MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Berrie Geldenhuys (53), a correctional officer from Mossel Bay, took on the biggest challenge of his life: climbing to the peak of Mt Stanley in Uganda after recovering from a severe injury to his back.
From 12 to 19 August, Geldenhuys hiked up Mt Stanley, aiming to reach the mountain's highest point, Margherita Peak.
The trek was not without its challenges. Braving rain, snow and glaciers - conditions South Africans aren't entirely familiar with - as well as an altitude of 5109m, made Geldenhuys question more than once whether he should turn around.
But making it to the top was everything he had hoped it would be and more. "I am so grateful. It was the most amazing experience of my life," he said.
Conquering Mt Stanley was a long-time dream of his, but one that had to be paused due to his back injury. For two years, he suffered tremendous pain, and according to his doctors, would never climb again.
Berrie Geldenhuys climbed to the highest peak of Mt Stanley in Uganda.
But the desire to climb Mt Stanley only continued to grow after seeing a friend of his make the journey. Geldenhuys then entered into a year-long rehabilitation programme to begin improving the condition of his back.
His journey to climbing Mt Stanley was not only one of strength and perseverance, but also of faith.
Geldenhuys told Mossel Bay Advertiser that God had blessed him with a miracle. In December 2024, he noticed relief of his back pain. "By the Lord's grace, my back was healed."
Geldenhuys has always had an interest in mountains, even climbing Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania in 2006.
When asked if he would venture into something like this again, Geldenhuys told the Advertiser he now has his sights set on conquering Mt Elbrus in Russia.
"I've always wanted to do rope climbing, and I'm glad I had the experience with this climb. But I wouldn't climb the same mountain twice," he said.
Aside from packing a thick winter jacket and the necessary climbing equipment, Geldenhuys also took along photographs of his son and his colleagues at the Mossel Bay Correctional Centre, which he pulled out once he reached Margherita Peak.
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