South African Mountaineer embarks on Historic Ascent to empower GBV Survivors

Angela Yeung, ambassador of Brand South Africa, entrepreneur, founder of the Impilo Collection Foundation and pioneering mountaineer, is gearing up for a groundbreaking expedition to summit Mount Everest's North Side between April and June 2025. Following in the footsteps of fellow South African Cathy O'Dowd—who, in 1999, became the first woman globally to summit Everest from both the South and North sides—Angela aims to further this legacy by using her climb to spotlight the critical issue of gender-based violence (GBV).

The Impilo Collection Foundation’s EmpowerHer Programme is a notable campaign that aims to restore dignity to these survivors by addressing a seemingly small but deeply impactful need: bras. Through her advocacy for change and unwavering climbing efforts, Yeung plans to collect 8,849 bras through this initiative, each representing a metre of Everest’s elevation.

"Climbing Everest is a monumental challenge, but it pales in comparison to the daily battles faced by survivors of GBV," says Yeung. "Each bra we collect symbolises a message of solidarity: You are seen, valued, and deserving of dignity.”

Shining a Light on a National Crisis

In South Africa, GBV is often referred to as the "second pandemic." Recent statistics reveal the harrowing extent of the crisis:

• A woman is murdered every four hours, with many of these crimes linked to intimate partner violence.
• More than 40% of women in South Africa have experienced some form of violence—be it physical, sexual, or emotional—in their lifetimes.
• Police reports indicate that over 12,000 cases of rape were reported between July and September 2024 alone, a figure that experts believe is significantly underreported.
• Survivors of GBV often lack access to basic necessities, with many struggling to rebuild their lives in the absence of support systems.

A Legacy of Mountaineering Excellence

In November 2022, Yeung summitted Island Peak, a 6165-metre peak, to echo the EmpowerHer campaign of the collection of 6165 bras displayed at the Constitution Hills. September 2023, Yeung became the first South African to reach the TRUE summit of Mount Manaslu, the world’s eighth-highest peak at 8,163 metres. Despite sustaining a foot injury during her descent, Yeung’s resilience shone through as she completed her expedition.  In October 2024, her climb up Ama Dablam, saw her at a 6,812-metre peak in Nepal, further cementing her status as a dedicated and fearless mountaineer. Yeung continues to prove her dedication to the GBV cause, and Everest will be no exception. 

“For me, a climb is not just a climb; it is a mirror of the struggles we face as human beings. Like the tenacity needed to climb the North Side ascent of Everest, a route known for its rugged terrain and extreme challenges, our  GBV survivors seek out their own courage daily as they fight against their challenges and trauma. The mountain reminds us of this, and the bras will too,” says Yeung.  

Following her climb, the final collection of bras will be distributed to GBV shelters across South Africa, during a celebratory event highlighting the campaign’s impact.

The ascent is scheduled from April 27th to June 3rd in collaboration with esteemed international brands such as Cathay Pacific, GoPro and Zara Wellness. A thrilling revelation is Angela's plan to carry these brand logos and the South African flag to the summit of Everest, paying homage to her country and to the brands that stand for so much more than their global footprint.  

Through her climb, Yeung hopes to inspire individuals and corporates across South Africa to rally behind her mission.

“This is not just my climb; it’s every single South African’s climb. Together, we can transform Everest into a beacon of hope," ends Yeung.

How to get involved:

Corporates and individuals are invited to show their support in a number of ways. These include:

• Donate Bras: donate new or gently used bras at designated collection points or visit the Impilo Collection Foundation’s website to locate the collection points - www.impilofoundation.org
• Corporate Sponsorships: Sponsor kilometres of Angela Yeung’s climb or organise your own bra collection drives.
• Volunteer: Join as a Social Warrior to assist with fundraising and campaign events.
• Follow the Journey: Stay updated on Angela Yeung’s progress through live updates on the foundation’s social media platforms.  Instagram @Impilo_foundation

For more information on the EmpowerHer Campaign to volunteer or sponsorships for Angela Yeung’s Everest Climb visit https://impilofoundation.org/