Local resident conquers Kilimanjaro
Deputy principal at Northwood School, Reggie Govender, said it was sheer willpower and determination that helped him climb every step of Africa's highest peak.
MORE than 20 000 people attempt to summit Mount Kilimanjaro every year; of that number, only two thirds are successful, with altitude-related problems being the biggest factor contributing to not completing the summit. One man who wouldn’t let altitude or one of the worst blizzards on the mountain hold him back was Mount Edgecombe resident, Reggie Govender.
The 49-year-old, who is the deputy principal at Northwood School, said it was sheer willpower and determination that helped him climb every step of Africa’s highest peak.
“Mount Kilimanjaro has always been on my bucket list for before I turn 50, and initially it was something I wanted to do with my wife and son. I’ve always loved the mountains and every school break, be it summer or winter, we’d escape to the Drakensburg mountains. But Kilimanjaro has always held this majesty and fascination for me.
“An Achilles heel injury last year forced me to temporarily give up on the dream, but I decided that I wouldn’t let anything hold me back this year. It’s been a tough and hard road of eight months of intensive training. I did a lot of walking (mainly up hills), swimming and cycling and training in the altitude chamber at Prime in Durban. If I hadn’t trained properly, I wouldn’t have made it,” he said.
Govender said on the final day of his summit to Uhuru Peak, the highest summit on Kibo’s crater rim on the mountain, a major blizzard swept in.
“It was bitterly cold and I couldn’t see anything in front of me, I was basically tracking my guide’s footsteps. My guide, Yessi, asked if I wanted to turn back, but I was so determined to complete it that I pushed ahead. Even eMdloti adventurer, Sean Wisedale, told the group he was leading how dangerous it was. Mentally, I wasn’t ready to give up,” he said.
As Govender reached the top of the mountain, he admitted he was overwhelmed with emotion.
“I just cried my heart out, it was very emotional for me, knowing all of the hard work I’d put in, and particularly because the last day was so tough. It was a happy sort of crying though, and there was a real sense of fulfilment being able to say that I conquered Kilimanjaro. I also held up a message for my wife and son and a Northwood flag as my guide captured the moment,” he said.
