Suzuki Auto South Africa has joined forces with the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) for Cars4Good 2026, a nationwide initiative that combines mobility, awareness, and lifesaving action. At the heart of the campaign is the brand’s iconic Suzuki Jimny 5-door, chosen for its versatility, reliability, and ability to navigate both urban streets and remote terrain.
The campaign was launched in response to one of the NSRI’s busiest festive seasons on record. Between 15 December and 15 January, NSRI volunteers rescued 201 people, a 26% increase on the previous year, while national callouts climbed by 32.5%. Most alarmingly, incidents classified as “Drowning in Progress” surged by 117%, underscoring the urgent need for sustained public support and funding.
As part of Cars4Good 2026, four Suzuki Jimny 5-door GLX manuals, each valued at R465,900, headline the campaign’s prizes. Supporters can stand a chance to win one simply by purchasing a ticket.
Chosen for its compact size, off-road capability, and unmatched versatility, the Jimny is a natural fit for a campaign centred on accessibility, preparedness, and reliability. Each of the four prize vehicles is wrapped in a distinct colour, telling a different NSRI story and sparking conversations about water safety and rescue wherever they go.
Brendon Carpenter, Brand Marketing Manager of Suzuki Auto South Africa, explains:
“Suzuki Auto South Africa is thrilled to partner with the National Sea Rescue Institute. Beyond supporting the Cars4Good competition, we are committed to engaging in projects where Suzuki vehicles and our audience can make a tangible difference in life-saving efforts.”
Each Jimny represents a key pillar of the NSRI’s work: the blue Jimny highlights whale disentanglement efforts, which rescued 70 animals in 2025; the red Jimny underscores core rescue operations, responsible for saving 1,548 lives across 1,069 missions last year; the yellow Jimny celebrates lifeguards stationed at 55 beaches nationwide; and the pink Jimny reflects the impact of the Pink Rescue Buoy initiative, which has saved over 240 lives since 2017.
Dirk Coetzee, NSRI Business Development Manager, says:
“These Jimnys are fun, eye-catching, and different – just like the NSRI’s approach to turning everyday South Africans into life-savers. Suzuki doesn’t partner lightly, and neither do we. This collaboration is about real impact, built on trust and shared purpose.”
Each vehicle is equipped with a QR code linking directly to the campaign, making it simple for the public to get involved, whether the Jimny is spotted at a shopping centre, roadside, or beach parking area.
Tickets for Cars4Good 2026 cost R695 and include entry into four prize draws throughout the year. With only 45,000 tickets available nationwide, all proceeds go directly to supporting the NSRI’s core operations.
“The Jimny has always been about enabling people to go further with confidence,” says Carpenter. “Through Cars4Good 2026, we’re proud that it can also help the NSRI reach communities, raise awareness, and ultimately save lives.”
