From Alex to Africa’s Roof: Troy's Kilimanjaro Journey of Purpose

Photo Credit: Supplied

This Alexandra-born kennel assistant turned his childhood love for animals into a life-changing climb to Africa’s highest peak.

Tanzania (02 September 2025) – For many, summiting Mount Kilimanjaro is a bucket list dream. For Troy Motsime from Alexandra, conquering the climb was a mission of purpose and giving back.

Troy recently returned from Tanzania after climbing Africa’s highest peak as part of the “Paws on the Peak” campaign, a fundraising initiative under Kusudi La Adventures aimed at raising R400,000 for the Sandton SPCA’s clinic kennel upgrade.

Standing on the summit, 5,895 metres above sea level, still feels surreal for Troy.

“The feeling was quite amazing,” he says. “Each trail, each altitude, the people, the languages, the food, the stars at night. It was uplifting and mind-filling. Imagining that I was once a boy at a mobile clinic day in Alex, asking questions about sterilisation, and now I was standing above the clouds, it was unbelievable.”

The climb tested him in every way. Kilimanjaro’s final summit push is known for breaking even seasoned hikers, and Troy admits it was the most challenging experience of his life. But he kept going by holding on to his purpose.

“Every time I struggled, I thought about the animals in the kennels and the children we were helping in Tanzania. Yes, my fingers and toes were frozen, but I could still walk, I was still alive. That sense of purpose carried me step by step.”

That same purpose also moved people to give. The fundraising effort, which stood at R190,000 before the climb, surged to R320,000 during and after the summit.

“Seeing the numbers grow gave us more drive,” Troy explains. “People could see the impact Kusudi La is having for the SPCA and the community. We may not have reached R400,000 yet, but we’re closer than ever.”

His journey with animals began in 2012 when he joined a group of boys in Alexandra who called themselves the “Animal Cabin Crew.” They rescued strays, walked dogs, and educated their neighbours about animal welfare. That spirit of service opened doors, leading to volunteering at the SPCA, bursaries, and eventually a job as a kennel assistant.

Climbing Kilimanjaro, he says, has been a turning point.

“It gave me a sense of maturity. I realised I could be part of something much bigger than myself. It’s opened my eyes to new ventures, even in media, where I can create awareness and get more people involved.”

For Troy, the summit is not the end but the beginning of greater impact.