Saray Khumalo becomes first black African woman to conquer Mount Everest

South African Saray Khumalo on Thursday became the first black African woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest, the highest point in the world.

Khumalo, who is a Mandela Libraries ambassador and business executive, previously attempted the climb three times before succeeding this year.

“One of her goals with Climbing for a purpose is to be an example to the next generation of leaders; to inspire them to pursue their dreams and summit their everyday peaks,” Khumalo’s website reads.

#SarayKhumalo began to trend on Twitter when the news broke on Thursday morning, with South Africans taking the opportunity to weigh in on the proud moment.

Bazalwane, today we celebrate #SarayKhumalo. Saray Khumalo is the first African woman who has conquered Mount Everest. Go out and make history African child. You can achieve anything! pic.twitter.com/XWkF4mP4PZ

— Christo (@ChristoThurston) May 16, 2019

She’s on top of the world! Wow! Huge congratulations South Africa’s #SarayKhumalo for conquering Mount Everest! You are incredible and an immense inspiration to people across the continent. African girl, nothing is impossible! ❤🗻🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/Efw9QfZQrk

— Ulrich Janse van Vuuren (@UlrichJvV) May 16, 2019

2014: Avalanche.

2015: Earthquake.

2017: Airlifted to hospital 100m from summit.

2019: History is made.

Nothing can stop an African woman determined to rise. Truly inspiring #SarayKhumalo https://t.co/xpcCkqZmLh

— map (@adli_peck) May 16, 2019

Even the South African government tweeted their congratulations.

“Congratulations to iMbokodo Saray Khumalo for being the first Black African Woman to reach the top of the world by conquering Mount Everest,” the tweet read.

Congratulations to iMbokodo Saray Khumalo for being the first Black African Woman to reach the top of the world by conquering Mount Everest. Bosso ke wena! #SarayKhumalo pic.twitter.com/yZ9Gsq7WLH

— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) May 16, 2019

Feature image: screenshot, @GovernmentZA via Twitter