Nelson Mandela Foundation CE, Sello Hatang, with founder of Trek4Mandela, Richard Mabaso
The intrepid Trek4Mandela climbers have done what they set out to do - scale Africa's mighty Kilimanjaro in aid of Caring4Girls. Before they made the slow descent down the mountain, the trek ambassadors took a moment to reflect on their epic journey...
Richard Mabaso, founder of Trek4Mandela, commented, "I'm truly excited to see our vision not only inspiring South Africans, but Africans and global citizens to unite and support the education of the girl child. We would like to thank sponsors, partners for supporting the initiative."
Chief Executive of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, Sello Hatang, added, "The climb has been fulfilling and has reminded us of our responsibility to the education of girl children. We would like to thank members of the public for their contributions and messages of support. We further urge you to continue sending us messages of support and SMSing 42513 to help keep the girl child in school."
As actor Jack Devnarain said, "This has been the most challenging adventure of my life. I'm so taken by the people of Taznzania, by her elemental charms and by the wonder of Kilimanjaro. I can't imagine experiencing any of this than through Trek for Mandela.
As Geoff Qhena, CEO of the Industrial Development Corporation, said, "The experience has been great! The inconvenience we have experienced thus far is not comparable to the girls missing school because that loss will have a far reaching implications in the future."
Maya Makanjee, one of the Trustees of the Foundation and director at Vodacom, noted that this has been the most amazing and exilerating experience - more so because it supports a very worthy cause.
"As a senior woman leader, I believe that keeping young girls in school is an absolute necessity and supporting Caring4Girls is my way of contributing."
Fikile Kuhlase, a senior executive with the Banking Association of South Africa, noted that this has been a very humbling experience, with plenty of time for self-reflection and reconfirming the team's commitment to why they set out in the first place.
"The teamwork of the 37 trekkers has been incredible. Leaders have sprung up from every angle. Moreover, having the team of amazing guys from Kibo Adventures was a pleasure. Without them, this would never have been possible."
Gerry Elsdon, Global TB Ambassador and Humanitarian, was overwhelmed at the opportunity to be a part of the experience from the get go.
"From the moment we got on the plane, I felt blessed. This is a life-changing adventure and I don't think anyone of us will return the same."
She says every step brings the team closer to meeting the needs of the many vulnerable girls in Southern Africa. It's become her life's work to change the lives of others, and this trek is no different.
Congratulations to the Trek4Mandela team for their endurance and committment to this cause.