Troy Motsime: From Alex to Kilimanjaro

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Troy Motsime shares his journey from the streets of Alexandra to the summit of Kilimanjaro. A journey inspired by purpose and passion

Johannesburg, South Africa (14 July 2025) – What started as a simple trip to a mobile clinic in Alexandra has grown into a life-changing adventure for Troy Motsime, one that will soon take him all the way to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Troy, a young man from Alexandra township, is preparing to climb Africa’s highest peak as part of a fundraising initiative led by non-profit Kusudi La Adventures. The goal? To raise R400,000 for the Sandton SPCA’s clinic kennel upgrade. A cause that he describes as close to his heart.

Over a decade ago, in 2012, Troy attended an SPCA mobile clinic day to help a neighbour get their dogs vaccinated. What stood out was his genuine curiosity about sterilisation and animal care, a moment that sparked the attention of Stephanie Brown, a long-time SPCA volunteer and founder of Kusudi La Adventures. From there, a connection was made that would shape his life.

Soon after, Troy joined a group of local boys who called themselves the Animal Cabin Crew. They spent their days walking dogs, rescuing strays, and educating others about animal welfare.

“We’d even hide injured animals at home until we could get them to the SPCA the next day,” Troy recalls. “We just wanted to help.”

A throwback to 2012, Troy (blue beanie) with friends from the Animal Cabin Crew. Photo Credit: Emma O’Brien

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That commitment opened many doors for Troy. This eventually led to volunteering at the SPCA, a bursary to study, and later employment. Now working as a kennel assistant, Troy continues to give back, however slightly different this time, as he prepares to take on Kilimanjaro.

“This climb means so much to me. Not many people from Alex get the opportunity to climb a mountain like this. It’s expensive. But now I’m doing it through something meaningful, through animals, through community, through purpose.”

He hopes his story will inspire others. His participation in the climb has been covered so all his efforts are going towards raising funds to help the SPCA.

“It’s not just about the summit. It’s about showing that even if you’re from the most difficult places, you can do great things. You can grow. You can make an impact.”

The “Paws on the Peak” campaign is part of Kusudi La’s mission to blend adventure with purpose. Each climber raises funds, and the public can also support them. You can support the cause here and help Troy reach his goal to help the animals he loves so dearly.

For Troy, this isn’t just a climb, it’s a full-circle moment.

“It was a mobile clinic day,” he recalls. “And now I’m climbing Kilimanjaro… to show that even though you’re from the most impoverished areas, you can do great things.”