MEC Sihle Zikalala congratulates Sonto Mayise for conquering Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Mr Sihle Zikalala has, today, congratulated Sonto Mayise, the Acting Head of KwaZulu-Natal Conventions Bureau for successfully summiting the might Mount Kilimanjaro on her maiden climb.

Mr Zikalala said he was proud of the feat achieved by this globetrotter adding that she was an example to all other women and joins a host of other South Africans who have left their comfort zones to conquer this world renowned snow-capped peak and topographic landmark.

“We are proud of you Sonto. Your courage and drive continue to inspire many of us. Your sheer determination and second to none tenacity makes you an alpha leader among the pack. Thank you for putting KZN on the map and for hoisting our flag high into stratospheric levels. We are in awe,” said Mr Zikalala.

The bubbly Ms Mayise left South Africa for Tanzania on 2 February 2019, arriving in Tanzania the next day for a short rest. She left with only a single purpose in mind – to push herself to the new limits! What then followed on 5 February was the start of a gruelling seven-day journey to the summit.

She summited on 10 February at 9am, successfully reaching, Uhuru Park at 5895m. Uhuru is the highest summit on Kibo’s crater rim.

Asked if she would do it again, the vivacious Mayise said: “Well, time will tell, but all I can say is, this was a gruesome and most challenging thing I have ever done in my life. This was my first attempt, so I can safely say nothing is impossible until is it done,” quipped Mayise who concluded her combined 12 hour descending of the mountain on Monday morning.

Ms Mayise’s Conventions Bureau responsible for bringing major and mega conferences to KwaZulu-Natal on behalf of the department. Activities like climbing Mount Kilimanjaro are part of Sonto’s newest pastimes besides her challenging occupation that involves ensuring that KZN remains the highly sought-after travel destination in the world in terms of hosting world-class events.

Enquiries:
Bongani Tembe
Cell: 082 327 2600

Nathi Olifant 
Cell: 072 292 2502

Province
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