Enter the 2025 Defender Awards

Small-scale South African charities and non-profit organisations working in conservation and humanitarian fields are invited to participate in the newly launched Defender Awards, an international initiative designed to support impactful grassroots work around the globe.

The awards are presented by Defender, the British adventure vehicle brand, as part of a broader £1 million global campaign aimed at recognising and empowering local initiatives. Organisations in South Africa stand the chance to be among seven global winners, each of whom will receive:

  • A £100,000 bursary to support their work,
  • A Defender vehicle to assist with access to remote areas,
  • Mentoring support from a network of global experts.

Categories of Entry

The programme seeks entries that align with one of the following four focus areas:

  • Defenders of the Wild: Projects that protect endangered wildlife and native plant species.
  • Defenders of Humanity: Initiatives that support vulnerable communities and enhance their resilience to crisis.
  • Defenders of the Land: Efforts to restore and preserve fragile terrestrial ecosystems.
  • Defenders of the Sea: Work that safeguards marine biodiversity and tackles environmental threats like pollution.

The awards specifically target small-scale, community-based organisations that often operate without significant visibility or funding.

Local Panel of Judges

Defender has appointed a panel of respected South African and regional leaders to assess local entries and nominate national finalists. The panel includes:

  • Ross Holgate, from the Kingsley Holgate Foundation, known for humanitarian expeditions across Africa.
  • Ivy Wairimu, Head of Conservation Partnerships at Tusk, an African conservation organisation with a long-standing relationship with Defender.
  • Bryan Habana, former Springbok rugby player and founder of the Bryan Habana Foundation, which uses sport to drive social development.

According to Janico Dannhauser, Brand Manager for Defender in South Africa, the initiative reflects Defender’s commitment to organisations “delivering humanitarian and conservation services at the cold face” – often with limited resources and recognition.

A Legacy of Support

This initiative builds on Defender’s long history of involvement in humanitarian and conservation causes. Highlights include its 70-year partnership with the Red Cross and a 20-year collaboration with Tusk. The new awards aim to broaden that support to smaller, emerging organisations in need of funding, tools, and mentorship.

Charlie Mayhew OBE, President of Tusk, noted that the Defender Awards present a valuable opportunity for grassroots organisations to receive essential support and build strategic partnerships.

How to Enter

Eligible South African organisations can submit their entries via the official website:

Two entries will be selected from each category per country, forming a shortlist of 56 finalists worldwide. From this shortlist, seven global winners will be chosen—ensuring at least one representative from each participating country, including South Africa.

This initiative represents a meaningful opportunity for local organisations to scale their impact, gain international recognition, and receive long-term support.

More Info

If entrants have any other questions about the Competition, please send your question by email to defawards@jaguarlandrover.com before the Competition ends.