EXECUTIVE SUMMARY FROM THE PRINT EDITION

THE MISSION
In March 2009, Sibongile Mpakanyiswa sets off with 13 other women from all over the world on an adventure around Africa and Europe in the Mitsubishi Africa Adventure Cape to Cape Expedition.

HOW LONG?
The trip is set to take eight months and visits 28 African and European countries in five Mitsubishi-sponsored Pajeros, and covers 40 000kms from Cape Agulhas to North Cape, Norway, all in the name of a good cause.

To read the full version of this story, go to page 23 of the November issue, on sale now.

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OPEN TO ADVENTURE
By Cara Bouwer

Chatting to DESTINY from New York, where - until recently - she’s been working in investment banking at JPMorgan Chase, Mpakanyiswa admits it’s hard to single out which country she’s most keen to visit. “I’m really looking forward to exploring most of the countries we’ll be seeing. But, if anything, my bias is towards African countries – particularly since I’ve already been to most of the cities we’ll be visiting in Europe,” she says.

“If I had to choose one African country I’m really eager to go to, I’d say Tanzania, as I’ve always wanted to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. I’m also keen to see Muslim countries such as Sudan and Libya, as I feel that they’re the least explored regions in Africa.”

Mpakanyiswa, who was born in Gugulethu, Cape Town, but grew up in eMdantsane in East London, is an all-out, undeniable outdoor enthusiast (“Believe me, I can rough it!”), a sports fan and an adrenaline junkie. Which makes her participation in the Mitsubishi Africa Adventure Cape to Cape Expedition a perfect fit. “My number one passion is sports, both playing and watching it. I played soccer and basketball at university and was awarded Gauteng colours in both. I actually made the national team for basketball and went to the Students’ World Championship Games in Beijing, China, where I was Captain of the team. So sport is a big part of my life, and that’s how I unwind.”

It’s therefore not surprising that, aside from her mother, her biggest role model is Dara Torres, the 41-year-old American swimmer and mother who competed in five Olympic events, winning silver in the 50m freestyle at the recent Beijing Games. “To me, she embodies sheer willpower, determination and the quest for perfection,” declares Mpakanyiswa.

Well, takes one to know one…

* For further information, visit: http://www.africa-adventure.travel