Mrs South Africa 2nd Princess Talitha Oosthuizen combined her Everest Base Camp journey with advocacy for human trafficking victims and rhino conservation.
Johannesburg, South Africa (19 March 2026) – Mount Everest is intimidating enough, but climbing it to fight for South Africa’s most pressing issues? That takes courage on another level. Mrs South Africa 2nd Princess, Talitha Oosthuizen has returned from an extraordinary journey, completing the trek to Mount Everest Base Camp. And the purpose behind it is what makes this journey incredible. Talitha’s expedition shone a spotlight on two pressing issues in South Africa: human trafficking and rhino poaching.
Reaching the base camp was, as she described it, “very emotional.” Standing at the foot of the world’s highest mountain, she felt the weight of history beneath her feet.
“I was walking in the footsteps of so many others who have been on this challenge.”
Sharing the achievement with her husband made it even more special, allowing her to plant a flag for the causes she champions.
Talitha’s journey into high-altitude trekking is rooted in a long-standing love of hiking. Starting with South Africa’s Otter Trail and the Fish River Canyon, she and her husband gradually took on bigger challenges, summiting Mount Kilimanjaro before setting their sights on Everest Base Camp. But this wasn’t just a personal tick on a bucket list.
“I want to do it for a cause so that people are reminded of what’s going on in the world and in South Africa. And for me, knowing that I can raise awareness, start conversations, and use this journey to make people think about these issues, that’s why it’s worth it.”
The causes she chose are deeply personal. Rhino poaching, affects not only wildlife but also the tourism industry, a critical part of South Africa’s economy. Human trafficking, through her advocacy work with Shattering Shackles, hits even closer.
“I experienced injustice as a child. I’m not playing the victim card. I’m a warrior, and I want to be a voice for those who cannot speak.I want to be a voice for those who cannot speak. I want to show that there is strength in standing up and speaking out.”
The journey was far from easy. From basic accommodations at high-altitude houses to freezing temperatures and oxygen levels dropping, Talitha faced both physical and mental challenges. Yet each obstacle reinforced lessons in adapting. Witnessing the state of living for the local communities also gave her a renewed sense of gratitude for what many South Africans take for granted.
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Talitha’s Everest journey was more than a personal triumph, but a call to action.
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