Defender names Ross Holgate, Ivy Wairimu and Bryan Habana as South African panellists for inaugural global honours in conservation and humanitarian impact
Pretoria, South Africa – 05 May 2025 – Defender has announced the appointment of three distinguished South Africans to the adjudicating panel of the inaugural Defender Awards, a global initiative celebrating conservation and humanitarian champions. Ross Holgate of the Kingsley Holgate Foundation, Ivy Wairimu from Tusk, and rugby legend Bryan Habana will be tasked with selecting standout local finalists whose work is shaping a better future for people and planet alike.
Launched in 2025, the Defender Awards mark a milestone in the brand’s legacy of purpose-driven partnerships, recognising individuals and organisations on the front lines of environmental and social impact. The pioneering awards programme spans four critical categories—Defenders of the Wild, Defenders of Humanity, Defenders of the Land and Defenders of the Sea—with seven global winners each receiving a £100,000 bursary, a new Defender vehicle, and access to expert mentorship. The combined value of the awards exceeds £1 million.
South Africa is among the seven participating nations, alongside the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Australia, and Japan. The three appointed South African judges bring unparalleled expertise and on-the-ground experience in their respective fields.
A Trio of Trusted Voices
Ross Holgate, operations leader of the Kingsley Holgate Foundation, is no stranger to rugged terrain and humanitarian impact. The foundation’s expedition-based outreach initiatives have helped curb the spread of malaria, bring vision to the visually impaired through eyewear donations, and provide clean water to remote, drought-stricken areas across the continent. Holgate represents a legacy of meaningful action driven by compassion and curiosity.
Ivy Wairimu, Head of Conservation Partnerships at Tusk, brings a wealth of experience in protecting Africa’s wildlife and habitats. From countering poaching to mitigating human-wildlife conflict, Wairimu has led strategic conservation interventions across the continent. Tusk’s 20-year partnership with Defender underscores a shared commitment to safeguarding Africa’s natural heritage.
Bryan Habana, one of South Africa’s most celebrated athletes and a vocal proponent of youth empowerment, rounds out the panel. Through the Bryan Habana Foundation and his role as chairman of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation South Africa, Habana channels the transformative power of sport to inspire, uplift and empower the country’s next generation. His influence reaches well beyond the rugby pitch, into communities where opportunity and mentorship are most needed.
A Global Stage for Local Heroes
“Defender is renowned for forging enduring relationships with organisations advancing humanitarian and conservation causes,” said Janico Dannhauser, Brand Manager for Defender South Africa. “The Defender Awards is an expression of this legacy—an initiative that unites our values with those of our long-standing partners, and spotlights the individuals on the ground creating real, lasting change.”
Entrants must be actively engaged in one of the programme’s four thematic categories:
- Defenders of the Wild – protecting endangered and at-risk species
- Defenders of Humanity – supporting vulnerable communities
- Defenders of the Land – protecting and restoring fragile ecosystems
- Defenders of the Sea – preserving marine species and environments
Applications are open to South African individuals, groups or organisations from 28 April 2025, with a deadline of 16 June 2025. Entries can be submitted via the official Defender Awards website: www.landrover.co.za/defender/defender-awards/index.html.
Each of the seven winners—one from each participating country—will receive funding, a Defender vehicle, and invaluable mentoring from a panel of international experts, including Holgate, Wairimu and Habana.
Through this powerful initiative, Defender continues its journey beyond the road, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with those who dare to make a difference. The search for South Africa’s next generation of Defenders has begun.
