Pretoria, South Africa – Tuesday, 03 June 2025 – Defender proudly reaffirms its enduring commitment to humanitarian and conservation efforts in Africa by supporting the Kingsley Holgate Foundation’s latest mission: the Greater Gorongosa Expedition. This ambitious journey, which begins today, will see a fleet of Defender vehicles transport life-saving aid and educational materials from South Africa to remote communities surrounding Mozambique’s Gorongosa National Park.
Rooted in a partnership that spans more than a quarter of a century, Defender has become an inseparable part of the Kingsley Holgate Foundation’s expeditions. Over the years, these rugged vehicles have crossed some of the continent’s most challenging terrains, delivering essential supplies and hope to the people who need it most.
This year’s mission is no exception. The Greater Gorongosa Expedition will spotlight Defender’s peerless capability, with the spotlight on two new-generation Defender 130s — affectionately named Moyo (Heart) and Isibindi (Courage). These vehicles, which recently completed the monumental 62,000-kilometre Afrika Odyssey, bring advanced technology, resilience, and comfort to the expedition team. Joining them are four classic Defenders — stalwarts of the Foundation’s storied past — forming a convoy that symbolises both legacy and innovation.
“We are immensely proud to continue our long-standing partnership with the Kingsley Holgate Foundation,” said Janico Dannhauser, Brand Manager for Defender. “Its work in malaria prevention, providing reading glasses, and inspiring youth through the Wildlife Art campaign aligns perfectly with Defender’s ethos of going above and beyond. The Greater Gorongosa Expedition is another chapter in this legacy, and our vehicles, having conquered all types of unforgiving terrain in the recent Afrika Odyssey Expedition, are ready to tackle whatever challenges Mozambique presents.”
The mission’s focus on malaria prevention is especially vital. According to the World Health Organisation’s most recent Malaria Report, regions like Mozambique — where malaria remains endemic — require sustained, on-the-ground action. The Foundation’s last expedition saw the distribution of 15,880 mosquito nets, each estimated to protect at least one mother and two children. With the Greater Gorongosa Expedition, this critical work continues — and Defender is honoured to facilitate it.
Expedition leader Ross Holgate reflected on the powerful symbolism behind the expedition’s mixed fleet: “It will be an incredible blend of heritage between the old and new Defenders, both having achieved geographical world firsts. Whilst the new Defender is more capable with its incredible technology and comfort, we must still salute those older models that got us there in the first place. Defender is an iconic brand that not only stands for a combination of history, capability and durability but also promotes a legacy of purpose into the future.”
The Greater Gorongosa Expedition officially departs today following a heartfelt send-off at the Koru Environmental Kids Camp near Hoedspruit. With each kilometre travelled, the Defender convoy reaffirms its mission: to explore, to serve, and to uplift.
Follow the journey and support the Kingsley Holgate Foundation’s vital work via its official social media platforms.
