Conquering the Summit Embracing the Journey |
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By Saray Khumalo Completing the 7 Summits challenge just over two weeks ago with Carstensz Pyramid as my final peak marks the culmination of a 12-year journey—a thrilling adventure fueled by resilience, discovery, and a determination to climb higher, not just for myself but for a greater purpose. Through Summits with a Purpose, each climb I undertake is a step towards changing the narrative for the next generation by championing education and opportunity. Standing on the summit for a flirting moment was exhilarating, yet it’s left an unexpected void in my "Dreams drawer," reminding me that while one journey concludes, there's always room to dream bigger and explore new paths. Climbing the Carstensz Pyramid is a remarkable and demanding experience. The route requires technical competence because it has exposed ridges, sheer rock faces and traverses that call for confidence and accuracy. Complexity was increased by climbing with ascenders walking on rope across two ridges in a hailstorm and by descending by abseil at night, which was an unreal sensation with old ropes in the dark, increasing both thrill and prudence. |
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The culmination of a twelve-year journey full of challenges, wonder, and friendship was reaching the summit of Carstensz. A delayed start, a helicopter travel to a base camp at 4,300 meters and negotiating the difficult terrain while being watched over by armed guards were some of the journey's particular difficulties. Every component emphasized how special this adventure was.
Yet, it wasn't just the physical challenges that made this journey unforgettable. It was the camaraderie—the shared experiences, laughter, and collective spirit of exploration. Every step, every test, and every triumph brought us closer as a team. As this chapter closes, I'm filled with anticipation for the next adventure and the new peaks that await. The spirit of exploration remains my guide, and I look forward to the future, driven by a mission to uplift and inspire through Summits with a Purpose. |
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PROMOTING & SUPPORTING MOUNTAINEERING |
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The objectives of the MCSA Johannesburg Section focus on promoting and supporting mountaineering as a recreational activity, while upholding environmental and historical conservation values. The key objectives of the Club include: - Organizing and Facilitating Mountaineering - Arranging activities that encourage safe and enjoyable mountaineering, making it accessible to the public.
- Securing Access to Mountain Areas - The Club works to procure and protect access rights to mountain areas, ensuring members and the public can enjoy these spaces responsibly.
- Environmental Conservation - MCSA Johannesburg is committed to preserving the natural beauty and wilderness character of mountain areas, promoting the effective conservation to safeguard these areas.
- Safety and Training - MCSA offers training and education to enhance skills, promote safe practices, and minimize risks for all.
- Search and Rescue Services - The Club provides search and rescue support to assist those in need, underscoring its dedication to mountaineering safety.
- Study and Preservation of Mountain Environments - MCSA supports the study of mountain environments, the conservation of these areas and the dissemination of this information with the Club community.
MCSA Johannesburg is committed to serving both its members and the public by fostering a safe, sustainable and well-informed mountaineering culture. |
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Alex and Gus from Roc n Rope Adventures and Morris Nkosi took 6 youth Emgwenya Mountain Club members to Waterval Boven’s 35m Last Crag of the Century. Ethan, Keketso, Kris, Mark, Nkosinathi and Thabang took the exposure and sound of the waterfall (which can be quite intimidating!) in their stride and lead climbed all routes, including the classic Bibiche Line (grade 20). Thanks to MCSA Johannesburg for their continued support of the Club. |
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International Climbing Meet |
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The 2025 Mountaineering Scotland International Winter Climbing Meet takes place from 1-8 March 2025 in partnership with the British Mountaineering Council (BMC), The Alpine Club and the Scottish Mountaineering Club (SMC). MCSA members experienced in winter climbing are invited to apply to take part. Preference will be given to climbers who have not attended an international meet before. The meet will begin at Glenmore Lodge, near Aviemore, Scotland where guests and hosts will meet before heading off to some of the best-known climbing huts in Scotland over the course of the week. Participants will stay at the famous CIC hut at the base of Ben Nevis, as well as other huts located in Glencoe and the Cairngorms. |
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TREES & SHRUBS OF THE WATERBERG |
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A companion volume to Wildflowers of the Waterberg, this 350-page book describes and illustrates in full colour 317 species of trees, shrubs, climbers and suffrutices that occur in this topographically diverse mountainous region of northern South Africa. Book Launch: Trees & Shrubs of the Waterberg Date: Saturday, 23 November 2024 Time: 10h00 Venue: Kokanje Hall, Modimolle Contact Louise (082 883 2338) for more info. RSVP by 15 Nov 2025. |
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DON'T MISS THIS MEMBER TALK! |
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iNaturalist Training Session 2 Eunezia Sitoe from CREW (Critically Rare and Endangered Wildflowers) will be talking about how our iNat observations can help us protect specific populations of flowers that few ever get to view. She will show us what we need to be looking out for on our hikes and expeditions. When: Wednesday, 30 October 2024 Where: Robin Hills Scout Hall Time: 18h30 for 19h00. |
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JOIN THESE UPCOMING MEETS! |
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KLOOFING @ GROOTKLOOF by Andreas Draxl |
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Our group of 18, an energetic mix of seasoned kloofers and excited newcomers, set out to stunning Grootkloof. After some scrambling, slipping, and sliding, it was time to abseil. Here, there were two choices: the easy, dry line or the wet, slippery one straight down the waterfall. For our newer abseilers, this was an ideal first challenge and a taste of what’s to come this season. After the refreshing, compulsory swim at the base of the abseil, we warmed up with some hot chocolate and coffee. Our timing was impeccable; we reached the lower section just in time for ‘magic hour’ when sunlight slips in, illuminating the water and casting reflections up the narrow kloof walls. After some more scrambling, a few small jumps, more swimming, and a dry bumslide, we arrived at the exit. With time on our side, we enjoyed a relaxed lunch at Breakfast Pools before strolling back to our cars. Having such a great group together really motivates us to organise more meets like this! |
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*** Castle Gorge Waterfall Weeding |
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We had to arrange another Meet to Castle Gorge to complete what we did not manage to clear in July due to lack of assistance. The waterfall is now clear after Bennie set up a trad stance and pulled out the last remaining Crofton! The Rangers, Buti and Victor, belayed a first time abseiler down the waterfall. The tributary flowing in from the west was hot and oppressive, making the work tough and horrible. Volunteers were put to the test on toughness, grit and determination in completing the necessary tasks. The river system thanked us with a lovely swim and cool down in Grassy Pool for lunch. |
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Fundraising: Experienced fundraisers needed for conservation and mountaineering projects, including land acquisition. Outreach: Join community projects that share the mountains with the next generation of mountaineers. Meet Leaders: Give back by leading regular and varied meets for MCSA members and the public. PR & Marketing: Educate and inform current and future members through social media, club gatherings and talks. Mountain Search & Rescue: Train in a team ensuring knowledge transfer and rescue capability, or raise funds for callouts. Click on the links below to contact the sub-committee directly. |
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TOGETHER, WE CAN STRENGTHEN OUR CLUB'S FUTURE |
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Every donation to the club, big or small, makes a difference. Your support in this crucial time will help us pay off our debts promptly and maintain a strong financial foundation. You can donate by transferring money via EFT with your annual membership fees or donate through our web portal. Please consider a recurring payment, which will make a big difference over time. |
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It is not what the club can do for you, it is what YOU can do for the club. |
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Explore. Discover. Connect. Protect. |
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MCSA Office, CityROCK Building, 173 Republic Road, Fontainebleau
Randburg, Gauteng 2032, South Africa |
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