Time is running out for NPOs to apply for the inaugural Defender Awards
Non-profit organisations in South Africa and six other countries have only a few days left to enter the inaugural Defender Awards, with submissions closing on June 16. Here's how to enter.
Launched by 4×4 brand Defender, this new international awards programme is designed to support small, frontline non-profits working in wildlife conservation, marine protection, environmental restoration and humanitarian aid.
Related: Holgate Foundation Embarks on Mozambique Expedition with Defender Convoy
Each of the seven winners will receive a comprehensive support package valued at over £1 million, including:
A £100,000 bursary to fund their work
A robust and field-ready Defender vehicle** to help them reach remote areas
Expert mentorship from a global network of conservation and humanitarian professionals.
Designed with a local focus, the awards aim to empower organisations in South Africa, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Australia and Japan — countries where real grassroots impact is being made in some of the world's most fragile environments.
About the Defender Awards
The Defender Awards recognise organisations making a tangible difference in one of four key categories:
Defenders of the Wild: Working to protect endangered and at-risk species
Defenders of Humanity: Supporting vulnerable and marginalised communities
Defenders of the Land: Restoring and preserving natural ecosystems and landscapes
Defenders of the Sea: Safeguarding marine species and ocean environments
Organisations can submit their entries via the official awards portal. Each country will shortlist two entries per category, resulting in a 56-entry international shortlist. A final panel of respected global experts will then select one winner per category, along with three additional standouts to receive the seven full awards packages.
Defender's legacy of service dates back to 1954, when its vehicles were first deployed with Red Cross nurses in Kenya and Dubai. Today, Defender's commitment to purpose-led innovation continues through partnerships such as the 20-year collaboration with Tusk, which is focused on wildlife protection and biodiversity conservation in Africa.
'We created the Defender Awards to elevate the work of grassroots organisations doing incredible work, often under extremely challenging conditions,' says Mark Cameron, MD of Defender. 'This is a significant investment — over £1 million in total — and a chance to build a global network of changemakers who can learn from and support one another.'
For more details on how to enter, click here.
Related: South African Panel Announced for Global Defender Awards Judging
The post Defender Awards 2025: Entries Close 16 June appeared first on CAR Magazine.
Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.
Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
16 minutes ago
- The South African
Interest rate cut: How much you will now pay on your BOND
The SARB reduced the repo rate by 25 basis points, providing some additional financial relief for homeowners and prospective buyers. Image: National Debt Advisors The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) on Thursday reduced the repo rate by 25 basis points, lowering it from 7.25% to 7%, a move that offers financial relief for homeowners and prospective property buyers. The prime lending rate has also decreased to 10.5%. The decision was announced following the conclusion of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, with all six members voting unanimously in favour of the rate cut. ADVERTISEMENT The adjustment aligns with the expectations of most economists and analysts, who had anticipated a small cut despite the backdrop of global uncertainty, particularly the looming imposition of a 30% tariff on South African exports to the United States starting on Friday, 1 August. Global and Local Pressures SARB Governor Lesetja Kganyago noted that global economic conditions remain volatile, with the US tariff escalation creating further instability. At the same time, South Africa's domestic economy continues to struggle, justifying the MPC's move to provide some support through monetary easing. While some experts had forecast a pause in rate changes to assess the fallout from the impending tariffs, the SARB opted to act now, viewing the current environment as an opportunity to stimulate the economy without stoking inflation. The rate cut marks a continuation of the bank's cautious easing cycle and could be the final adjustment for some time, depending on how global trade dynamics and domestic inflation unfold in the months ahead. Who are the SARB's MPC? The South African Reserve Bank's monetary policy committee meets every second month to announce changes – if any – to the country's repo and prime lending rates. ADVERTISEMENT The meetings in 2025 are scheduled to take place in January, March, May, July, September and November – and always on a Thursday at 15:00. Currently, the committee comprises of six people, with Lesetja Kganyago holding the position of governor of the SARB – and the deciding vote if necessary. Month Date Outcome January 30 January 25 basis point cut March 20 March No change May 29 May 25 basis point cut July 31 July 25 basis point cut September 18 September TBA November 20 November TBA Monthly bond repayment table The table below shows the now old monthly bond repayments on various bond values over a 20-year period assuming no deposit and repayments at prime. It also shows the new monthly bond repayments after the 25 basis point cut as well as what the monthly saving will be. Bond Old New Saving R750 000 R7 614 R7 488 R126 R800 000 R8 122 R7 987 R135 R850 000 R8 629 R8 486 R143 R900 000 R9 137 R8 985 R152 R950 000 R9 645 R9 485 R160 R1 000 000 R10 152 R9 984 R168 R1 500 000 R15 228 R14 976 R252 R2 000 000 R20 305 R19 968 R337 R2 500 000 R25 381 R24 960 R421 R3 000 000 R30 457 R29 951 R516 R3 500 000 R35 533 R34 943 R590 R4 000 000 R40 609 R39 935 R684 R4 500 000 R45 685 R44 927 R758 R5 000 000 R50 761 R49 919 R842 Do you rent or own your own property? Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
The Citizen
16 minutes ago
- The Citizen
Repo rate cut a step toward growth and job creation
Government has welcomed the South African Reserve Bank's (SARB) decision to cut the repo rate by 25 basis points to 7%. 'Government welcomes the decision by the South African Reserve Bank to reduce the repo rate by 25 basis points to 7%. The move provides much-needed relief for South African households, many of who continue to face financial pressure due to the rising cost of living,' acting government spokesperson Nomonde Mnukwa said yesterday. Addressing a media briefing on the Monetary Policy Committee's decision on the repo rate, SARB governor Lesetja Kganyago said the decision to reduce the policy rate was unanimous. Mnukwa said the rate cut is expected to ease the burden on consumers by lowering the cost of borrowing, while also creating conditions more conducive to stimulating investment, supporting businesses, and driving economic activity. 'The decision reaffirms the soundness of South Africa's monetary policy framework and the importance of co-ordinated efforts to support inclusive growth. Government continues to implement structural reforms and improving the ease of doing business to unlock the full potential of the economy and create jobs,' Mnukwa explained. – Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
The Citizen
an hour ago
- The Citizen
All hands on deck: SASSA accelerates August grant review process
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is mobilising its workforce — from local office staff to senior executives — to assist beneficiaries during the August social grant review cycle. SASSA CEO Themba Matlou has called for a collective, hands-on approach to ensure that no beneficiary is left unattended or forced to return multiple times due to service delays. 'We are intent on helping all our clients have their grants reviewed as seamlessly as possible. No one should leave our offices unassisted or burdened with unnecessary back and forth,' said Matlou. ALSO READ: Grant payments to continue during SASSA review process, agency confirms To strengthen frontline capacity, SASSA has urged its executive and senior management teams to be present at local offices, personally engaging with beneficiaries and addressing concerns — particularly around the fourth payment date — with professionalism and urgency. The agency acknowledged recent operational challenges caused by increased demand and foot traffic at service points but said steps are being taken to improve capacity and efficiency ahead of the review window. Grant payments are scheduled from August 5 to 7. 'While the majority of payments will proceed without any hindrance, we want to ensure there is no room for delays at the expense of vulnerable individuals,' Matlou said. ALSO READ: SASSA empowers women with leadership training He also stressed the importance of the review process as a safeguard for public funds, preventing fraud and ensuring that only qualifying individuals continue to receive support. 'Grant reviews are the best tool to protect the government fiscus while maintaining the integrity of our system,' Matlou added. SASSA has urged affected beneficiaries not to panic, but to respond to the review request and ensure their personal information is up to date. What to bring to your local SASSA office: Beneficiaries are advised to bring the following documents: • Valid South African ID (13-digit barcoded green ID book or smart ID card) • Proof of income (such as a payslip, pension slip, or affidavit if unemployed or retrenched) • Bank statements (latest three months for all active bank accounts) • Proof of residence (utility bill or letter from a local authority) • Marriage certificate or divorce decree (if applicable) • Death certificate (where applicable) • Supporting documents related to the grant type (for example, a child's birth certificate or proof of school attendance for foster care grants) For more information, visit call the toll-free helpline at 0800 60 1011, or email [email protected].
