The Trek4Mandela climbers have taken their first step on a hazardous journey. They departed OR Tambo airport on Thursday morning.
The climbers are en-route to Africa’s highest peak – Mount Kilimanjaro. Its aim is to raise funds for sanitary pads for underprivileged young girls. Climbers are hoping to scale new heights. Anticipation and excitement are palpable as they prepare to depart.
The Trek4Mandela initiative helps to provide sanitary care to underprivileged girls. Nelson Mandela doted on children and this initiative seeks to champion his values.
“This is one of the highest moments for the year for me when I come and speak to these young people that represent courage,” says Nelson Mandela Foundation’s Graca Machel .
It is a step to social transformation.
“We are trying to break taboos and we are trying to make people understand that they have a responsibility towards building a country of our dreams and to ensure that the girls here today are able to someday climb for this initiative to raise funds for other girls in need,” says Nelson Mandela Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sello Hatang.
This is the brainchild of entrepreneur Richard Mabaso.
“I think this is very exciting. I have climbed the mountain five times before and all the journeys have been different for me but the biggest thing has been the partnerships and friendships we have built along the way.”
It is a towering achievement. Funds for 5.6 million pads have been raised so far.
Trek4Mandela aims to raise funds for 10 million pads; it all begins with one step at a time.
