Nzuzo Mnikathi (R) the youngest black man to ever reach the South Pole and Iain Buchan, founder of The Unlimited Child flying the South African flag.

In spite of struggling with frostbite for most of the expedition, 19-year-old Nzuzo Mnikathi finally achieved his dream of being the youngest black person ever to reach the South Pole, early on Sunday.

On Friday, Mnikathi’s South Pole dream seemed doomed when his fingers froze with frostbite and a decision on whether to pull out from the challenge had to be made.

The resilient teenager however decided to push on.

“Today (Sunday) has been the best day of my life. Even though I really struggled and am really exhausted, I am so grateful to be here with the rest of the team,” Mnikathi said.

“Without their support and motivation, I don’t think I would have managed to hold out till the end, but I am so glad that I did.”

Mnikathi is a member of The Unlimited Child South Pole expedition, which since January 14 has covered an astounding 111km in six-and-a-half days.

Iain Buchan, founder of The Unlimited Child, said the team encountered an unexpected slow uphill climb on the 19.5km final stretch to the finish.

“It was very tough, especially the last 4.5km, but we are all elated to be here.

“We are especially thrilled that the frostbite on Nzuzo’s fingers and nose held up well and that he could join us on his skis for the final haul.

“Nzuzo is a living example that people have unlimited potential. Here is a young man who has had a tough life, but is changing his future and has taken up our challenge to be an ambassador for The Unlimited Child,” Buchan said. – Daily News Reporter