Going Beyond Everest with Saray Khumalo this Women’s Month

What happens when you combine a touch of crazy with an unshakeable belief in your limitless potential? You get a story that’s as inspiring as it is extraordinary—one that pushes boundaries, conquers fears, and challenges the status quo. This is the story of Saray Khumalo, a trailblazing mountaineer who became the first black African woman to summit Mount Everest and is now on a mission to uplift others.

This Women's Month, Sasfin had the honour of hosting Saray Khumalo as part of our Talk Tuesdays. The afternoon started with a light lunch in our beautiful foyer, before we moved to the auditorium to hear Saray share her journey and the lessons she has learnt along the way. 

Meet Saray Khumalo: Trailblazer, Mountaineer, Author, and Record Holder

Saray Khumalo isn’t just climbing mountains—she’s redefining what it means to reach the summit. As an award-winning mountaineer, Guinness World Record holder, and author, Saray has made history not only through her extraordinary feats in mountaineering but also through her dedication to making a difference. Whether she’s tackling the highest peaks on earth or breaking down barriers for future generations, Saray’s journey is one of resilience, purpose, and unwavering determination.

Imagine standing atop Mount Everest, looking down on the clouds beneath you, realising you’ve just shattered every limit you once believed in. That’s exactly what happened to Saray Khumalo who tried and failed three times before successfully summiting Mount Everest. Sitting in a packed auditorium and listening to Saray Khumalo share her story during Women’s Month is even more meaningful as she embodies the strength, resilience, and determination that this month seeks to celebrate. From her beginnings as the daughter of a single mother to becoming the first black African woman to summit Everest, Saray’s story is a powerful testament to what women can accomplish when they challenge societal norms and push beyond perceived limits.

Her journey offers invaluable lessons on leadership, purpose, and overcoming adversity—lessons that resonate deeply with women of all backgrounds. Her message of empowerment, intentional living, and making a difference is a call to action for all women to realise their potential, break down barriers, and create a legacy that inspires future generations.

5 Lessons from Saray’s Journey

1. You have unlimited potential: Saray reminds us that we all have the power to reach beyond what we think is possible. Her journey is about pushing past societal expectations and stepping out of comfort zones to reach your potential.
2. It’s the journey not the destination: Climbing Everest wasn’t just about reaching the summit – it was about doing something meaningful along the way. Through her initiative, Summits with a Purpose, Saray built 16 libraries across Africa, showing that the destination is as important and has the power to uplift others.
3. You can’t control what happens, but you can control how you respond: Whether in the boardroom, at home, or on a mountain, Saray emphasises the importance of being intentional, present, and fearless in the face of challenges. Life’s “Everests” come in many forms, and while we can’t control everything, we can control how we respond and take life-preserving steps, even when the ground is shaking beneath us.
4. Be a VIP: In every aspect of life, Saray lives by the mantra of being a VIP – Visible, Intentional, and Present. Whether you’re in a boardroom or on a mountain, showing up fully is what makes the difference.
5. Surround yourself with a strong team: Success, whether on Everest or in life, requires strong partnerships – people who can guide, challenge, and support you. However, it’s not just about finding the right team; it’s about being the right team player.

What’s Next?

After conquering Everest and completing the Explorer’s Grand Slam, Saray is focused on paying it forward. Her mission now is to help others realise their potential, whether on Kilimanjaro or in their everyday lives. Because when you’ve climbed the highest peaks, the only thing left to do is reach down and pull others up.

With over 60% of our staff being made up of females – each of whom is breaking barriers in her own way, listening to Saray share her own story of breaking down barriers left everyone inspired to continue reaching “beyond the sky”. Saray's story is a testament to the strength and determination of Women and was the perfect ending to a month celebrating the power that is Women. 

What is your Everest, and how are you going to conquer it?