Vilane to return to Everest
21 January 2005
Two years after reaching the summit of Everest, Sibusiso Vilane is planning to challenge the tallest peak on Earth again.
In May 2003 the former game ranger made history by becoming the first black African to reach the summit of Everest.
Vilane holds dual South African and Swazi nationality, and was able to plant the flags of both nations at Everest's peak.
Now, Vilane wants to return to the Himalayas, this time to raise awareness for South African charities.
Vilane will be attempting the 8 848m peak from the more difficult North Ridge. If the expedition is successful, Vilane will have completed a rare double, summitting from both the North Ridge and South Col.
He will be joined in this attempt by renowned explorer and adventurer Sir Ranulph Fiennes and fellow South African Alex Harris.
Sibusiso Vilane on Everest's Lhotse Face. (Photo
copyright Rodrigo Ponce, Jagged Globe Mountaineering)
Sir Ranulph is probably most well-known for his 1993 crossing of Antarctica. That expedition, which took 97 days, set world records for both the longest unsupported polar journey in history and the first unsupported crossing of the continent.
Alex Harris was leader of the 2003 Discovery Everest Expedition which had to turn back after repeated attempts to reach the mountain's summit were thwarted by the weather. Sean Wisedale was a member of that team, and was able to summit after joining another team.
"This time I will be climbing to raise awareness for three charities - The Birth to Twenty Research Programme at Wits University, the Africa Foundation and the SOS Children's Village in Swaziland", Vilane said in a statement released by Wits University.
When Sibusiso
Vilane reached the summit of Mount Everest, he said he "felt as though I was stepping onto a very sacred place ... I fell to my knees weeping". (Photo copyright 2003 Discovery Everest Expedition)
The Birth to Twenty Research Programme is an initiative run by the university which examines socio-economic, socio-political, demographic and nutrition transitions taking place in South Africa, according to Wits marketing's Shirona Hassim.
Vilane will be telling the 100 children of the project of his earlier adventures on Everest when he meets them on Sunday 23 January.
Vilane said he wanted to concentrate on his professional speaking when he returns from Everest.
"I would love to get involved with schools around the country, to motivate and inspire the youth to believe in their dreams and make them a reality", he said.
Vilane and Harris will leave for the Himalayas in March.
SouthAfrica.info reporter
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