The Nelson Mandela Foundation would like to congratulate Saray N’kusi Khumalo for her astonishing achievement in summiting Mount Everest and being the first black African woman to achieve the feat.
Saray Khumalo.
(Image: Expeditionist)Khumalo is a South African born in Zambia and has been climbing the highest peaks in the world in support of causes that make a difference in people’s lives. Her 2014 Everest attempt, for instance, raised funds for the Lunch Box Fund to feed over 60 000 children, and in the following year her climb raised funds for the Mandela Library project in Thembisa, Johannesburg.
“One of my goals for climbing the Seven Summits is to be an example to African girls, to inspire them to pursue their dreams and summit their everyday peaks in education, sports and other spheres of life.”
The Nelson Mandela Foundation’s Chief Executive, Sello Hatang, also celebrated Khumalo’s life and latest achievement, saying, “Finding the strength to keep going when one’s energy seems depleted is something Madiba exemplified. She has this attribute. It is one we all need as we tackle the challenges confronting humanity.”
Khumalo has made South Africans all incredibly proud and we are grateful for the beaming lighthouse you are to young people and girls in Africa.