January 2008

Our South African Lifeline Energy Ambassador, Sibusiso Vilane, made history by becoming the first black African to reach the South Pole on Thursday, 17 January 2008. Covering 1113 kilometres in some of the worst conditions on Earth, Sibu dedicated every kilometre he walked to ensure Lifeline radios are delivered to the vulnerable children of South Africa.

Sibu set out on a tough 65-day journey with fellow mountaineer, Alex Harris, in an attempt to become the first South Africans to trek unassisted to the South Pole. Sibu was in regular contact by satellite phone with Lifeline Energy, keeping us updated on his progress.

Sibu, who made history earlier when he became the first black African to climb Mount Everest in 2003, committed this expedition to raising funds for Lifeline radios and is appealing to the public around the world to support him by donating one Lifeline radio for every kilometre he walked on his epic journey. The Lifeline radios donated will be used to bring much needed information and education to children heading households in South Africa.

'I am making this walk, not just for me but for South Africa. Please help me and show your support by donating a Lifeline radio for the benefit of the children of South Africa. The future entirely depends on the education of children, their access to information to broaden their thinking and understanding of the ever changing and challenging world.'

The two mountaineering partners, who before their South Pole trek shared a tent for 70 days on Mount Everest, prepared themselves physically to drag sleds weighing 130 kilograms behind them. They used mine dumps to train and swallowed litres of olive oil to be in great shape to complete the trek unaided. They did not use dogs or wind power, and no one carried supplies or rigging tents for them.

Please support our brave Ambassador who completed this amazing journey. Donate a Lifeline radio today.

Read more about Sibu and his quest by visiting www.sibusisovilane.co.za