By Sizwe Dlamini
Ubombo Sugar Limited’s Kilimanjaro Team has returned home triumphant after successfully summiting Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, on 18 July, International Nelson Mandela Day.
This remarkable achievement is part of this year’s #Trek4Mandela expedition, which challenges participants to conquer the mountain with the ultimate goal of ending period poverty and keeping young girls in school.
The expedition, a pioneering venture, was conceived and executed by Illovo Sugar Africa, Ubombo Sugar Limited’s parent company.
It brought together 17 employees from across Illovo’s six countries of operation in Africa, including eSwatini, and from Illovo’s parent company ABF Sugar, trekking under the theme ‘Unity in Diversity.’ This initiative is the brainchild of Dr. Ernest Peresu, Illovo Sugar Africa’s Social Development Director.
Illovo partnered with the Imbumba Foundation to ensure the climbers’ safety and to align the expedition with a greater purpose: raising awareness and funds for the foundation’s Caring4Girls programme.
Established in 2012, this programme aims to combat period poverty by providing menstrual education and sanitary pads to thousands of vulnerable girls annually. It also seeks to give a voice to young girls, instill dignity in themselves as well as foster confidence.
Upon their arrival at King Mswati III International Airport on 21 July, the USL Kilimanjaro team, including Mzwandile Magagula (Projects Manager – Business Improvement) and Zandile Mkhatshwa (Ubombo Sugar Hospital Administrator), was warmly welcomed by Mr. Leonard Ndzimandze, USL’s Head of Corporate Affairs, along with families, friends, and supporters. The climbers expressed their excitement and profound sense of accomplishment for reaching the ‘Roof of Africa.’
During their climb, the team faced extreme conditions, physical and mental challenges, as well as the dreaded altitude sickness while trekking the 79km Rongai “Green” Route, which involved a five-day hike to the summit and a two-day descent, culminating at Uhuru Peak.
The climb was led by Sibusiso Vilane, the first black African to conquer the Three Poles Challenge and a seasoned leader of 15 #Trek4Mandela expeditions.
The team’s perseverance, particularly on the final day, in the face of such adversity, is a testament to their resilience and determination.
Reflecting on the expedition, Mkhatshwa noted, “The first reason why I wanted to apply for this noble cause was because it gave these girls the confidence to participate in sports and do everything like any other girl at school. The second reason was to test my limits; I now know how far I can stretch myself.”
Magagula emphasized the mental preparedness required to conquer Kilimanjaro, stating, “You need to persevere mentally. If you give up mentally, it affects your legs and system, and then you actually experience the harsh elements even more.”
He reiterated the purpose of their endeavor, saying, “We did all of this to support the initiative to eradicate period poverty for girls so that they can remain in school.”
Through their participation in the Trek4Mandela expedition, Illovo Sugar Africa has made a significant donation to the Caring4Girls programme, which supports nearly 20,000 girls in their operational areas.
This accomplishment embodies unity, perseverance, and a shared mission to empower communities across Africa.
Period poverty poses a significant issue in many rural areas across Africa, where girls often miss numerous days of school each year due to a lack of access to menstrual products. For many families, sanitary products can be too expensive, making them even more inaccessible.
Consequently, schoolgirls are frequently absent from school, with many dropping out completely, creating longer-term repercussions for education, employment, health, and livelihood. The United Nations estimates that one in ten girls in Sub-Saharan Africa misses school during their menstrual cycle due to a lack of sanitary products.
The Kilimanjaro #Trek4Mandela expedition was more than just a climb; it symbolizes the company’s commitment to gender equality and ending period poverty. The USL team’s accomplishment not only highlights their physical triumph but also underscores the broader impact of empowering girls