Saray Khumalo - Climbing To New Heights

We Are Uniquely Extraordiary

By Fiona Wakelin

Accidental mountaineer, Guinness World record holder, transformational coach and author, Saray Khumalo is truly inspirational – and when I contacted her to ask if she was available to write an article or be interviewed for this edition, she responded with what was a first for me: “I am off to the North Pole”.

Sadly, since then, climate change intervened to thwart the polar expedition: “The runway, cracked by the relentless force of global warming creating a relatively large water gap, shattered our dreams mere hours before departure to Barneo.

“Reflecting on this, I am reminded of the delicate balance between human ambition and the forces of nature. The same runway that held firm in 2018 now succumbed, a stark reminder of our planet’s changing face. A reminder that we need to be intentional in our care for the planet as individuals and the collective,” – Saray.

I had first heard Saray speak at the 2023 Standard Bank Top Women Conference and was completely absorbed by what she was sayingduring the fireside chat. She drew a wonderful golden thread between mountain climbing, being in business and self-belief.

On her 4th attempt she had summited Mount Everest and realised that resilience is about thriving after bouncing back – and that no-one gets to the top on their own. Our strengths are our super powers –and every summit is only a step away – “Keep stepping!” – Saray.

More Inspiration That Stayed With Me

“You are enough – and only you can stop yourself going forward. Start with your “why” – you aren’t great at everything so stick to what you are good at – be flexible and make sure you surround yourself with the right people. “If you are invited to join the party are they playing your music? Be a VIPvisible, intentional and present.

“We are uniquely extraordinary –when you try to be someone else you become ordinary. Remember that there’s enough space on the top of the mountain for everyone – but the top is only half way – you need the strength to pass the baton on to the next generation!”

In 2012 Saray founded Summits with a Purpose, an initiative that makes hiking, climbing and adventure sports more accessible to ordinary South Africans and encourages them to use these activities as a platform to make a difference in their communities. Summits with a Purpose has grown into an effective NPO, inspiring many to rise to a positive way of living.

A Quick Overview of Her Achievements Thus Far

The South Pole

First African woman to reach the South Pole. The last degree to the southernmost point on the surface of Earth.

Mount Everest

First black African woman to summit Mount Everest (8848,86m). The highest mountain in the world.

Mount Aconcagua

Summited Mount Aconcagua (6961m). The highest mountain in South America.

Mount Vinson Massif

Summited Mount Vinson (4892m). The highest peak in Antarctica

Mount Kilimanjaro

Summited Mount Kilimanjaro (5895m). The highest freestanding mountain the world and also the highest mountain in Africa.

Mount Denali

Summited Mount Denali (6190m). The highest peak in North America.

Some of The Organisations She Has Volunteeted and Raised Funds For Include:

• Kids Haven, a centre that provides protection, care and education for vulnerable children. Her expedition and summit of Kilimanjaro raised funds to build and equip a library at the organisation’s Child and Youth Care Centre in Benoni.

• Saray has adopted The Lunchbox Fund and continues to raise funds to feed over 60 000 needy kids.

• Mandela Libraries projects which builds libraries for under privileged school

For more inspiration, read Saray’s book “My Journey to the Top of the World”