Racing Driver and Trek4Mandela participant Gugu Zulu passes
The Nelson Mandela Foundation have recently confirmed that Gugu Zulu has died while on a Trek4Mandela expedition on Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.
In a statement released on 18 July, the organisation said, “It is with a heavy heart that we announce that one of the climbers on the Trek4Mandela, Gugu Zulu lost his life early this morning in his attempt to summit Kilimanjaro. On behalf of the Board and staff of the Nelson Mandela Foundation we extend our sincere condolences to his wife Letshego Zulu, their daughter Lelethu and the Zulu family on this tragic loss.”
The race driver was descending the mountain with his wife, project leader Richard Mabaso and experienced mountaineer Sibusiso Vilane.
Sello Hatang, CEO of the Nelson Mandela Foundation said, “I am devastated. I knew him well. I recruited him to climb Kilimanjaro. The last thing he said to me at the airport before he left last week was that he wanted to speak about doing other Mandela Day projects. I feel a huge sense of loss.”
An outpouring of tributes appeared on social media when the news released:
To lose your life attempting to summit Kili with your beloved wife…..how devastatingly sad. Rest in peace, Gugu Zulu. Pole Pole, climber💔
— BrownSugar (@UrsulaChikane) July 18, 2016
We observe a moment of silence in memory of @GuguZulu at our #MandelaDay activities with UJ at Helen Joseph Hospital pic.twitter.com/OcypSvZntL
— Proudly South African (@ProudlySA) July 18, 2016
RIP #GuguZulu – the cycling community is privileged to have known you. A true gentleman. You will be sorely missed.
— Bike Hub (@bikehubber) July 18, 2016
This is a developing story, and the Nelson Mandela Foundation will share information on the death of Zulu from Tanzania.
Details: www.nelsonmandela.org
