Twenty-four climbers campaigning for young girls’ rights to education successfully summited Mount Kilimanjaro on Friday 9 August 2019.
The climbers include former Public Protector, Professor Thuli Madonsela, who climbed with 23 other activists and personalities in the Trek4Mandela cohort, a social justice initiative from the Imbumba Foundation. The team was led by the pioneering and adventurous mountaineer, Sibusiso Vilane.
Madonsela tweeted on Monday 12 August that ‘Summiting Kilimanjaro against unprecedented odds confirmed that many of life’s challenges that seem impossible can be overcome if we focus on our purpose.’
The group completed its goal of summiting Africa’s highest Uhuru Peak by Friday 9 August, in celebration of Women’s Day. Together, they were campaigning and raising awareness for Caring4Girls, a programme championing the education of young girls across the continent who stray from the education system because of poverty and lack of access to female health products.
President Cyril Ramaphosa congratulated the trekking team’s on their efforts and welcomed them back to South Africa on Sunday 11 August, via social media.
Thank you President @CyrilRamaphosa, supremely appreciated. This is our small contribution to the South Africa we want and an open invitation to all to play their part in advancing #socialjustice to ensure that we leave no one behind https://t.co/bY89O9EyzF
— Prof Thuli Madonsela (@ThuliMadonsela3) August 12, 2019
The Tanzanian peak stands tallest in Africa at 5,895m above sea level.
Image via Twitter
