From Challenge to Courage: Nanze Climbs Kilimanjaro for Breast Cancer Awareness

Optimum proudly sponsored Nanze Els from Upington, Northern Cape, on her extraordinary Kilimanjaro climb, a journey dedicated to breast cancer awareness. This climb was more than a summit. It was a celebration of resilience, determination, and the power of hope in the face of life’s toughest challenges.

Nanze’s story is a testament to courage. In March 2018, just four weeks before she was set to complete her first full Ironman in Port Elizabeth, Nanze, then 35, was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer. At the time, she was raising three children, Chris, and her twins Sven and Sas. Doctors informed her that she would require months of chemo and radiation, a treatment plan that would keep her away from her family for long stretches.

Despite the shocking diagnosis, Nanze made a life-changing decision: she would complete Ironman before starting treatment. On 22 March 2018, her tumour was removed, and on 15 April, she completed Ironman in under 14 hours, refusing to let cancer define her. Soon after, she began chemo, enduring 12 treatments, hair loss, extreme fatigue, and emotional struggles, while juggling the heartache of being away from her children during long hospital stays.

During her recovery, Nanze discovered a way to cope and inspire others: writing. Her reflections and experiences became her book, “Ironman, Kanker en Ek”, published in 2019, aiming to offer hope and guidance to those facing similar battles.

Nanze’s drive for achievement didn’t stop with her health. In 2020, COVID-19 brought financial strain as she and her husband managed two guesthouses, threatening their primary source of income. Despite this, she challenged herself physically and mentally, swimming 8km in open water with sharks and competing as part of the Griekwaland-Wes team at the South African Biathlon Championship.

Education was another frontier she conquered. Starting her LLB at age 36, she balanced studies with life’s unpredictability. In 2024, while completing her degree, she was diagnosed with a 2.5cm non-cancerous brain tumor. Treatment required intensive radiation and strict recovery, yet Nanze pushed forward, completing exams and continuing her pursuit to become a fully qualified attorney.

In October 2025, Nanze embarked on her latest extraordinary challenge: climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with climbing partner Erika Van Niekerk. Sponsored by Optimum, this journey was dedicated to raising breast cancer awareness, symbolizing perseverance, resilience, and the promise to inspire others to never give up. At the summit, Nanze held up a flag for her children that read: “As jou drome jou nie bang maak nie, is dit nie groot genoeg nie!”

A deeply personal and inspiring moment, this message reflected her journey, her courage, and the lessons she wants to pass on to her children and to everyone following her story. Her climb reminded everyone that achieving a summit isn’t just about reaching the top, it’s about every step, every challenge, and every act of courage along the way.

Nanze’s journey is a powerful reminder that setbacks don’t define a person; resilience, determination, and purpose do. Each step she took up Africa’s highest peak reflects a life lived with intention, courage, and a deep commitment to helping others. Her story proves that with courage, vision, and perseverance, where possibility runs deep, extraordinary things can be achieved.

We are incredibly proud to support Nanze and her mission to raise awareness for breast cancer. Nanze, your journey, courage, and determination inspire us all to keep pushing, keep dreaming, and never give up. It is an honour to be your sponsor and to stand alongside you as you make a meaningful impact, a true reminder of the power of resilience and hope.