ON TOP OF THE WORLD

SITTING in front of his television set back in 2013, Simmon Phuthego stumbled across a 45-second commercial that would change the course of his life forever.

Although the ad was promoting alcohol, it gave a glimpse into the thrilling exploits of South African climber, Sibusiso Vilane.

Transfixed, from that moment on, Phuthego has sought adventure in the mountains, scaling some of the highest peaks in the world.

Having already stood atop Mount Kilimanjaro (5 896m) and conquered the Russian giant, Mt. Elbrus (5 642m) - the highest points in Africa and Europe respectively - the Maun man now has his sights set on the very top of the world: the mighty Mount Everest.

Reaching Everest’s summit, some 8 850m up in the sky, is part of the 46-yearold’s ambition to climb the Seven Summits: the highest mountains in all seven continents. It is a daunting list that also features: Mt. Aconcagua (6 962m in Argentina, South America), Mt. Denali (6 190m in Alaska, North America), Mt. Viston (4 892m in Antarctica) and finally Mt. Carstensz (4 884m in New Guinea, Oceania).

By November next year, Phuthego hopes to have placed the Botswana flag on the summit of one of these mountains.

The adrenaline junkie intends to use the sport and his international standing to raise global awareness about conservation and communities co-existing with wildlife in KavangoZambezi (KAZA), a vast area that cuts across five countries including: Botswana, Zimbabwe, Angola, Zambia and Namibia.

Sharing his incredible story this week, Phuthego chats with FRANCINAH BAAITSE...

Thank you for your time,

what have you been up to recently?

I am following a dream of doing the seven summits, in seven continents. Every continent has a highest mountain so I want to reach the summit and place the flag of my country on all the seven summits. So far, I have done two: Europe and Africa; I am looking forward to doing North and South America, Asia and Antarctica.