She faced her fear and conquered it 64 times over! Tania Morkel, lovingly called “Table Mountain’s Iron Lady,” has triumphantly completed a breathtaking 64-day challenge, motivated by her recovery from a near-fatal fall.
Cape Town, South Africa (13 May 2025) – It has been a long and deeply motivated 64-day climb up and down Table Mountain, but the ever-so-brave and remarkably inspiring Tania Morkel has done it!
Lovingly dubbed as “Table Mountain’s Iron Lady”, Tania began her personal challenge to ascend and descend the iconic landmark for 64 days in an effort to raise R64,000. This was her powerful way of celebrating her recovery following a near-fatal fall from the very same mountain in 2023 and giving back to the heroes who saved her life.
With composure and undeterred grit, she has been at it day after day, and she has finally seen her personal mission all the way through.
Yesterday, Tania was joined by the Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) teams, including Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS medics, SANParks – Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) rangers and her family as they started up Platteklip Gorge for the final ascent in her 64 x 64 Challenge.
“Each step back up the mountain was my thank you note to the rescuers who brought me home,” Tania shares.
Her journey of overcoming a near-death experience to living life to the fullest has touched countless lives, and it’s not hard to understand why. More impressive still, Tania surpassed her R64,000 fundraising goal, with funds currently sitting at R110,556; it’s a mind-blowingly thrilling feat, how can you not be inspired?
“I hope these funds help them (WSAR and TMNP) reach the next person in need and keep every hiker a little safer,” Morkel said.
WSAR spokesperson David Nel praised her effort, saying:
“Tania’s determination on the mountain and her generosity off it embody the true spirit of volunteerism – a way of giving back to the community and making a positive impact on others.
“The generous support for her fundraising campaign will help to ensure that our teams continue to provide a world class rescue service to the outdoor communities of the Western Cape,” Nel said.
The heroic EMS paramedic who treated Tania after her fall in 2023 presented her with a bouquet of Proteas and Cape florals as she completed her last ascent, recognising her incredible journey and the spirit of gratitude that inspired it.
Tania, you didn’t just achieve a great thing, but you touched lives and are a true hero to us all!
Sources: Wilderness Search and Rescue
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