Johannesburg - The Nelson Mandela Foundation (NMF), the South African government and their Tanzanian counterparts were working closely together to bring racing driver Gugu Zulu’s body home, the foundation said on Tuesday.
“All the trekkers returning from the summit are safe and were informed last night of the passing of Gugu. They were devastated by the news. They are currently making their way down the mountain and [will] return to South Africa on Wednesday. We can’t confirm at this stage if Letshego Zulu will return on the same flight,” the NFM said.
“We are currently awaiting documentation from Tanzanian authorities and South Africa’s Home Affairs before travel arrangements can be made [for Gugu]. We are hoping to resolve these issues today [Tuesday] before flight details can be confirmed.”
Sello Hatang, the chief executive officer of the foundation was currently with Letshego in Tanzania. The Zulu’s were part of Trek4Mandela climbing Mount Kilimanjaro for a charity expedition to benefit schoolgirls.
The NFM said the Trek4Mandela climbers were expected to arrive at OR Tambo International Airport on Wednesday evening. They expedition was led by experienced mountaineer, Sibusiso Vilane.
Gugu Zulu, 38, a veteran racing driver and television presenter affectionately known as “the fastest brother in Africa”, died after experiencing breathing problems while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
He is survived by Letshego and their one-year-old daughter.
African News Agency