Imbumba Foundation launches 2025 Trek4Mandela initiative in Houghton
Trek4Mandela initiative will use the Drakensberg as their testing ground from October 25-27.
Imbumba Foundation celebrated its 2024 Unity in Diversity Expedition climbers and launched the 2025 Trek4Mandela initiative on September 19 at the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Houghton.
The High Commission from the United Republic of Tanzania, James G. Bwana, was in attendance.
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Nelson Mandela Foundation CEO Verne Harris said the launch of the 2025 Trek4Mandela initiative was special because it fell in the same week that marked the 25th anniversary of Madiba establishing the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
“It’s partnerships like the one we have with Imbumba that ensure the foundation will have a future,” said Harris.
“The Trek4Mandela has been a flagship activation for many years, I have never climbed Mount Kilimanjaro but our friends and trustees have, and I always hear stories of success, failure, endurance, and courage and it is not something to be taken lightly.”
Imbumba Foundation CEO Richard Mabaso explained that next year’s Trek4Mandela initiative would be divided into three parts.
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“The first one will be Mandela Day, which is the backbone of the initiative, followed by the August Climb launched in 2018, and lastly there will be the Executive Climb which will host other leaders from other corporations.”
To attract attention to the initiative, the Imbumba Foundation will host open days where interested climbers will experience climbing in the Drakensberg.
“We are often asked what type of preparations are required to summit Mount Kilimanjaro and the Drakensberg mountains are a good example of what to expect. This will be taking place from October 25 to 27.”
Mabaso added the foundation aimed to challenge leaders of corporations to help make a difference in society. One of the pressing issues was period poverty which was a serious threat to girls’ schooling careers. To this end, Mabaso said the foundation had launched its sanitary pads drive whereby corporations could contribute to this cause.
One of the beneficiaries is Kwena Molapo Comprehensive Farm School and learner Ntshuxeko Matukana thanked the Trek4Mandela climbers and Imbumba.
“Today I want to recognise the true heroes who have made a significant difference in our lives, to the Trek4Mandela team and Imbumba Foundation,” she said.
“Your innovative approach to fundraising, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, and dedication to providing menstrual products to those in need is life-changing.”
Ntshuxeko added that the Foundation’s support enabled girl learners to attend school continuously with confidence, dignity and fostered a sense of inclusivity and equality, and helped break the stigma surrounding menstruation.
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