The 2025 Toyota Fortuner Challenge has concluded in spectacular fashion, with 27-year-old software engineer and part-time CrossFit coach Hennie Terreblanche emerging victorious alongside his hero teammate, Saood Variawa. The duo demonstrated outstanding endurance, teamwork, and strategy across a series of grueling challenges in the picturesque Overberg region.
The Toyota Fortuner Challenge, presented by Quartz engine oil, is an annual event hosted by Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM), where everyday challengers are paired with sporting icons to compete for the ultimate prize—a brand-new Toyota Fortuner GR-Sport. This year’s heroes included showjumping sensation Nicole Horwood, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa driver Saood Variawa, Toyota Cheetahs captain Victor Sekekete, and Kaizer Chiefs legend Willard Katsande.
Set over two days, the competition tested participants with a mix of physical and mental tasks, including beach runs, sandcastle building, sea rescues, and an obstacle course designed to push them to their limits. Each of the events that made up this year’s Fortuner Challenge were linked to one of the partners.
As such, competitors had to take on the Total Energies and Total Quartz Lifeguard Challenge; Thule Night Golf Course Escape; Toyota 4×4 Challenge; Specialized Foothills Adventure; Salomon Arena Challenge; and Garmin Grand Finale. There were four competitor pairings, with Saood Variawa, Nicole Horwood, Victor Sekekete and Willard Katsande each taking part with a member of the public, representing IOL, SuperSport, Arena Holdings and Media24/Netwerk24. Hennie and Saood showcased exceptional consistency and resilience, outperforming their competitors to claim the top honours.
As the winner of the 2025 Toyota Fortuner Challenge, Hennie takes home an impressive prize package, headlined by the Toyota Fortuner GR-Sport. He also received additional rewards, including Thule accessories, a Specialized mountain bike, a Garmin watch, Salomon gear, and a Total Energies fuel card.
Beyond the main competition, the Toyota Fortuner Challenge engaged the public through daily prize giveaways, where fans had the chance to vote for their favourite hero and win prizes such as Salomon vouchers, Garmin fitness trackers, Thule backpacks, Specialized bikes, and fuel vouchers.
The Toyota Fortuner Challenge continues to highlight the adventurous spirit of South Africans while showing off the rugged versatility of the new Fortuner GR-Sport. The 2025 edition reinforced the values of endurance, teamwork, and perseverance that define both the competitors and the legendary SUV that gives the challenge its name.
