Come January 2012, Nzuzo Mnikathi - a 19-year-old Grade 12 pupil from Nomaswazi High School in Pietermaritzburg, KZN, may be the youngest black person to ever walk to the South Pole.
His journey is part of The Unlimited Child South Pole Expedition. It's a cause that raises awareness on the importance of early childhood development and education in South Africa.
Having been orphaned at 10-years-old - his father killed in political unrest in 2000 and his mother dying in 2003 - Mnikathi was raised by his seamstress grandmother, Ivy Ndlovu.
Mnikathi said his grandmother taught him and his younger brother to be sterling citizens, despite the hardships they faced as a family.
“I live for my family, my school, sports and church. You have to have a solid grounding in life and if I have learnt one thing, it's that you have to have respect and discipline.”
Mnikathi's Antarctic goal is to walk 111km, in freezing conditions. It's a number that's derived from the 111 000 children who need help in the country, through the organisation and ways to help are numerous.
Mnikathi said he rose to the challenge to undertake this literally epic journey because he wanted to show those in difficulty that all things are possible to achieve.
“I want to use this opportunity to show the world… that you can overcome difficulties with determination and the right attitude.”
His voyage starts on 14 January 2012. For two weeks, he and team of polar expedition experts, will be trekking in 24-hour daylight and camping along the way in sub-zero temperatures that range from -30 to -60 degree Celsius temperatures. They'll wade through the snow using skis for between seven and 10 hours a day. This, in addition to hauling a sledge containing supplies, that weight about 40kg's.
Iain Buchan, Chairman of The Unlimited Child, said that in as much as Mnikathi would have a team during the trip, he would have to use his own will power to overcome the vast expanse of snow and cold.
To prepare him, Mnikathi was put through acclimatisation and weight training.
Said Mnikathi: “My friends all think I'm crazy as I've stopped taking the taxi and I've been walking everywhere. I also try and get into the gym at least twice a week where I've been doing strength training and lots of stretching.”
He said that in as much as he is carrying the hope of South Africa in claiming the record, he was also doing it to be a living example of what can be achieved through the power of the mind.
“Yes, this is about setting a new record as the youngest black person to reach the South Pole, but more importantly, it's about the challenge of trying to achieve something of value against the backdrop of an unpredictable and unforgiving environment. It's [also] about giving every single young child in South Africa a chance at a future.”
The expedition departs on 9 January 2012 and you can help Nzuzo reach his goal of 111km for 111 000 children on the website: www.theunlimitedchild.co.za. - IOL