Africans stand tall
2003-05-26 18:49
Johannesburg - President Thabo Mbeki was awash with praise for Sibusiso Vilane, 32, who became the first black South African to reach the 8 848m peak of the world's highest mountain - Mount Everest - early on Monday morning.
"Today all Africans stand 8 848 metres tall," Mbeki said.
"Vilane has made all of us - of all colours, cultures and stations in the continent - stick out our chests in justifiable pride and wonder." Mbeki said.
He said Vilane's example of sheer grit and optimism, not alone but in the closest partnership with others - Vilane was climbing with an international team - was exemplary as Africans faced the Everest-like challenges of reviving the continent.
"Sibusiso has achieved fame just as a new era dawns in Africa - with the post-imperial strivings and struggles of Africans being recalled and lauded during the 40th anniversary of the Organisation of African Unity," Mbeki said.
He said the African Union was "deadly earnest" in its mission to inspire people to march towards a sustainable life for Africa and that Vilane's achievement could rightly be seen as a "very special inspiration to this end".
"We say to him, on behalf of the people and government of South Africa: you have done us proud," Mbeki said.
'Can do' attitude
Vilane, for his part, told the SABC on Monday that he climbed the mountain "for black people and for Africa".
Environment Minister Valli Moosa called Vilane a "hero" on Monday and said he would be recorded in history as the first black South African whose love for mountains led him to erect the South African flag on the peak of Everest.
He said Vilane had once conquered Mount Kilimanjaro. Moosa, who himself climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, met Vilane on his departure on March 14.
"He struck me as a young South African with stars in his eyes and a real 'can do' attitude to life," he said.
"The courage and zeal of Vilane should be exemplary to us all and to our youth. From it we must learn how our commitment and determination can make of us global players that will put our country and continent up where it belongs internationally," he added.
Inspiration
The Democratic Alliance also congratulated Vilane on his historic achievement on Monday. DA sport and recreation spokesperson Donald Lee said: "Vilane's achievement takes on even greater significance as this past weekend marks the anniversary of Sir Edmund Hillary's successful first summit of the mountain 50-years-ago."
Vilane's efforts in reaching the peak of Mount Everest would undoubtedly serve as inspiration to young mountain climbers in South Africa and across the continent, he said.
"He has shown what can be achieved through determination and hard work. We look forward to his safe return to South Africa," said Lee.
Last week, the six-member South African Discovery team abandoned their mission to reach the summit after two assaults were foiled by bad weather.
- SAPA