EWT Accountant Njabulo Mthabela Takes on Drakensberg’s Peak for the Future of Rhinos

Photo Credit: Supplied by Njabulo Mthabela

Endangered Wildlife Trust accountant Njabulo Mthabela is combining his passion for running and nature as he takes on the 2026 Rhino Peak Challenge to raise vital funds for rhino conservation.

Johannesburg, South Africa (11 September 2026) – Inspired to help preserve our natural heritage and promote environmental sustainability for future generations, Njabulo Mthabela has committed to taking on the Rhino Peak Challenge (RPC).

An accountant in the financial unit of the Endangered Wildlife Trust, Njabulo has had his passion for conservation awakened through his work. He will join roughly 50 other dedicated participants for the 11th Rhino Peak Challenge in the Maloti-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site on 19 September 2026.

The conservation fundraising event is a day for making memories as ambassadors for the Endangered Wildlife Trust and Wildlife ACT take on the challenge to reach the top of Rhino Peak, all in the name of raising money for key conservation projects. These include the EWT, Wildlife ACT and the Bearded Vulture Recovery Programme for the conservation of vultures, rhinos and cranes.

In the past decade, more than R10 million has been raised through the RPC.

Born and raised in Soweto, Njabulo is an avid runner who has completed a number of half marathons. Like his fellow participants, he has committed to raising R22,000, particularly for rhino conservation through the challenge – a target he is appealing to the public to help him reach.

“As Rhino Peak celebrates its 11th anniversary this year, I felt inspired to be part of this remarkable milestone and contribute to the ongoing fight to protect one of South Africa’s most iconic Big Five animals,” Njabulo says.

For him, participating in the RPC is about more than completing a personal challenge. It is about playing a role in preserving our natural heritage and promoting sustainability for future generations.

“Rhinos are an important part of our ecosystem and biodiversity, and their survival is closely linked to the health of our environment. Protecting endangered wildlife is not only about saving a species from extinction but also about maintaining the balance of nature and ensuring a sustainable future for our planet.”

By supporting this initiative, he says donors are investing in a future where children and grandchildren will have the opportunity to witness these magnificent animals roaming freely in the wild and appreciate the beauty of the natural world that we enjoy today.

“Every step I take and every rand raised brings us closer to protecting these animals and promoting environmental sustainability for generations to come. Together, we can make a meaningful difference and help ensure that rhinos continue to be a symbol of Africa’s rich wildlife heritage and our collective commitment to conservation and sustainable living.”

Donations can be made to his campaign here.