Trek4Mandela is an annual expedition to summit Africa’s highest peak on Mandela Day, 18 July to honour Nelson Mandela’s living legacy that not only inspires Africans but across the globe.

The expedition was established by innovative social entrepreneur and humanitarian, Richard Mabaso and is led by renowned South African adventurer and motivational speaker, Sibusiso Vilane – the first black African to conquer the three Poles challenge: South Pole, North Pole and Mount Everest.

Trek4Mandela brings together inspired individuals from corporate and public backgrounds to assist in raising funds and creating awareness for the Caring4Girls programme. Research has revealed that girls from poor backgrounds could miss up to 50 days of school each year due to menstrual related challenges. According to UNICEF girls’ education and empowerment literally saves millions of lives. More educated women tend to be healthier, work and earn more income, have fewer children, and provide better health care and education to their children.

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Our Expeditions

2012

This was the first Trek4Mandela Expedition that took place with Mr Richard Mabaso and Sibusiso Vilane whereby they reached the highest peak in Africa on Mandela day, 18 July 2012.

2014

This was the third climb that constituted of over 10 climbers as the Trek4Mandela programme started gaining popularity

2016

This was the fifth climb that included over 45 climbers and was one of the biggest Expeditions over the decade.

2018

The 2018 succeeded in raising enough funds to ensure that 500,000 girl children will not miss a day of school and give much-needed accessibility to sanitary towels. The target of the 2018 Trek Target was to raise funds to procure 6mil (60mil pads) packets of sanitary pads.

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2020

Due to the global pandemic, there was no Expedition. However, a group of individuals comprising of previous and future climbers did a local hike at the Cradle of Humankind whereby a food parcel distribution was also done to the staff in the hospitality industry which was one of the hardest hit industries globally.

2022

This was the tenth climb in honour of a decade of service of the Trek4Mandela Expedition. This included a Milestone Climb – Mandela Day 18 July 2022 and Women’s Day climb – 08 August 2022, which included 30 inspired individuals.

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2024

“This was the 12th climb done in celebration of 30 Years of Democracy in South Africa. We were deeply honoured by the South African President’s, Cyril Ramaphosa, acknowledgement of our programme during his opening speech in Parliament on Mandela Day and taken back by the great support we have received from the South African Ambassador to Tanzania, HE Ms. Naluthondo Mayende Malepe, and the Trek4Mandela climbers. This year we had 44 amazing climbers, from 12 different countries and 4 continents come together to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro in support of empowering girl children

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2013

This was the second expedition that took place with Richard Mabaso, Sibusiso Vilane and another inspired individual.

2015

This was the fourth climb that included over 35 climbers and was the first ‘big’ Trek4Mnadela Expedition which then gave precedence to the programme.

2017

This was the sixth climb that comprised of over 30 climbers.

2019

2019 saw the return after the global pandemic, over 20 climbers joined in for the for the ninth climb.

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2021

This was an inspirational climb and to continue supporting the fight against period poverty, which has become more paramount due to the global pandemic – PANDEMICS DON’T STOP PERIODS! The Expedition was led by former South African Public Protector and Humanitarian, Professor Thuli Madonsela and Mr Sibusiso Vilane, the Trek4Mandela Expedition Leader.

2023

This year marks 11 years since our first Trek4Mandela Expedition in 2012.
We have 2 groups that will be attempting to reach Africa’s rooftop on Mandela Day – 18 July and Women’s Day – 09 August 2023.

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Our Expeditions

2012

2014

2016

2018

2020

2022

2024

2013

2015

2017

2019

2021

2023

Support the Trek4Mandela climb ambassadors by sending an SMS with the name GIRLCHILD to 42513 and make a pledge of R30.

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