Koru Camp just doubled its reach, bringing thousands of children and elders face to face with the wildlife on their doorsteps and inspiring the next generation to fall in love with nature and to protect it.

Greater Kruger, South Africa (29 May 2025) – One of my favourite traditions when entering the Kruger National Park is to play the ‘first animal game’. Everyone picks the animal they hope to see first, and the person who spots it wins. I am a champion at this game, winning it almost every time we visit. It is such a simple thing and yet, it makes me one of the very few privileged people who gets to do it. Hundreds of thousands of people who live on the outskirts of the park don’t have the opportunity to experience the joys of spotting the first animal. But at Koru Camp, that’s changing!

Koru Camp was founded by Peter Eastwood in 2022 as a way to connect children and gogos in the Greater Kruger to the wildlife that they live so very close to. Corné Havenga joined Peter as the CEO in 2023, helping drive the idea to invite local NPOs and school groups to stay at the Big Five camp, where they get to immerse themselves in nature, guided by trained rangers and trackers, who teach them all the wonders of the wild world.

They get to stay overnight in comfortable tents, listening to the hyena laugh as the lions roar in the distance. The children are shown how richly their heritage is intertwined with the animals being protected by the high electric fences.

This connection, from a young age, is the hope for conservation in the future as these bright young minds learn just how important it is to protect the animals, to bring an end to poaching and to celebrate the harmony of human life and animal life. They are destined to become the conservationists of our future.

Koru Camp Launches Revamped Educational Facility to Deepen Community Conservation

Koru Camp is unveiling its newly renovated, off-grid facility on the 3rd of June 2025. With over R13 million invested, the upgrades will allow the camp to double its reach, hosting over 2,000 local beneficiaries per year. The improvements include solar-powered infrastructure, new classrooms, improved accommodation, and a medicinal garden.

The camp, the first of its kind in the region, is celebrating this relaunch and hopes to make an even greater impact in the surrounding communities.

The relaunch event will feature local entertainment, art showcases from the children who will benefit from the camp, and a special appearance by explorer Kingsley Holgate. Koru’s mission is simple: to inspire a love for nature because people protect what they understand and cherish.

None of this would be possible without the dedication of Peter Eastwood, who, like so many before him, visited South Africa and fell deeply in love with its people, its wild spaces and the spirit of Ubuntu. Peter, a New Zealand businessman, first took action when he heard the plight of the Rhino in 2007. He was driven to act and started raising funds to support anti-poaching units.

Through his work, he realised that lasting impact comes not only from fighting poachers but through conservation education and connecting people to the animals and environment around them; that change requires a widespread shift in perspectives through education, inclusion, and firsthand experiences in nature. He saw that people protect what they love, and love comes from understanding and experiences.

Peter has committed a great deal to making Koru Camp a meaningful success. His private camp, Sashwa – River of Stars, known for its tranquillity, is a retreat like no other in the Limpopo region. It offers a connection to nature for guests and those looking to take part in green tourism that truly makes a difference. The camp, which boasts a fully plant-based menu (Koru has a vegetarian menu), hosts yoga sessions on its deck, overlooking the beautiful bush. It connects people who want to make meaningful travel choices, knowing the money they spend goes back into the community.

Since launching Sashwa in November 2024, Peter has committed 100% of its profits to the running of Koru Camp, making both camps all the more meaningful, not only through the educational elements, but through employment too. Both camps are rooting themselves deep within the fabric of the community, determined to make a difference that lasts.

You can learn more about Sashwa and their exclusive launch rates here, and as for Koru Camp, you can find out how to support the initiative here. Each has a unique story to tell, but one is not whole without the other.

Sources: GTG Interview

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South Africa’s Ruche Moodley takes on Silverstone just weeks after undergoing surgery due to a crash; this young athlete is showing just what he is made of!

United Kingdom (26 May 2025) – South Africa’s Ruche Moodley returned to the Moto3 grid with a lion-hearted performance at Silverstone, showing grit, determination, and an unwavering commitment to his dream, even as he raced through pain and penalties.

Just weeks earlier, the Gqeberha-born teen was left recovering from a dramatic crash during the Spanish Grand Prix. A mechanical failure sent him hurtling into the gravel on lap one, fracturing the radius in his dominant right arm. He underwent surgery in Barcelona, where a titanium plate and half a dozen screws were needed to patch things up. But even with his arm still bandaged, Moodley was back on the training bike, refusing to let a broken bone keep him off track for long.

“I was really frustrated not being able to race,” Moodley admitted. “From the moment I got back from hospital, I started training again. I just wanted to be ready.”

His recovery was nothing short of relentless. Between physiotherapy and fitness drills, he managed to miss only a single race, sitting out the French Grand Prix, before being medically cleared by the FIM to return for round seven at Silverstone.

“It felt great to get the all clear,” he shared before the British GP. “Watching the race from the couch was tough. I just wanted to be back on the bike.”

But racing at one of Moto3’s fastest, most physical tracks with a still-healing arm was no easy task. Add to that a double long-lap penalty carried over from the crash in Spain, and Silverstone became more than just a comeback; it was a true test of mental and physical resilience.

Moodley qualified 21st, managing both his tyres and the dull ache in his arm. In the race, he made the smart call to serve his penalties early to avoid carrying them into the next round.

“I knew I had to be cautious. If I got taken out early, those penalties would follow me,” he explained. “So I played it safe at the start, took my long laps, and just focused on finishing.”

That finish came in 20th place, an impressive result considering he was racing with limited strength, numbness in his arm, and no prior race rhythm after weeks off the track.

“That felt like the longest race of my life,” Moodley admitted. “I lost feeling in my arm towards the end, but I kept my head down. I was just counting down the laps.”

With his Silverstone return behind him, Ruche is focused on regaining full strength before heading to Aragon in two weeks.

“This race was about proving to myself that I can bounce back. I’ll be stronger at Aragon,” he said with quiet confidence.

Still only 18, Moodley’s resilience has earned him growing admiration both at home and on the world stage. One thing is certain: Ruche isn’t just chasing podiums; he’s proving that the South African heart belongs on the global grid.

Sources: Double Apex

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Cam Cornish was just 1km from the finish line of the Two Oceans Marathon when he collapsed, changing the course of his life and giving his loved ones a new reason to root for him.

Cape Town, South Africa (23 May 2025) – Determination and drive are two words that suited Cam Cornish as he trained to take part in another marathon, this time he had his eye set on the Two Oceans Marathon. However, the race changed the course of his life and gave him an all-new determination and drive.

While it wasn’t Cam’s first marathon, it was a first in such extreme conditions. Facing the extreme heat began to take its toll on Cam and by the end of the race, severe heatstroke was taking hold. His body temperature was rising and once it hit 40°C he was in serious trouble. The problem was his temperature stayed high for far too long and it set off a series catastrophic of events within his body.

First, he was hit with multiple seizures, collapsing before the finish line. By the time emergency services got him to the hospital, his organs were struggling. The prognosis was terrifying!

“Both his kidneys and liver began to fail. He was placed on a ventilator and given just a 10% chance of survival.

As if that wasn’t enough, his body began to shut down further. The trauma caused widespread complications and infection, and a part of his brain was damaged.”

It became the fight for his life as doctors placed Cam under heavy sedation to help prevent any further damage and to give his body a chance to recover. His family rallied and spent every moment they could by his side. After a few weeks, Cam started to make progress. He spent over a month in the ICU, as doctors worked to save his kidneys and liver.

Thankfully, Cam is a fighter and after the 37 days, he was released to a step-down facility where he is now going through extensive rehabilitation to regain his strength and learn to walk again.

“We are incredibly thankful he survived, but the road to recovery is long and intensive. The rehabilitation he needs is critical to his healing and unfortunately, it comes at a significant cost.

Medical aid has been amazing so far, and we’re beyond grateful for the support it’s provided. But as you can imagine, it has its limits and will eventually come to an end. Much of Cam’s ongoing care now depends on private funding.”

Through BackaBuddy, the family hoped to raise the funds needed. They created a crowdfund to raise funds and within days, have already reached over 50%. All the funds are being sent to the rehabilitation facility where Cam is currently staying and making progress.

The family are celebrating every win, every small step and every cheeky quip from Cam as he pushes himself. Doctors are cautiously optimistic while still monitoring his organs, infection levels and other stats.

“Cam is a true warrior. He has already defied the odds and now we want to give him the best possible chance to heal fully and come back stronger than ever.”

Cam has proven himself a warrior, while his race may have ended before he could finish, every step he takes now, is worth a hundred medals.

Sources: Cornish Family 

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With 80% of South African schools lacking functional libraries, The Bookery is building spaces of hope, one school at a time. Discover how you can be part of this inspiring story.

Cape Town, South Africa (23 May 2025) – In the heart of Cape Town, a small but mighty organisation is on a mission to transform young lives, one library at a time. Since 2010, The Bookery has worked to address a shocking reality: nearly 80% of South African schools do not have access to a functional library.

For the team behind this dynamic non-profit, books are more than just pages and print; they are passports to possibility. And every child, no matter their postcode, deserves the chance to explore the world through reading.

The Bookery has already established 99 libraries across the country, reaching more than 95,000 children and distributing over 375,500 books. But their work doesn’t stop at setting up shelves. Every library created is a vibrant learning hub, run by a trained librarian (often from the local community), stocked with carefully selected books, and supported by ongoing mentorship.

“It is important to us that we partner with schools that show a keen interest in stewarding the investment well. We work closely with the principal and educators to ensure that they are dedicated to running a functional library at their school. We have been fortunate to work with committed staff who have devoted much time to building and sustaining functional libraries”

How it works:

• Enter a partnership with a school that meets our criteria for creating a library there
• Establish a MoA that sustains the investment
• Stock the library with quality and relevant fiction and non-fiction, with a minimum supply of three books per learner
• Establish a vibrant library space where classes can meet for library periods and conduct research in different learning areas.
• Train a previously unemployed/suitable person from the surrounding community to assume the position of librarian
• Work closely with literacy experts to promote reading and literacy programmes in the library.
• Provide mentorship and ongoing support to the school librarians in our network

From the Cape Flats to the Eastern Cape, these spaces are helping to foster a love of reading, improve literacy rates, and create safe spaces for study and curiosity in under-resourced schools.

What makes The Bookery stand out is its sustainable model. The organisation works hand-in-hand with schools, educators, and community members to ensure each library is not only built but supported in the long term. Whether it’s funding a new library, backing the librarian training programme, or volunteering your time to help prepare books for eager young readers, there are many ways to get involved. When you support The Bookery, you’re not just building a library; you’re helping to build a future where every South African child can dream, discover, and thrive.

If you would like to get involved or know of a school in need, you can email here or visit the website to chat with the team.

Sources: The Bookery 

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Not everyone loves snakes, we totally get it! But they play an essential roll in keeping rodent populations under control; puff adders are the latest agricultural heroes says a new Wits study.

South Africa (23 May 2025) – They may not be the most glamorous of Africa’s creatures, and they certainly don’t enjoy the best PR. But those heavy-bodied, slow-moving puff adders we’re all taught to steer well clear of might just be some of the continent’s most valuable agricultural allies.

New research out of the University of the Witwatersrand is changing how we see these often-scary reptiles. According to Professor Graham Alexander, who led the study, puff adders are astonishingly effective at controlling rodent populations, and not just your far-flug mountain rats, but the kind that devastate crops, bankrupt farmers, and chew through food security that is already so fragile in South Africa.

The science is simple but staggering. When rodent populations spike, puff adders can ramp up their food intake by more than 12 times their usual needs. That means, that the more rats there are, the more gluttonous the adders become. Just a hungry puff adder doing what it does best. In fact, individual snakes can gobble up as many as 10 rodents in one go and be ready to hunt again within a week. That’s not just efficiency. That’s pest control with fangs.

Published in Scientific Reports, the proudly South African study makes the case that these snakes offer a free, continuous rodent management service and one that’s far more scalable than most traditional predators. While creatures like weasels or lynx may eat more per animal, puff adders win on sheer numbers. They’re naturally abundant in many African habitats and can quietly soak up rising rodent numbers long before they spiral into full-blown plagues.

“These findings demonstrate that puff adder population management should be an essential component of integrated pest management strategies,” says Alexander. “By protecting these natural controllers, we can harness their remarkable abilities to support both ecosystem health and agricultural productivity across Africa.”

In other words, it’s time we stopped seeing snakes as villains in the agricultural story and started treating them as heroes. They might not be cute. They definitely won’t win any popularity contests. But when it comes to safeguarding food security in a warming, increasingly unpredictable world, puff adders might just be the quiet heroes we never knew we had.

And just in case you missed it, the Snakes of Southern Africa group recently celebrated over 500,000 members. The group is changing the conversation in South Africa regarding snakes, promoting education and its changing (and saving) lives.

Sources: Wits University – Supplied

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In an incredible effort to support children, 52 volunteers spent the weekend working through surgical backlog, reaching 40 children in need of life-changing sugery.

South Africa (23 May 2025) – This past weekend, Johannesburg witnessed something extraordinary, not a sporting event or political rally, but a marathon of a different kind. From 16 to 18 May, an intensive surgical programme at the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital (NMCH) gave around 40 children with cleft lip and palate conditions the chance to smile, speak, and thrive.

The initiative, led by Operation Smile South Africa in collaboration with NMCH and with vital support from Life Healthcare, tackled a serious and growing surgical backlog. For children affected by cleft conditions, time is critical. Without prompt intervention, they face significant health complications, difficulty eating and speaking, and a lifetime of stigma or bullying.

While South Africa’s public healthcare system does provide cleft surgeries, access is uneven, especially in under-resourced provinces. Many families wait months, sometimes years, for a procedure that can dramatically improve a child’s life trajectory.

“At Operation Smile, our mission is to bridge the gap in access to essential healthcare, starting with cleft surgery and comprehensive care,” says Sarah Scarth, Executive Director of Operation Smile South Africa. “We also prioritise training and mentoring local professionals so the impact continues long after the weekend is over.”

52 Volunteers. 1 Hospital. 1 Common Goal.

A 52-member strong team of volunteer medical professionals, including surgeons, anaesthesiologists, paediatricians, nurses, dentists, speech therapists, and psychologists joined forces with NMCH’s in-house paediatric specialists.

They started with pre-surgery screenings on Friday, 16 May. Around 60 children attended, with comprehensive medical assessments ensuring only those healthy enough for surgery proceeded. The surgeries then took place on Saturday and Sunday, with about 40 operations completed by the close of the weekend.

Post-surgery, children and their caregivers will stayed at the Operation Smile Patient Village, receiving continued care and monitoring until they are safely discharged on Friday, 23 May.

The programme is about far more than the operating theatre. Cleft lip and palate conditions typically require ongoing support: multiple surgeries, dental treatment, speech therapy, and psychosocial care to help children integrate into school and society.

“This initiative reflects our commitment to family-centred, evidence-based care and the power of collaboration to change lives,” says Dr Nkuli Boikhutso, CEO of Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital. “At NMCH, we are inspired by Tata Madiba’s unwavering love for children and belief in their right to live and thrive.”

Every child in this weekend’s programme dreceive free, high-quality care, made possible through the generosity of programme partners and the selfless dedication of volunteers. It’s a shining example of Ubuntu, a reminder that healing happens not just with scalpels, but with compassion, teamwork, and hope.

This is what true transformation looks like: one smile at a time.

Sources: Operation Smile

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Stage 2 and the start of a gruelling marathon saw SA Safari Rally riders and drivers face wildlife, unchartered spaces and challenges.

South Africa (22 May 2025) – Under the crisp morning light of the North West province, engines growled and dust clouds rose as Stage 2 of the South African Safari Rally roared into action. But this wasn’t just any stage. It marked the beginning of the unforgiving two-day marathon: over 600 km of relentless bushveld terrain, scorching temperatures, and no outside help for the crews overnight. Just the racers, their machines, and the open wild.

For those leading after Stage 1, this was both a privilege and a burden. First out meant opening the route and in the world of rally-raid, that means carving a path where none exists, navigating raw tracks, and in South Africa, braving wandering wildlife.

Botswana’s Ross Branch, Stage 1’s bike hero, had warned of the risks animals could pose and just 14 km into Stage 2, his words turned prophetic when a bird launched from a cornfield and collided with his Hero Motosports bike, smashing his oil cooler and leaking precious oil. It was a dramatic twist for the fan-favourite, who scrambled to make roadside repairs using the small stash of oil he’d carried. He got his bike “home”, but the time lost dropped him from 1st to 13th in the RallyGP standings.

Meanwhile, Australia’s Daniel Sanders showed the grit that’s earned him a reputation. Navigating terrain that threw animals, branches, and unpredictability at him, the Red Bull KTM rider took the Stage 2 win by just 32 seconds, holding off his teammate Luciano Benavides.

“There were some animals running around in the last bit,” Sanders said, “but my wheels are straight, and the damage is just a cracked mudguard. Easy fix.”

Sanders led RallyGP overall, with Benavides and Honda’s Adrien van Beveren in pursuit.

In Rally2, Spain’s Edgar Canet was again untouchable, finishing over six minutes clear of South Africa’s Michael Docherty. Docherty now sits third overall, chasing Canet and Austria’s Tobias Ebster.

And then came the Toyotas.

Guy Botterill and Dennis Murphy reminded everyone why local knowledge counts. After a disappointing Stage 1, the Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa duo stormed through Stage 2 with steely determination, winning the day and showcasing sharp navigation and raw speed.

“Dennis was so good on the notes,” Botterill said. “Stage 3 is going to be tough though — opening the road won’t be easy.”

They weren’t alone in bouncing back. South Africa’s Saood Variawa and French navigator François Cazalet, also in a TGRSA Hilux, finally showed their true pace. The pair had endured a string of bad luck including a jumped start, a fire issue, and a compromised exhaust, but delivered a drive full of heart and talent.

The challenges were plenty, tested every skill set in the book. Now, all eyes turn to Stage 3, which marks the second half of this gruelling marathon. Another 272 km stand between the teams and the Sun City bivouac. There’ll be no pit crews waiting, no fresh tyres, no easy way out. Just more dust, more risk, and probably more animals. Because in the South African bushveld, glory never comes easy.

We will be reporting on all stages, so you can catch up on any missed reports here.

Sources: South African Safari Rally

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Jenna Clifford, an inspiring businesswoman, designer and beloved local icon has passed away, taking with her, her sparkle, but leaving behind a decades long legacy that will shine on.

Johannesburg, South Africa (21 May 2025) – Late last year, we had the pleasure of meeting Jenna Clifford, when she was honoured as a local and lekker participant in the ‘My Barbie Story’ book. The iconic designer wasted no time in sharing her own story and with it, left us in awe of her cander and fearless personality.

Jenna made no secret that her life started rougher than most, but she fearless forged her way forward and became one of the country’s most beloved jewellery designers. Rubbing shoulders with global diplomates, local sports stars and even our very-own Nelson Mandela; Jenna had a way of connecting with everyone.

Her journey into design started in the 1980s, but through her dedication and passion, officially launched the brand of Jenna Clifford Designs in 1992. She has been a stalwart of the industry ever-since.

Beyond her defining career with beautiful jewels, Jenna was a fierce advocate for women’s rights and equality. This was the Jenna we met and grew to admire; outspoken and encouraging women to claim their space. In 2008, she was honoured as the South African ambassador and torchbearer for the United Nations Millennium Development Goal 3: Call to Action Global Campaign, a defining moment in her advocacy for women’s rights.

Philanthropy has always been a part of Jenna’s ethos. “I took up the torch, and I make changes where I can”. From working to fight breast cancer, supporting non-profits, running mentoring programmes and more, helping create awareness for the causes closest to her heart was a big part of her life.

She has helped raise funds as a tribute to all the South African women who have overcome challenges and gone on to inspire others.

While the walls of her studio were lined with images of the whose-who of the world, it was the family photos scattered between those larger than life images that spoke the loudest. It was clear her family was the thing that made her feel most proud.

In a statement shared by her beloved daughters, who gave thanks to all the kindness, love and support sent to the family during the short but fierce cancer battle, they reiterated what we got to learn in a short space of time; that Jenna Clifford was more than a designer, she valued kindness and care above all. She nurtured the spirit of Ubuntu and unearthed the beauty in others.

“Our mom was an icon, mentor, friend and hero to so many. To hear and read your stories — to see our mom through your eyes—has been incredibly moving and truly comforting. She touched so many lives with her kindness, her unstinting generosity of spirit, and her steadfast belief in the transformative and redeeming power of love.

Mom cared deeply for others, poured love into countless lives and lived a life of self-sacrifice. Her character was magnetic, she was inspiring and she believed passionately in supporting others to realise their inherent potential. Her passionate belief in others encouraged so many to elevate their ambitions and dream bigger. She was at her happiest when she was supporting others to achieve their dreams.

Mom’s greatest legacy is one of joyful giving. She was deeply generous with her time, her inspired ideas and her love. She always gave happily, freely and without hesitation.”

Jenna passed away peacefully on the 20th of May 2025, surrounded by her nearest and dearest. Rest beautifully, Jenna.

Sources: Supplied

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Ross Branch and Henk Lategan triumphed in a dramatic, slippery Stage 1 of the SA Safari Rally, where wild savannah terrain and tight navigation tested even the best in the world.

South Africa (21 May 2025) – Treacherous savannah terrain, slippery grass sections and relentless navigation traps set the tone for a thrilling Stage 1 of the SA Safari Rally. As Africa’s wild character revealed itself, local talent rose, championship leaders stumbled, and the Dakar icons fought back.

After a fast-paced prologue, competitors in the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) were immediately faced with one of the most challenging opening stages of the season. Nearly 20% of the 260 km competitive section was savannah; wild, high-grass plains notorious for hiding rocks and ruts. The combination of slick surfaces and hidden hazards punished errors in both pace and judgment.

Branch Breaks Through in Bikes

Despite a tough opening few kilometres, Botswana’s Ross Branch (Hero Motosports) powered through to claim the bike Stage 1 victory. His reward came after rivals Daniel Sanders (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and Ricky Brabec (Monster Energy Honda) were penalised for navigational missteps. Branch, too, battled with route-finding chaos and a bizarre incident involving re-closed gates that forced officials to credit riders time post-stage.

“I loved being on my bike today,” Branch said. “It was wild out there – I got lost a few times early on, but the support from the fans really pushed me through.”

His team-mate, France’s Adrien Van Beveren, finished second, while Brabec made a strong recovery to complete the podium.

“It was a surprise how slippery the grass was,” Brabec noted. “But the wind kept the dust away, and that helped a lot when trying to catch guys ahead.”

Prologue winner and championship leader Sanders, despite setting a competitive stage pace, had to settle for fourth.

“We got lost a fair bit,” he admitted. “It’s deceiving – you think navigation on fields and farms should be easy, but you’re slipping all over and miss key turns.”

Canet Shines in Rally2 as Docherty Hits the Dirt, Twice

In the Rally2 class, Spain’s Edgar Canet bagged the stage win for Red Bull KTM, ahead of Tobias Ebster (Hero Motosport) and Konrad Dabrowski (BAS World KTM).

But the real story was South Africa’s Michael Docherty. After missing his start time due to illness, the Rally2 prologue winner crashed twice, the second time at over 120 km/h. Remarkably, he still clawed back to fourth in class.

“I got high-sided off the bike at 120 and thought that was it – but I’m fine,” said Docherty, who now sits one stage win shy of tying Romain Dumontier’s W2RC Rally2 stage victory record.

In the quad category, France’s Gaëtan Martinez was untouchable, taking the win by a dominant 27 minutes for CFMoto Thunder Racing.

Lategan Makes it 70 for Toyota

Local legend Henk Lategan, with navigator Brett Cummings, delivered a flawless run to win Stage 1 in the car category, marking Toyota’s 70th W2RC stage victory. The TGRSA Hilux pairing was fast, smooth, and unshaken by the challenging terrain.

“It’s been a while since I’ve been in one of these cars, and to come back like this – at home, against the best – is something special,” said Lategan. “The navigation was tricky, but Brett nailed it.”

Spain’s Carlos Sainz, now piloting the Ford M-Sport Raptor, was a close second – proving age is no barrier to pace.

“The terrain was wild, but we managed it well,” said the five-time Dakar winner.

Third went to rallying royalty: Sébastien Loeb. After the disappointment of prologue, the Dacia Sandriders driver made an emphatic comeback, opening the road and guiding his car safely through every trap laid by the bushveld.

“It was slippery,” Loeb said, “but not as narrow as the prologue. We focused on clean navigation, and it paid off.”

Penalties Shake Up Prologue Form

While the Stage 1 podium celebrated a mix of experience and endurance, the day was less kind to the young South African stars who dominated the prologue.

Gareth Woolridge and Boyd Dreyer (NWM Evo Plus) dropped to 12th. Prologue third-place duo Guy Botterill and Dennis Murphy (TGRSA Hilux) plummeted to 34th after a 15-minute penalty for missing a waypoint. Saood Variawa and François Cazalet, who had initially won the prologue before a jump-start penalty, also dropped down the order due to further infringements.

Stage 2: Into the Wild, Unsupported

Stage 2 marks the first half of the event’s marathon section, with riders and drivers staying overnight in a remote bivouac, with no outside technical support allowed. With 356 km of racing ahead, and Stage 3 waiting just beyond the horizon, it’s a punishing test of endurance, discipline, and mechanical sympathy.

Branch and Lategan will both lead their respective fields out into the unknown. For the favourites, the next two stages could decide everything, or end everything.

We will be reporting on all stages, so you can catch up on any missed reports here.

Sources: SA Safari Rally – Supplied

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The post Lategan and Branch Conquer Treacherous Stage 1 at the SA Safari Rally appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Driving through dust and grit to find glory, rally racers have set their hearts on finishing the South African Safari Rally with locals looking at the top of the log!

South Africa (20 May 2025) – The heart of the bushveld thundered back to life as the South African Safari Rally proudly presented by Toyota Gazoo Racing fired off the starting line, marking a monumental return of world-class motorsport to South African soil. After a thrilling weekend of testing at Sun City, the prologue of Round 3 of the 2025 World Rally-Raid Championship delivered a high-speed showcase of strategy, precision, and proudly South African grit.

With 95 cars, 37 bikes, and four quads lining up for the challenge, the short but brutal 9 km prologue stage near Lichtenburg offered a classic taste of North West’s off-road DNA. Bush-lined twin tracks, pockets of tight forest and unpredictable grip levels tested riders, drivers, and navigators from the very first corner, all against the backdrop of one of the most important motorsport events the country has hosted in over three decades.

The Prologue: More Than Just a Warm-Up

What might appear to be a short sprint on paper proved to be a critical stage for competitors. The prologue determines starting positions for Stage 1 and in rally-raid, that means everything. Too far up the road, and you’re the one clearing the dust and grass for the others. Too far back, and you’re stuck eating that dust. The sweet spot? Somewhere in the middle, and every racer knew it.

For the bikes and quads, it was a battle of nerves and nimbleness. France’s Gaëtan Martinez (CFMoto Thunder Racing) led the quads, but all eyes were on South Africa’s Carien Teessen, the lone female in the class, who placed an impressive fourth on her Yamaha Raptor 700.

In the two-wheeled category, Dakar champion Daniel Sanders (Red Bull KTM) topped the charts, but it was South Africa’s Michael Docherty who turned heads, finishing third overall and fastest in Rally2, earning his sixth W2RC prologue win. Other Southern African favourites, like Ross Branch and Bradley Cox, kept their powder dry with steady performances just inside the top 15, knowing the long game is where rally-raid battles are won.

Home Turf Advantage: SA Drivers Dominate Cars

In the car category, local knowledge and off-road mastery saw South African talent sweep the prologue podium despite some early heartbreak.

Saood Variawa and French navigator Francois Cazalet clocked the fastest time in their TGRSA Hilux, only to be hit with a one-minute penalty for a jumped start. That opened the door for Gareth Woolridge and Boyd Dreyer in the NWM Evo Plus to claim the top spot.

“Dust is going to be a major factor,” Woolridge said. “It’s drier than it looks, and teams are going to get punctures.”

TGRSA teammates Guy Botterill and Dennis Murphy placed second, with rally veterans Henk Lategan and Brett Cummings, fresh from Dakar, claiming third in a Hilux run by Toyota’s European team. The top three? All South African drivers. All locally-built vehicles. All heart.

Legends Struggle as Conditions Turn Technical

Not everyone had it their way. Rally-raid royalty Nasser Al Attiyah and Edouard Boulanger struggled on the slippery, grass-lined routes, finishing 12th. Meanwhile, WRC legend Sébastien Loeb, tipped to do well in the tight sections — had a nightmare outing, missing multiple junctions and landing down in 51st.

“It was very challenging,” Loeb admitted. “So little grip, and the junctions were tricky. We lost a lot of time.”

Loeb and his co-driver Fabian Lurquin will now have to open Stage 1, a punishing 260 km special through the dust-heavy farmlands around Lichtenburg. It’s a position no one envies, but one that could make for thrilling comebacks.

What’s Next: The Long Road Through Lichtenburg

Stage 1 will test everything from speed to stamina. The route winds through maize fields and narrow bushveld, with fast straights, sandy technical sections, and relentless terrain demanding razor-sharp navigation. Winds are expected to pick up by midday, good news for teams further back, hoping for clearer visibility.

For South Africa, this rally is more than just a round of the W2RC, it’s a declaration. We’ve not only brought international motorsport home, we’re leading the charge, showcasing world-class talent, locally-built machinery, and an undeniable passion for racing that runs deeper than dust.

One thing’s clear: South Africa is no longer just part of the rally story. We’re back at the front of the pack.

Sources: SA Rally Raid / Red Bull Content Pool

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Local Talent Leads the Charge at South African Safari Rally appeared first on Good Things Guy.