Former Public Protector and professor, Thuli Madonsela, announced that she will climb Mount Kilimanjaro in an effort to raise funds for disadvantaged young women. This will also form part of her celebrating her 56th birthday on Friday, 5 October.
Mandonsela made strides in her role as the Public Protector and during her tenure, she investigated several high-profile cases such as the State Capture report 2016, solidifying her determined persona in the eyes of South Africa.
She has committed to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, and will do so as part of the Trek4Mandela team. Madonsela has planned to summit the peak of the mountain on Human Rights Day in 2019 as well.
Today I begin the journey to climb, not to conquer Kilimanjaro for we can never conquer a mountain. Climbing a mountain offers us an opportunity to journey and traverse the summits within #TrekForMandela #TrekForSocialJustice #CaringForGirls
— Prof Thuli Madonsela (@ThuliMadonsela3) September 30, 2018
Trek4Mandela is an initiative that has been founded by the Imbumba Foundation and is an annual expedition that raises funds and awareness for the ‘Caring4Girls’ program.
The Imbumba Foundation is a non-profit organisation that focuses on creating social change and economic uplifting within rural communities. The initiative aims to summit the mountain each year on Mandela Day, 18 July to raise funds for this program.
The program also aims to provide relief to disadvantages girls who are kept out of school due to menstrual-related challenges, unable to afford suitable sanitary products during their periods.
The Imbumba Foundation organised the celebrations of Madonsela 56th birthday and encouraged attendees to honor her for the achievements she has made.
Founder of the Imbumba Foundation, Richard Mabaso shared his excitement in honouring Madonsela.
We are greatly honoured to host Professor Thuli Madonsela on her special day!!! #caring4girls#trek4mandela #keepingthegirlchildinschool pic.twitter.com/aRectwJLTD
— Richard Mabaso (@ubuntubami) September 20, 2018
Environmental activist and local humanitarian, Catherine Constantinides, shares her admiration for Madonsela after the celebrations on Friday.
Last night was a beautiful occassion. Celebrating the magnificent life and contribution of a South African Giant, our very own #ProfThuliMadonsela
Happy Happy Birthday Mama Thuli. Thank you for your selfless leadership and immense contribution to fighting for social justice. pic.twitter.com/qYaBy9kJva
— CATHERINE Constantinides (@ChangeAgentSA) September 29, 2018
Picture: Twitter