Dear Freedom Climbers,

In 2016, the Mountain Club of South Africa (MCSA) submitted recommendations to the South African Government that prohibit them from allocating financial assistance to our proposed expeditions as aspects of them are commercial. MCSA motivated that their richer members have gone on such trips and prefer lesser frequented mountain areas. Accordingly,  mountaineering sport in South Africa is one of the greatest displays of inequalities that exist in South Africa.

As Management, we took the difficult but necessary decision to formally file a grievance with the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA). While AFC is not a member of the UIAA, we hold the view that the decisions and recommendations made by UIAA members should not adversely affect or hinder the prospects of related parties except in instances of non-compliance with safety and environmental protocols promulgated by various mountain authorities. 

We are grateful to equitysport for co-signing on this initiative and also commend the current President of MCSA's swift respose to assure us that the matter will be investigated and reviewed for fairness.

We will communicate the outcomes of this matter in due course.

Kind regards,

Katlego Letheo