In honour of Nelson Mandela’s achievements and the pivotal role he played in South Africa’s journey to democracy, the SAGCE is sending a team of equally passionate individuals to the peak of Kilimanjaro, where they will mint a Mandela medallion.

The expedition, from October 20 to 28, will break new ground, not only for the SAGCE, but will qualify as a world first.

Minting a gold medallion at that altitude presents a unique challenge of its own. That’s why the SAGCE has arranged for the construction of a unique handheld press – light enough to carry up the mountain but also designed to mint a medallion to the highest standard possible. In the process, it will set a record for the highest altitude at which such a coin has ever been minted!

“This is a world first,” says Alan Demby, SAGCE’s executive chairman. “The climb is far from normal, as we are planning to mint the first gold medallion ever minted at so loft an altitude.

“As this adventure is in honour of our greatest South African icon, The SAGCE and its Scoin Shop chain will not only honour his remarkable journey but also his contribution to the future generations of our country – our children.”

One of the spinoffs from the SAGCE’s initiative is a partnership arrangement with The Teddy Bear Clinic, a non-profit organisation dedicated to ensuring abused children are protected and rehabilitated.

Ahead of the ascent, the SAGCE team visited the Build-A–Bear Workshop in Sandton City, where they created a ‘team’ of bears, which have been sponsored by Build-A-Bear and will be carried to the summit. On their return, the bears will be auctioned and the proceeds will go to the Teddy Bear Clinic.

Absa Rewards, a sponsor, will also be represented by a bear. “We are excited to be a part of this unique adventure and look forward to supporting the team and their companions,“ says Fayelizabeth Foster, partner manager for Absa Rewards.