POLOKWANE – “I was chosen to be part of one of the world’s most challenging African expedition adventure this year during the month of July,” Nong explains.
The Nelson Mandela Foundation’s Annual #Trek4Mandela and #Caring4Girls fundraising tour will see 27 brave people attempt to summit Kilimanjaro in July this year, in commemoration of the 27 years Nelson Mandela spent in prison. Six of the group chosen for the expedition are bikers who will be riding to Tanzania from Johannesburg, engaging with people on their journey on issues of gender based violence and, Nong hopes, to engage with each other on a spiritual level.
The six bikers taking on this remarkable challenge are:
1. Motshwane Mabogoane – South African Airways pilot
2. Neo M. Matsunyane – South African Filmmaker
3. Sarel Nong – Entrepreneur
4. Tawanda Chatikobo – Banker
5. Thabo Mojapelo – Technician at a TV station
6. Victor Magoro – Officer of the Law
The 27 people chosen for this project will be joined by a film crew, backup crew and Professor Baba Buntu, an expert on African masculinity.
“I need your support through encouragement and donations because this comes at high costs including training fees. My training has already started and it happens every month till the trip,” Nong continues.
BMW Motorrad was first in line to contribute to the project and are sponsoring the motorcycles, riding gear and support systems for the bikers.
He concluded by saying “we urge all of Polokwane, Limpopo and South Africa to get behind us. Let’s do it in the spirit that our beloved Mandela held dear to his heart.”
For more information, contact Nong himself at 079 839 9698.
Banking details for pledges are as follows:
Account Holder: The Imbumba Foundation Trust
Bank Name: First National Bank
Account: Cheque
Branch Code: 220130
Account No: 62345136677
Reference: Sarel Nong
Send Proof of payment to sarelnong@gmail.com.
Before leaving, Sarel hosted a special farewell lunch for friends and family on Sunday, 9 July.
Sarel said it is a dream come true for him. “I have always wanted to summit Mount Kilimanjaro but this time I am doing it for the sake of the girl child who doesn’t have sanitary towels. I am elated at this opportunity and I am sure I will make Limpopo proud,” he said.
Sapa Yopa Motorcycle Club President, Johz Captain DyHard Mamabolo wishes Sarel a happy journey. “We as Sapa Yopa are proud to see one of our own represent the people of Limpopo in the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. We hope his journey will be filled with joy and we will wait with great anticipation to congratulate him upon his return,” said Mamabolo.