From SA to the South Pole

In spite of unforeseen challenges and a near evacuation, the Unlimited Child South Pole expedition team reached the South Pole in the early hours of Sunday morning (South African time), after covering an astonishing 111km in six-and-a-half days.

An exhausted, but overjoyed Nzuzo Mnikathi, who has been struggling with frost bite for most of the journey, managed to ski 14km with the group yesterday and achieved his dream of becoming the youngest black person to ever reach the South Pole.

The 19-year-old showed great character under trying conditions and proved that he truly is an inspiration to young South Africans. He lost both his parents at the age of nine and is no stranger to adversity, but could never prepare himself completely for the challenges of the harsh Antarctic environment.

“Today has been the best day of my life. Even though I really struggled and am exhausted, I am so grateful to be here with the rest of the team. 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,” said Nzuzo shortly after reaching the most Southern point of the planet.

With Nzuzo’s frostbite a constant worry, the rest of the team pushed themselves extra hard to reach their final destination before his condition worsened. Fortunately, the weather played along, except for one day when there was a white-out and they struggled with navigation.

According to Iain Buchan, founder of The Unlimited Child, 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 in what I reckon is the most special place on the planet. 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. We were very worried about him at one stage, but there is no further damage and he should heal well,” said a proud and relieved Buchan.

Buchan also reiterated that the expedition has a higher purpose to build awareness for The Unlimited Child and highlight the importance of early childhood development as the first and most important building block of a child’s education.

“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 and to become the youngest black person to ever walk to the South Pole,” concluded Buchan.

The team will board the Russian Twin Otter Turboprop cargo plane for the six-hour return flight to Union Glacier base camp in Antarctica before flying back to Chile.

The team is expected back in South Africa on 26 January.

For more information, soundbytes and visuals visit www.theunlimitedchild.co.za