Andiswa Siwela, a woman from Eerste River in Cape Town with a passion for hiking and giving back to poor communities is planning on climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to help raise funds to rebuild toilets for her former school, Qakazela Middle School.
The grand idea to climb Mount Kilimanjaro came to her in 2019 while she was hiking up Devil’s Peak, IOL reported. ‘When the idea came to me I thought I should not climb Kilimanjaro for nothing but try to give back while doing it,’ Siwela said.
Siwela had planned to climb the mountain last year but the COVID-19 pandemic hit and she had not raised enough funds to go on her trip.
For a very long time, on her birthday, Siwela has been giving back to people and organisations in need, and this year her dream of climbing Kilimanjaro and giving back to her former school will come true.
‘I always wanted to get proper toilets for the school because they are in a state and any other money that gets raised will still fix the school’s fence and other buildings,’ she said.
Siwela is passionate about improving the lives of children by creating a well-equipped environment to learn because without proper toilets these learners are already at a disadvantage.
Siwela went on to challenge everyone to be a part of the journey in assisting the school with basic sanitation and security, and she is grateful to everyone who has made her climb up Mount Kilimanjaro happen.
Principal Mandisi Mkwenkwe expressed his gratitude and is delighted that one of their own has seen the need to help the school.
‘She comes from the community we are grateful to her for what she is trying to do for us,’ he said.
Siwela’s goal is to raise R150 000 to help improve this learning environment. To learn more or donate, click here.
Picture: Andiswa Nosiphiwo Siwela
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