Climbing mountain peaks in harsh weather conditions – such as in freezing temperatures – is no mean feat. Not only does it require physical endurance, but also mental and spiritual strength.
But Sibusiso Vilane, one of South Africa’s few black mountaineers, has made the adventure look easy. He has conquered some the world’s most feared peaks, such as Everest, the Himalayas and Kilimanjaro, to name just a few. All the mountains he has summited are more than 6 000m high.
Recently he and his “Team Extreme” partner, Alex Harris, became the first South Africans to walk to the South Pole completely unassisted. Vilane’s success in this ‘rare’ sport earned him the Order of Ikhamanga (Bronze), awarded to him by former president Thabo Mbeki. The Teacher caught up with him recently.
How old are you?
I am 37 years.
How do you earn a living?
I earn a living through motivational speaking and adventuring sponsorship.
Where did you grow up?
I spent the first four years of my life in the rural Shongwe mission in Mpumalanga province, but was later taken to the rural Mavula area in northern Swaziland. I stayed there for four years. I herded goats and cows, running barefoot in the veld. When I was nine years old my sister and I went to live with our mother in Mbabane in Swaziland.
Which schools did you attend?
I went to Zamani community school for grades one to four, then to a mission school called Mbuluzi to do grades five to seven. I went to a Catholic school in Mbabane, the Mater Dolorosa High School, where I completed my education.
And your tertiary education?
I never went to university or college because of financial difficulties. Even completing high school was financially difficult. I opted to look for a job immediately after completing school in 1991.
Did you have any favourite teachers and why?
I liked most of my teachers both at primary and high school, but if I have to pick a favourite it has to be Mrs Phakathi, who taught me at primary school from grades one to four. She was not incentive-driven, but had the love of her profession – teaching – in her heart.
What influence did she have on you?
She instilled in me the culture of working hard; a commitment to my work at all times. She built up my confidence and self-belief, values that laid a foundation for my successes.
Do you still have contact with her?
Unfortunately, I live in another country and it is difficult to keep in contact with her, but I will always admire her for the positive influence she had on my life.
What were your favourite subjects and why?
I enjoyed all subjects at school, but especially the ones I passed well, which were commerce and agriculture. Again it was because of the teachers’ attitudes towards the subjects and the way they taught with passion and dedication.
From your point of view, what are the qualities of a good teacher?
The qualities of a good teacher are self-esteem, loyalty and integrity.
And the things a teacher should never do or say?
Teachers should not go to school drunk because that devalues their integrity and the respect for the profession. They should not say that they do not care whether learners attend classes because they (teachers)0 get paid regardless. That kind of approach dents the integrity of the profession.
What message do you have for teachers in South Africa?
That the future of our country lies in their hands, which is a huge responsibility. All teachers must strive to educate and influence learners in a manner that will build self-belief, positive characters and the desire in learners to succeed in whatever field they pursue.