To the Top from Nowhere

Sibusiso Vilane is a humble man. And generous. He gave an hour and a half of his time to a stranger, explaining how his drive to reach the top of Everest was so different from that of the other climbers. It was not a lifelong dream of his, yet he felt challenged by the notion that Africans don’t climb. ‘I would like to climb Everest, not for myself but for the whole continent of Africa. Even if I make a failed attempt, I’m fine with it – it would open a new chapter in our history.’ After our meeting, I left with a signed copy of his book, with a message to keep going and to always remember my purpose. Advice worth heeding every day.