Help support our dignity mission

THE measure of a nation is how it takes care of its most vulnerable citizens. The mark of individuals is how they go an extra mile, at great personal cost, to improve the lives of the less fortunate.

On July 18, when South Africa and the world pauses to remember Nelson Mandela, a group of special South Africans will embark on a special mission.

The group, organised by the Nelson Mandela and Imbumba Foundations, will climb Kilimanjaro to bring dignity to the thousands of indigent girls throughout South Africa.

By braving the treacherous weather conditions on Kilimanjaro, which is 5 895m above sea level, this special group of South Africans will make sure that no school girl will miss a day of school because of her menstrual cycle.

Each member is raising funds which will go directly to purchasing millions of sanitary pads to be distributed countrywide.

The Mandela and Imbumba foundations have been leading this mission for years, with great success.

They, along with private institutions such as Independent Media, the owners of The Star, and Dis-Chem Foundation, have distributed over 10 million pads nationally.

The lives of millions of girls have been changed. They have their dignity back and their appreciation is reflected in their grateful smiles.

The 2017 Kilimanjaro mission is also extra special. On this climb, South Africans will also pay tribute to Gugu Zulu, who died while on the same mission last year.

Zulu paid the ultimate price so that the dignity of girls from poor backgrounds can be restored. For us at The Star and Independent Media, this year’s mission is the Gugu Zulu Kilimanjaro Climb.

So we humbly ask you, our dear reader, to support us in this noble mission.