Local doctor summits Mount Kilimanjaro
Dr Lerato Masenya (29) who grew up in Ga-Dikgale, travelled along with other South African women in support of the Caring4Girls programme.
POLOKWANE – Mankweng native, Dr Lerato Masenya (29) can tick summiting Mount Kilimanjaro off her bucket list.
Masenya. who grew up in Ga-Dikgale, travelled along with other South African women in support of ending period-related poverty with Caring4Girls, a dignity programme spearheaded by the Imbumba Foundation. The group of 10 were led by the first black African to summit Mount Everest, Sibusiso Vilani, and eight of them reached Kilimanjaro’s summit on Mandela Day.
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“It was a dream come true. The group included dynamic and inspiring individuals from South Africa and the United States of America and we also trekked with the former public protector, Thuli Madonsela. We all worked hard to support disadvantaged girls so they never have to miss school because of their period,” she told BONUS.
Masenya is not new to hiking but says it was her first time reaching the top of a mountain at such a high altitude.
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“Uhuru Peak was freezing cold. My toes felt numb and I had to keep moving them to not lose any feeling in them. The altitude also caused headaches, while other South Africans on the expedition experienced vomiting and fatigue. However, I was not tired at all because we had to walk slowly. I must say that it was painful for me to walk that slow and I couldn’t cope at times.”
Masenya says the glaciers at the top of Kilimanjaro made for beautiful views, adding more to the experience. “I’ve never seen anything like it in my life. It was a beautiful experience,” she said.
Masenya is a qualified psychiatrist and says that working in the public health sector in South Africa is a bittersweet experience. “I find no greater meaning in life than to be there at people’s most desperate times as a psychiatrist,” she said.
The challenge of summiting Kilimanjaro is one of many faced by Masenya, who contracted pulmonary tuberculosis in her fourth year at university. “University is a fertile ground for an existential crisis. I just wanted to make the most of my life so I kept moving,” she explained.
Masenya says that in celebration of Women’s Month, women have to challenge historic prejudice and gender-based injustices and celebrate the excellence and resilience of those breaking out of marginalisation. “We need to support those who break away from oppressive practices, we are inspired to live life on our terms,” she said.
She applauds all the women who trekked with her and adds that if someone would like to challenge her in doing any activity that is similar to the Kilimanjaro trek, she will definitely take them on, without a doubt. “I’m always ready for a challenge in nature, bring it on.”
