By Refilwe Mphirime
Conquering Mount Kilimanjaro! The idea started four years ago when colleagues Dineo Kumalo and Karabelo Mojagana attended a SITA conference. The Motivational speaker Sibusiso Vilane, the first black South African to conquer Mt Everest and Mt Kilimanjaro, inspired Dineo.
“Friend, we are going,” Dineo whispered to Karabelo. “Do you want me to die? I can already feel myself suffocating,” responded Karabelo, although exercising was part of their regime.
After two years of persuasion, Karabelo eventually agreed. The ladies managed to persuade Carey Moraladi, Dineo’s sister, to join this venture. “We locked our minds onto this idea and started saving money,” they said. Initially, the idea was a physical challenge and to prove that they can achieve the seemingly impossible. But they realised that this could become a beacon of hope and inspiration, “not only to young women but to all who are facing mountains in their respective lives,” they added.
The trio is aware that lives have been lost in this expedition. However, instead of focusing on the negative, they have adopted the motto, “We cannot live our lives crippled by fear.”
The climb entails trekking 62 kilometers, reaching 6500 altitude over seven days. To prepare for the journey, the women have been working intensively, including climbing the Drakensberg Mountain. “We are climbing this mountain as a reminder that no human is limited and that we can rely on our inner strength to overcome challenges,” remarked the vibrant Kumalo.
They aim to create awareness and raise funds for Gender-Based Violence victims, shelters that house victims and CANSA association.
Before departure, the women will hand over funds that were accumulated by selling T-shirts.
Donors will award Kimberley climbers R100 for every kilometer. On their return, the ladies will give donate the Kilimanjaro funds to CANSA.
The trio will ascend on 4 March, pass through the most challenging part of the mountain on the 8 and descend on 10 March. “We request prayers from our fellow South Africans,” said Karabelo.
Like the words to the song by The Supremes, ‘Aint no mountain high enough,’ confirms that there is no obstacle too hard for the trio headed for Mount Kilimanjaro.
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