During the preparations for the annual Mount Kilimanjaro expedition organised by the Imbumba Foundation, a couple tested their limits by taking on the challenge.
They were thrilled to share some of their motivations, struggles and reasons behind climbing the largest mountain in Africa.
The Sandton-based foundation which consists of two campaigns, Trek4Mandela and Caring4Girls, has been changing the country for the better by helping raise funds to provide sanitary pads for girls who have no means of getting the essential product.
ALSO READ: Climb Mount Kilimanjaro in support of the Sandton SPCA
During one of the team’s training sessions, held in the Drakensberg, Lebogang Jantjies who at the time only accompanied his wife, Andile, to the hiking trail was deeply moved by the stories shared of the foundation to such a degree that he made the impossible possible.
“The initial agreement was that I would be her (Andile) designated driver as the place is far and of course that she will be exhausted. After I heard all of the objectives from the representatives of the Trek4Mandela campaign, on that same day I changed from being a driver to being a member with my wife. I have two girls and it is difficult to imagine them not being able to go to school as a result of something that is natural,” said Lebogang.
ALSO READ: Trek 4 Mandela groups summit Mount Kilimanjaro
As Mount Kilimanjaro tested both of their limits back in July, the struggles of climbing the biggest mountain in Africa made their bond even stronger.
“Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro was never on my bucket list. I was afraid and mostly concerned about altitude sickness, but it was easier for me because I knew someone who knows me very well. Just knowing that he was nearby was enough to keep me going. The whole experience made us be strong for each other,” concluded Andile.
ALSO READ: Climbers tackle Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds for underprivileged girls
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