Richards Bay duo tackles Kilimanjaro climb to fight period poverty

Hillside Aluminium duo embark on Trek4Mandela Expedition to summit Mount Kilimanjaro

August 5, 2026

Conelia Harry 2 minutes read

Ntokozo Mntambo and Nokukhanya Biyela ready to take on Mount Kilimanjaro this week

Two South32 Hillside Aluminium employees are preparing to swap their work environment for Africa’s highest peak as they embark on the Trek4Mandela Expedition to summit Mount Kilimanjaro in support of the Imbumba Foundation’s Caring4Girls initiative.

Ntokozo Mntambo from Reduction Department and Nokukhanya Biyela from Treatment and Services were recently honoured at a special farewell celebration hosted by their colleagues last week, before departing for Tanzania.

The expedition began on Tuesday, 4 August, with the team aiming to reach the summit on Women’s Day, 9 August.

Team South32 Hillside Aluminium gave their two Trek4Mandela participants a warm send-off last week ahead of their journey

The pair will join 29 other participants from across two continents in this year’s Trek4Mandela campaign, which raises awareness and funds to combat period poverty while helping to keep young girls in school.

For Ntokozo, the opportunity marks the fulfilment of a long-held dream. A passionate runner who has completed numerous marathons, ultramarathons and two Comrades Marathons, she first considered the challenge in 2022 but felt she was not mentally and emotionally ready due to personal circumstances.

She applied again in 2025 and was successfully selected for the 2026 expedition.

Driven by a spirit of adventure, perseverance and purpose, Ntokozo is climbing to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young girls by helping restore dignity and create opportunities for success.

“I enjoy a challenge and I want to see if my body can handle this experience.

“With this trek I don’t know what to expect but I know I will be writing my story through this experience because just like in life, we have to continuously overcome mountains such as the one we have prepared for.

“Through this initiative, we hope to reduce period poverty and through awareness and raising funds, we know we will one day be seeing these essential items easily available to all, especially the under-privileged.

For Nokukhanya, an avid hiker and fitness enthusiast, the expedition combines her passion for the outdoors with her desire to make a meaningful difference.

This cause resonated with her as charity is close to her heart and she could bring change through this project.

“Giving back is not always about money, and this trek gives me an opportunity to raise awareness as we climb for change and make a difference in the lives of young girls.

She said the preparations leading up to the event were exciting and challenged her, and she was excited to take on this challenge for a cause that is close to every woman.

For Nokhukhanya, when she began her health and fitness journey after going through a rough patch, exercise made her feel so good and positive and she was also excited to use this experience for change.

Legacy

Now in its 14th year, Trek4Mandela continues to honour Nelson Mandela’s legacy through adventure with purpose.

Founded by the Imbumba Foundation in 2012, the expedition supports the Caring4Girls Programme, which provides sanitary products and reproductive health education to girls across Southern Africa.

Today, the programme reaches more than two million beneficiaries in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Eswatini and Tanzania.

As the Hillside duo begin their ascent, every step they take will represent more than a personal achievement – it will be a climb towards dignity, opportunity and a brighter future for thousands of young girls.

Don’t have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: