KILIMANJARO: TWO blind individuals have made history by successfully climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and placing a White Cane, along with a banner from the Tanzanian League for the Blind (TLB), at Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest summit.
The White Cane is an internationally recognised symbol of blindness and low vision.
Commenting on this historic achievement in Moshi, Kilimanjaro Region, TLB Acting Chairperson Ms Habiba Ngulangwa noted that Mr Pascal Msigwa and Ms Idda Lwila, both from Njombe Region, undertook this climb as part of Tanzania’s celebrations for International White Cane Day, which coincided with TLB’s 60th anniversary, held nationally in Kilimanjaro.
“By achieving their goal of celebrating both the White Cane and the 60th anniversary, they also aimed to promote Mount Kilimanjaro and other Tanzanian tourist attractions, supporting the efforts initiated by President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan to enhance tourism in Tanzania through the film ‘Royal Tour Tanzania,'” she said.
Mr Msigwa expressed his happiness at fulfilling his long-time ambition of scaling Africa’s highest peak, calling his ascent to Uhuru Peak a lifetime achievement.
He encouraged other Tanzanians to climb the mountain and promote both Mount Kilimanjaro and the country’s tourist attractions.
ALSO READ: TANAPA keeps up advocacy for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
Ms Lwila shared her joy at successfully placing the White Cane and TLB banner at the summit. “This achievement is clear proof that people with disabilities can accomplish great things,” she said.
Mr Sifaeli Malle, Director of Kilibase Adventures Company, which coordinated the climb, accompanied the duo and shared valuable insights from the experience.
“I learned that people with disabilities can contribute to the development of the country, regardless of their physical condition, if given the opportunity,” he noted.
He added, “Climbing Africa’s highest peak is an extraordinary achievement, especially for blind individuals. We embarked on our journey on October 20th and descended on October 24th.
This is a unique accomplishment, as they spent only three days reaching the summit and returning,” he explained, crediting their guide, Mr Nicholas Thadei, for his support.
TLB Secretary General Mr Mota Mollel urged government authorities to recognise the placement of the White Cane and TLB banner at the summit as a historical event, leveraging it as a tourist attraction to further promote Mount Kilimanjaro and boost the country’s tourism sector.
