Motivational speaker Sibusiso Vilane began his climbing journey in 1996 after meeting John Doble. He summited peaks in the Drakensberg, then conquered Kilimanjaro in 1999. In 2002, he climbed Pokalde, Lobujé, and Island Peak in the Himalayas as preparation for Everest.

On May 26, 2003, Sibusiso made history by becoming the first black person to summit Mount Everest. South African President Thabo Mbeki praised his achievement, highlighting the potential heights we can all reach through perseverance. He returned to Everest in 2005, climbing the more challenging North side.

Sibusiso is among a select group of South Africans and the first black African to join the ‘Seven Summits’ club, which includes the highest peaks on each continent. He has also climbed notable Alpine peaks such as The Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, and the Eiger.

Additionally, he has walked to both the North and South Poles, the latter completely unassisted alongside Alex Harris. He stays fit by running marathons and ultra marathons, including the Two Oceans and Comrades Marathons.

As an inspiring speaker, Sibusiso shares his belief in “No Limits!” with audiences globally, especially young people. He encourages them to dream big and pursue their aspirations relentlessly.

In 2006, he received the Order of Ikhamanga (Bronze) from President Mbeki. In 2005, he invited Sir Ranulph Fiennes and Alex Harris to summit Everest from the North Ridge, marking him as the first black person to climb Everest twice by different routes. His climb benefited three children’s charities.

Sibusiso has led corporate climbs and adventures, assisting South Africa’s youngest summiteer – at just 15 – of Mt. Aconcagua in 2012 and climbing Mont Blanc with John Doble. That year, he also summited a challenging Snow Leopard peak in Kyrgyzstan. He is a member of the British Alpine Society and was honoured by the Queen at Buckingham Palace in 2012, alongside Sir Ranulph Fiennes and other explorers.

In late 2012, Sibusiso was included in the Department of Sports and Recreation’s ‘Little Green Book of the 100 Most Influential Sports People’ for his contributions to adventure and exploration.

His infectious spirit uplifts people from all walks of life, emphasising that everyone faces their own ‘Everest.’ He teaches that, despite challenges, reaching the summit is possible, drawing parallels between climbing expeditions and business challenges.

Sibusiso’s presentations are engaging, featuring stunning images from his climbs, inspiring audiences to tackle their own mountains. He has served as the African ambassador for Lifeline Energy since 2006 and is a patron of the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Conservation Leadership organisation.