On a sunny morning in July, the Illovo Sugar team gathered at the airport, filled with anticipation and excitement for their upcoming adventure. As they boarded the plane that would take them to Kenya, the sense of camaraderie and unity among the group was palpable. Little did they know that the journey ahead would not only test their physical endurance but also challenge their perceptions of leadership and teamwork.
Summiting Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, proved to be a humbling experience for Lunga Mthuli, a Noodsberg mill maintenance supervisor, who was part of the 17-member team from Illovo Sugar Africa and ABF Sugar hikers. Reflecting on his days in the fields back home, Mthuli shared how the mountain taught him valuable lessons in respect and solidarity.
“The mountain humbled everyone,” Mthuli remarked. “It taught us to respect and look out for each other. Up there, there were no positions. We all ate the same food, slept in the same tents, and shared the same sleeping bags.” This sense of equality and mutual support was a defining aspect of the team’s journey to the summit.
Months of rigorous training and preparation had culminated in this moment as the group embarked on their trek up Mount Kilimanjaro on Mandela Day. Their mission extended beyond personal achievement; it was also a platform to raise awareness about period poverty as part of the Trek4Mandela campaign. By waving a flag adorned with their company logos and individual country flags, the team sought to shed light on the challenges faced by young girls who are unable to attend school due to a lack of access to sanitary pads.
The multinational composition of the team, which included members from South Africa, eSwatini, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, the United Kingdom, and Rwanda, underscored the universal nature of the cause they were championing. As Mthuli reflected on the arduous journey to the summit, he marveled at the sense of camaraderie that had developed among the diverse group of hikers.
The six-day ascent to the summit tested the limits of their endurance, both physically and mentally. Battling icy conditions and freezing temperatures, Mthuli recounted the challenges of walking at night and the necessity of layering up to stay warm. Despite the hardships, the experience provided him with a profound opportunity for self-reflection and introspection.
“Even though we were out there for the young girls, we were also experiencing self-introspection,” Mthuli shared. “The mountain makes you question yourself; like, ‘why are you really here? What are you trying to achieve?’” This inner dialogue prompted Mthuli to reassess his approach to leadership and management, recognizing the importance of leading by example and fostering a culture of respect and appreciation among his team.
As the team navigated the treacherous terrain and grueling conditions, they relied on each other for motivation and support. Mthuli recalled a pivotal moment when he contemplated giving up but was spurred on by the thought of the impact his actions would have on those looking up to him. The sense of solidarity and shared purpose among the group served as a source of strength and inspiration throughout the journey.
Hike leader Sibusiso Vilane’s mantra of “pole pole”, meaning “slowly slowly” in Kiswahili, served as a reminder to the team that progress was incremental and that there was no need to rush or feel pressured. This measured approach helped them stay focused on the task at hand and maintain a steady pace towards their ultimate goal.
The communal living arrangements, where team members shared tents and meals, fostered a sense of unity and equality among the group. Breaking down barriers of hierarchy, the experience of living in close quarters and facing shared challenges helped forge a familial bond among the hikers.
Upon their return home, Mthuli found himself transformed by the experience, with a newfound passion for high-altitude mountaineering. While he looks forward to exploring other mountain ranges, such as the Drakensberg and Sani Pass, he cherishes the memories and lessons learned from his ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro.
The recognition bestowed upon the team by President Cyril Ramaphosa in his State of the Nation Address served as a validation of their efforts and a testament to the significance of their achievement. Mthuli expressed his gratitude for the acknowledgment, emphasizing the impact of their journey and the importance of raising awareness about pressing social issues.
In conclusion, the summiting of Mount Kilimanjaro by the Illovo Sugar team was more than just a physical feat; it was a transformative experience that challenged their perceptions of leadership, teamwork, and personal resilience. As they continue to reflect on their journey and its impact, the lessons learned from the mountain will undoubtedly shape their future endeavors and inspire others to reach new heights.