The South African mountaineer is leading a team of women on a journey to conquer the highest volcanic peaks on every continent while inspiring others to dream bigger.
South Africa (26 June 2026) – South African mountaineer and adventurer Sibusiso Vilane is hoping to inspire a new generation of women to dream beyond perceived limitations through an ambitious expedition known as Elevate-HER.
The initiative aims to guide a group of South African women as they attempt to summit the highest volcanic peaks on all seven continents.
Sibusiso said the idea was born during a trek to Everest Base Camp, which coincided with the 20th anniversary of his historic first ascent of Mount Everest in 2003.
“I was walking back out from the mountain when a question came to me: Is Sibusiso done with all that he has done? Is this it?”
Having spent much of his climbing career pursuing individual achievements, Sibusiso said he wanted to create something that would allow others to share in the journey.
“You’ve always done things alone and it has always been a Sibusiso story. You don’t have much of a ‘we did it’ type of story.”
The group (namely Mpume Nyandu, Sibongile Shongwe, Lungiswa Tshayana, Queen Mohale, Bongiwe Ncube and Sibusiso Vilane), made up of women from diverse and often underrepresented backgrounds, successfully completed a self-funded summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in 2024. Their next target is Mount Elbrus in Russia, the highest peak in Europe and one of the world’s renowned volcanic summits.
He believes the project is about far more than reaching mountain tops.
“We believe women have potential, and they are limitless and willing to go out there and break barriers.”
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For him, helping others achieve what once seemed impossible has become one of the most rewarding parts of his career.
“It feels fulfilling for me. There’s nothing that warms my heart when I see a person that never thought something was possible suddenly, through my guidance and leadership, grow to think beyond that limitation.”
Sibusiso revealed that he hopes the project inspires women to take on the challenge.
“We hope other women will look at this and say, ‘If these women could do it, so can I.'”
With six volcanic summits still ahead after Elbrus, Sibusiso believes the project’s greatest achievement may ultimately be the inspiration it provides for others.
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