Mountaineer, philanthropist, and Brand South Africa ambassador Angela Yeung has reached the summit of Mount Everest’s North Side, dedicating the climb to survivors of gender-based violence (GBV).
Yeung reveals that she stood on the peak on May 24, 2025, after a 50-day expedition in extreme weather conditions, as one of the few South African women to conquer the mountain's treacherous North Side.
Speaking about the initiative, she tells the Saturday Star that she carried the voices and stories of countless women affected by GBV with her to the summit, with every step representing them.
“Standing on the summit of Mount Everest’s North Side on May 24, 2025 at 10.56am, after a 50-day climb in extreme -35 to 50°C conditions on a summit day, was one of the most defining moments of my life. It wasn’t just about reaching the top of the world; it was about proving that dreams once thought impossible can become possible when fuelled by purpose. For me, Everest became a symbol of resilience, hope, and the courage to keep climbing, no matter how steep the mountain. But this journey was never just mine; I carried the voices and stories of countless women affected by gender-based violence (GBV) with me to the summit.”
The climb was also part of her Bras for Humanity campaign, led by the Impilo Collection Foundation, which she founded as an initiative that collects bras for vulnerable women and girls in South Africa as a symbol of dignity and protection.
“The Bras for Humanity initiative began unexpectedly. During an outreach, we delivered one tonne of sanitary pads to an informal settlement supporting HIV-positive women and children with disabilities. While there, a young girl softly asked me, “Auntie Angela, next time when you come, please bring us some bras.” That moment broke my heart. I looked around and noticed that many girls weren’t wearing bras.”
“Through research, I learnt something devastating: in many vulnerable communities, not wearing a bra makes girls more vulnerable to sexual harassment and abuse, as perpetrators see it as an “invitation” for sexual attention. That same year, 2,700 women in South Africa lost their lives to GBV. That became the catalyst for our #EmpowerHer campaign. Initially, we aimed to collect 2,700 bras, one for every woman lost, but the response was overwhelming; we collected 6,200 bras. The campaign’s current goal is to gather 8,849 bras, one for every metre of Mount Everest. So far, 7,732 have been collected,” she explains the essence of the initiative.
Yeung previously staged a powerful art installation at Constitution Hill, laying out 6,200 donated bras to highlight the scale of GBV. A travelling exhibition is now planned to take the message to communities across the country.
Asked why it is important to tie this event with 16 Days of Activism, she explained that Women’s Month and the 16 Days of Activism provide a powerful platform to amplify voices and push for change.
“But for me, this campaign goes beyond symbolism; it’s about action. By aligning Bras for Humanity with these periods, we remind South Africans that gender-based violence isn’t just a women’s issue; it’s a societal issue that demands collective responsibility. These moments create a sense of urgency and bring people, communities, and policymakers together to act, not just talk.”
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za
Saturday Star