From the township streets of Khayelitsha to the summits of some of the world’s highest mountains, Monde Steven Sitole, 35, has spent his life defying the odds and he’s not done yet.

The Nyanga-born adventurer and climber, now based in the Eastern Cape, has already conquered Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and Mount Elbrus, the highest peak in Europe. Next year, in December, he plans to take Aconcagua in Argentina, the tallest mountain in South America, via the demanding Polish route.

But to make his dream a reality, Sitole is appealing for sponsorship and support to raise around R100 000 for his expedition fees and flights.

“My mother is my biggest inspiration,” he recalled.

“She worked so hard as a single parent, going to work every day without fear. Watching her gave me the drive to push past my own limitations.”

Sitole’s passion for adventure began in the libraries of Khayelitsha’s Site B.

He explained that his mother used to bring home books that sparked his curiosity. “Soon I was visiting every library I could find, discovering stories about explorers and adventurers from all over the world. That’s when I realised how much there is out there to learn and experience,” he said.

His thirst for knowledge soon took him far beyond Cape Town’s borders. Sitole was among the first African youths selected to attend school aboard the tall ship SV Concordia, travelling from Cape Town to Bermuda as part of a three-month world voyage.

“It was life-changing,” he recalled.

“We learnt so much about different cultures, food, music, traditions, and discovered how much we all share despite our differences.”

That experience opened doors to another extraordinary opportunity: the Mike Horn Pangaea Young Explorers Selection Camp in Switzerland, where Sitole honed his leadership and survival skills.

Inspired by these adventures, Sitole began fundraising for his first major climb up Mount Kilimanjaro.

“It was a huge challenge,” he admitted. “But it taught me the value of preparation, discipline and teamwork. Climbing isn’t just about the mountain, it’s about conquering yourself.”

He later scaled Mount Elbrus, enduring severe weather and isolation. “That day, I was the only one from my team who made it to the top,” he recalled. “Standing alone on that summit was surreal. I realised the real victory is not just reaching the top, but making it safely back down.”

Sitole’s personal motto reflects his outlook: The impossible only exists because we don’t strive to make it possible.

He’s also inspired by mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary’s words: “It’s not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves,” he quoted.

Training for Aconcagua has been intense and deeply personal. Sitole has adopted meditation, breathing techniques, such as pranayama and Sudarshan Kriya, and long hikes to maintain focus and endurance.

“I’ve learnt to find discipline in everyday routines,” he explained. “Even walking instead of driving becomes part of my training. It’s about mindfulness and commitment.”

He hopes to use his next expedition to inspire others to pursue their dreams no matter their circumstances.

“Dare to Dream is about reigniting that spark in all of us — to believe that we can reach beyond our limits, however small or impossible our goals may seem,” he said.

As he prepares for his next challenge, Sitole is also appealing for practical support and equipment partners.

What I still need in terms of gear is: Ice axe, Crampons, Sleeping bag, 100-litre backpack, Down parka,120-litre duffel bag, headlamp, ski goggles and glasses.”

He added, with a smile: “Maybe through this interview a gear partner could come on board and sponsor some of these items.”

Sitole also hopes to secure a second-hand camera to document his climb.

“They say if you don’t ask, you don’t get assistance, so this is me asking,” he laughed.

In return, he offers to carry sponsors’ logos or flags to the summit and to volunteer or speak on behalf of their initiatives.

“The most profound moment in my life was being at sea for the first time,” he reflected. “It showed me a freedom that  I can’t describe. Also meeting people from all over the world who had the courage to follow their dreams. That still drives me today.”

For Sitole, climbing mountains is more than a personal challenge; it’s a metaphor for hope, resilience and unity.

“I live every day knowing that I am because of others,” he said softly. “We’re part of a larger community, and together we have the power to change and make the impact we envision.”

Tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za

Weekend Argus 

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