Brave Trek4Mandela climbers depart for Kilimanjaro

Encouraging cheers mingled with the hum of vuvuzelas at OR Tambo International Airport this morning as hundreds of supporters bid farewell to the Trek4Mandela team. 

These intrepid climbers, consisting of celebrities and businesspeople from all sectors of South Africa, will summit Kilimanjaro on Nelson Mandela International Day, 18 July 2015, to raise funds and awareness for the Caring4Girls initiative.

Their goal is to raise R40-million and support 270 000 girls living in rural areas with sanitary pads for a year, ensuring they don’t miss school due to the menstrual challenges they often face.

“It all started with the idea of climbing Kilimanjaro. That idea transformed into an action led by Caring4Girls founder Richard Mabaso, and that action has inspired a movement, giving dignity to hundreds of thousands of girls,” said renowned international advocate for women and children’s rights, Graça Machel at the send-off event.  

“When Madiba turned 90 and his body was not as strong as it used to be, he said to all of us, ‘It is in your hands now’. I think what Richard and the climbers have done is remind us that anyone can have an idea, can climb out of their comfort zone and build a movement.

“This is also the meaning of Mandela Day. It reminds every human being that we have within us the power to effect change, no matter how small.” 

Mabaso related how his small idea soon blossomed into the successful initiative it is today. 

“I overheard an uncomfortable conversation between my mom and my niece, where they discussed the problems my niece faced every month – she didn’t have access to sanitary towels. I couldn’t believe what I heard – she would have to miss school a few days every month and stay home because she had, physically, become a woman.”

Mabaso got in touch with friend and seasoned mountaineer Sibusiso Vilane to organise the first climb up Kilimanjaro in 2012, raising enough money to support 5 000 girls.   

The support received this year has been overwhelming, and already the Trek4Mandela ambassadors have raised enough money to support 166 602 girls, nearing their target of 270 000.

“We have a five-year plan with the Nelson Mandela Foundation, and we strive to support over two million girls in South Africa by 2020,” added Mabaso. 

Managing director of the Banking Association of South Africa, Cas Coovadia, said more businesses need to recognise the important economic significance initiatives like this hold.   

“We’ve been associated with Trek4Mandela for a number of years, and it’s hugely encouraging to see how it has grown. But more businesses need to appreciate the economic imperative of initiatives like this,” said Coovadia.

“We need to grow at a rate of six percent per annum if we are to be successful as a country, and we can’t achieve or sustain that growth if large sectors of our population are not contributing to the economy, or don’t have a stake in the economy. Youth is one such sector. This should be an investment by business in the future of our country.” 

Echoing his sentiment, Morning Live presenter and television personality Leanne Manas said no child should have to live without the basic dignity provided by something as simple as sanitary pads. 

“We are so excited to be embarking on this journey. I’ve met some beautiful girls along the way, and we do this knowing that with every step we take, we will be helping the girls of South Africa and the future leaders of our country.”

You can help the ambassadors reach their fundraising goal by SMSing GIRLCHILD to 42513 and pledge R30 towards the cause. 

The Trek4Mandela initiative is one of many global projects undertaken in honour of Mandela Day, a global movement launched in 2009 by the UN to recognise Madiba’s birthday. 

To see how you can play your part, no matter how big or small, visit www.mandeladay.com, register or join an activity and help inspire global change.