Thousands entered, 48 were chosen and now just 12 remain. The Defender Trophy has revealed the South Africans who showed the skill, heart and teamwork needed to go further.
Johannesburg, South Africa (03 February 2026) – When you put 48 South Africans into a challenge that tests strength, thinking, teamwork and character, something remarkable happens. Strangers become teammates. Doubt gives way to belief. And the limits you thought were fixed start to shift.
From that demanding first round of the Defender Trophy, 12 finalists have now been selected and their journey is only just beginning.
Being part of those 48 is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I can say, without hesitation, that it was one of the hardest and most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. It was a moment (3 days, actually) that stripped away ego, forced us all to show up fully, and reminded us (as a team) just how powerful people can be when they commit to each other and to the task at hand.
The Defender Trophy selection round took place at the end of 2025 and brought together an extraordinary group of South Africans. Over a relentless few days, we were tested in ways that went far beyond physical ability. It demanded clear thinking under pressure, trust in teammates we had only just met and the willingness to keep going when everything felt uncomfortable.
Every single person who made it into that group of 48 earned their place and every single one of them deserves to be celebrated.
From that group, 12 finalists have now been chosen to compete in the South African national finals of the Defender Trophy, which will take place in March.
The dream team going to the next rounds are Anastatia Esterhuizen, Bernd Rohrmuller, Clinton Mackintosh, Gerrit Pieterse, Henry Liebenberg, Isabel Roux, Jackie Moore, Lance Kime, Mike Hewan, Nicholaas Louw, Robert le Brun, and Simon Fraser. Three women and nine men who stood out by consistently showing skill, heart, adaptability and an incredible ability to work as part of a team when it mattered most.
The Defender Trophy marks Defender’s return to global challenge events, inspired by the legendary competitions of the past but shaped for today. With more than 10,000 entries received globally and selection events taking place across 7 countries, even making it to the South African selection round was no small feat. Making it into the final 12 is something truly special.
“The call for entries for Defender Trophy emphasised the kind of participants we were looking for, those who embrace the impossible, with a passion for conservation. All the participants who made it into the selection round met this requirement and embodied the spirit of Defender. The 12 finalists, however, excelled in the various challenges and showed greater determination in pushing themselves both physically and mentally,” Janico Dannhauser, Defender Brand Manager at JLR South Africa, explained.
Defender Trophy organiser and adventure racer Mark Collins, who competed in the Camel Trophy in 1998, echoed that sentiment, highlighting just how tough the selection process was.
“The standard of competition in the selection round was truly world-class, which made choosing the 12 finalists very difficult. As expected, the challenges were a gruelling test of endurance. However, brute strength alone is not all that propelled the top competitors into the finals. To stand out, participants had to excel in several areas, including teamwork, navigation, vehicle handling, and physical resilience. The top 12 candidates did this with aplomb. We congratulate them for making it this far into the competition and wish them well for the next stage.”
The two winners of the South African national finals will go on to represent South Africa at the global Defender Trophy event taking place in Africa later this year, where they’ll compete alongside winners from 6 other countries in what is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
As someone who stood shoulder to shoulder with these finalists, I couldn’t be prouder. Proud of the 12 who are moving forward. Proud of every contestant who showed up, gave everything they had and backed the people around them. And proud of the spirit that ran through the entire group, reminding me just how special South Africans are when we tackle hard things together.
I’ll be cheering from the sidelines as loudly as possible as the journey continues, while also doing what I do best, sharing the stories, the moments and the magic as they unfold. This challenge isn’t just about who wins in the end. It’s about the people, the grit, the teamwork and the way this adventure brings out the very best in those brave enough to take it on.
And when those two incredible South Africans take on the world later this year, I hope you will be cheering with me.
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