he said, with a hint of his wicked wit tugging at the corners of his mouth.
“Perhaps it is my die-hard approach to life or merely the fact that I cannot see the dangers or challenges before me that have pushed me beyond my comfort zone.”
Zeroing in on his trek to become one of the first three South Africans to reach Uhuru Peak, at an elevation of 5 895 m, Gerhard said that the climb was not only a physical challenge due to extreme conditions but also tested every inch of his will.
“Uhuru means freedom in Swahili. Freedom of movement and the ability to grow beyond physical limitations were something that I had to quickly adapt to if I wanted to live a life of independence. Navigating through life in darkness became second nature,” he said.
“However, trudging through dense vegetation, covered in mud, and steadily making my way up a mountain that stretched beyond the clouds were the moments that cemented my will to live without limitations.”
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Detailing his adventure, Gerhard told the Garlands how the most encouraging words during the climb came from his patient guides, who routinely told him, ‘It’s not too far.’
“As humans, we are so fixated on our goals that we grow impatient when it takes a little longer to see the results,” he said.
“This could lead to despondency and frustration, but if my journey has taught me anything, it is to focus on putting one foot in front of the other. “Every step inches you forward. Take the time to examine the end destination and take stock of how far you have come, but do not linger there.
“Again, focus on every step, and before you know it, ‘it is not too far,’ becomes ‘lift your hands, you have made it to the top.’
The Garlands Ladies Luncheon Club will meet again on June 26.
For more information about the club and its monthly meetings or to become a member, email club president Margie Kostelac at margie.h@mweb.co.za
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