Three panellists have been appointed to adjudicate entries from South Africa for the inaugural international Defender Awards, a new initiative recognising individuals and organisations contributing to conservation and humanitarian work worldwide.
Ross Holgate (Kingsley Holgate Foundation), Ivy Wairimu (Tusk), and former Springbok rugby player Bryan Habana (Bryan Habana Foundation) will evaluate local nominations and select a finalist to represent South Africa. They will also join an international advisory panel providing mentorship to award recipients.
The Defender Awards aim to spotlight work across four categories: Defenders of the Wild (focused on endangered species protection), Defenders of Humanity (supporting vulnerable communities), Defenders of the Land (land preservation and restoration), and Defenders of the Sea (marine conservation).
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Seven winners—one each from South Africa, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Australia and Japan—will receive a £100,000 bursary, a Defender vehicle to aid their efforts, and guidance from a panel of experts. The awards represent a combined investment of over £1 million.
Holgate’s work with the Kingsley Holgate Foundation includes malaria prevention, distribution of reading glasses, water access initiatives, and humanitarian aid through expedition-based outreach. Wairimu, Head of Conservation Partnerships at Tusk, has contributed to anti-poaching, habitat protection, and human-wildlife conflict mitigation across Africa. Habana’s foundation focuses on youth development and social empowerment through sport, and he also chairs the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation South Africa.
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Entries opened on 28 April 2025 and close on 16 June 2025. Applicants may submit one entry under one of the four categories. More information is available at: www.landrover.co.za/defender/defender-awards/index.html
