Trek4Mandela climbers head to Kilimanjaro
Updated | By Slindelo Masikane
The Trek4Mandela team is heading to Mount Kilimanjaro for their annual quest to climb the highest mountain in Africa.
Media, friends and family came together for the send-off of this year's 23 climbers at the OR Tambo International Airport.
The climbers will be led by South African renowned adventurer Sibusiso Vilane on an expedition that aims to collect sanitary towels for school going girls.
Vilane has assured climbers they have done everything possible to make sure the climb is successful and safe.
"We will have all the support and all we will need within our human abilities and capabilities. For the first time we will have a team doctor to manage the manageables," says Vilane.
Racing car driver Gugu Zulu died during last year's attempt.
His widow Letshego Zulu will attempt to climb the mountain again this year.
"I'm having heart palpitations as I stand here. I clearly remember this day last year, in this very space - the energy, the excitement and the laughter. Today is a different kind of excitement," says Zulu.
WATCH #Trek4Mandela Letshego Zulu "no matter what life throws my way I will continue supporting this cause" @Slindelo_M pic.twitter.com/CSDBRR2msK
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) July 12, 2017
Nelson Mandela Foundation Chief Executive Sello Hatang, who is part of the group of climbers, says those going on this year's trek are leaving behind a legacy.
"Today is about legacy. Legacies are meant to outlive those who establish them. Madiba has been passed for four years now and every year we keep celebrating his legacy, because he built it well," says Hatang.
"Gugu has been gone for a year now and we are saying his legacy will also live on."
WATCH #Trek4Mandela NMF CEO Sello Hatang explains what the summit is for. @Slindelo_M pic.twitter.com/0YumuctoX2
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) July 12, 2017
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