The media is invited as the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Health Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo welcomes the youngest black person, Mr Nzuzo Mnikathi, in the world to have ever reached the South Pole.
The MEC was touched by this young man’s agility and determination. “He gives us hope that indeed our young people still dream and work hard to achieve their dreams,” said MEC Dhlomo. The MEC has championed a healthy lifestyle and ran the 2011 Comrades Marathon to encourage young people, in particular, to adopt healthy lifestyles. Recently he has launched a campaign to discourage girls from engaging in sexual relations with older men. “We need to dispel the notion of a ‘lost generation’.”
MEC Dhlomo will be starting his qualification races for the 2012 Comrades Marathon when he runs a 25 km race on Sunday, 29 January 2012, in Pinetown.
Nzuzo was part of a six-man team of South African adventurers, who skied 111km across Antarctica as part of The Unlimited Child Expedition to the South Pole. Their trek started on 16th January 2012 and finished on the 24th of January 2012.
Nzuzo explains his reasons for supporting The Unlimited Child: “I want to use this opportunity to show the world that all things are possible, that difficulties can be overcome with determination and the right attitude. Yes, this is about setting a new record as the youngest black person to reach the South Pole, but more importantly, it’s about the challenge of trying to achieve something of value against the backdrop of an unpredictable and unforgiving environment. It’s about giving every single young child in South Africa a chance at a future.”
The intrepid travellers were prepared for a difficult journey as Antarctica has proven itself to be the most unforgiving place on earth. Nzuzo trekked in 24-hour daylight and camped along the way in sub-zero temperatures that range from -30°C to -60°C. He was on his feet continuously, skiing between seven and ten hours each day and hauling a 40kg sledge. There were no plants or animal life, only snow, ice and sky.
The team arrives at King Shaka Airport on Friday, 27 January 2012, at 11h15 and a press briefing is arranged at 11h30 at the Airport’s Arrival Lounge.
Enquiries:
Chris Maxon
Cell: 083 447 2869
