NHLANGANO - The Minister for Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Jane Simelane, has officially launched the 12th edition of the Mahamba Gorge Hiking expedition, scheduled for March 29, 2026.
Speaking at a ceremony in Bethesda, the minister confirmed the trek will commence at 7am, marking over a decade of the event’s contribution to regional tourism and the local economy.
Under the theme, ‘Every Step Counts #HikingforGBVAwarenessandDigitalSafety’, this year’s expedition focuses on the intersection of technology and safety. Minister Simelane highlighted cyberbullying as a new frontier for abuse and a digital extension of gender-based violence (GBV). She noted that digital stalking and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images are tools of silence used against the vulnerable. NATICC Director Sisekelo Nzima reinforced this message, revealing that 507 cases of abuse were reported to his organisation last year alone. The hike serves as a collective physical stand against digital threats, promoting the message that no one should ‘walk the path of fear alone’.
The launch saw a significant wave of financial commitments from corporate stakeholders: Montigny Investments pledged E50 000, Inhlonhla E40 000, FINCORP committed E30 000, while Standard Bank reaffirmed its ongoing partnership and support.
Indlela Yekuphila Restaurant sponsored the registration fees for 55 participants while other contributors - Shiselweni Forestry Company and FTM Garments - confirmed their continued devotion to the cause.
Board Chairperson Thembekile Mndzebele emphasised that the expedition is a non-profit mission leveraging eco-tourism to uplift Shiselweni’s vulnerable communities. Since 2014, the organisation has used registration fees to drive social programmes, including house-building projects in areas such as Magele, Nsalitje and Mahamba. The initiative also provides seed funding for youth start-ups, including vegetable gardens and grass-cutting businesses, alongside providing essential food aid for vulnerable homesteads.
The tangible impact of the previous (11th) edition was detailed by Board member Lucky Msibi. Educational support, largely driven by Montigny and Standard Bank, has targeted significant numbers of students:
School Fees: 50 high school pupils from institutions including Ebenezer, Nhlangano Central and Mahamba High will benefit from fee assistance provided by Montigny.
At least 201 primary school pupils from schools such as Mbukwane SDA, Nsongweni Methodist and Jerusalem Primary will receive school shoes courtesy of Standard Bank’s ‘Walkmates’ initiative.
Shiselweni Regional Administrator and patron, Themba Nhlanganiso Masuku, lauded the volunteerism of the Board and the consistent support of the ministry. He stressed that these contributions go directly toward community infrastructure and learner welfare. ENYC CEO Lwazi Mamba added that the event plays a vital role in youth empowerment by creating temporary jobs and encouraging health through exercise.
Looking ahead, the Board chairperson pledged to integrate Fourth Industrial Revolution technology to enhance the tourist experience while maintaining the core values of innovation and integrity. The expedition remains a testament to the power of consistent partnership in changing lives across the region.
