Mahindra South Africa has announced a strategic partnership with SORAI (Save Our Rhinos Africa India), the global movement founded by cricket legend, Kevin Pietersen, dedicated to saving endangered rhinos across the region.
The collaboration establishes Mahindra as the official South African automotive partner of the innovative conservation initiative, thereby reinforcing the brand’s ongoing commitment to environmental protection and meaningful corporate responsibility.
SORAI is a socially conscious enterprise and operates as a business-first organisation, by building commercial partnerships to drive long-term, scalable impact. Partnership proceeds are channelled directly into anti-poaching activities or invested in broader wildlife conservation programmes. These efforts range from funding rangers and patrols to supporting education and community engagement across affected regions.
“The partnership with Kevin Pietersen and SORAI reflects Mahindra’s belief in supporting real, on-the-ground projects with true impact. Conservation is not a passive effort: it requires active collaboration, innovative thinking, and long-term commitment,” says Rajesh Gupta, CEO of Mahindra South Africa.
“We are proud to stand with SORAI and help strengthen the protection of South Africa’s iconic wildlife heritage. This is a cause that resonates deeply with our values as a brand and our responsibility as a business.”
While Kevin Pietersen is best known for his cricketing achievements, his post-retirement focus has shifted to wildlife conservation. Through SORAI, he’s created a unique platform that unites commercial partners, supporters and civil society in the fight against rhino poaching.
“With SORAI, we want to build a global ‘Human Fence’ of friends, supporters, businesses and charitable organisations that can change and adapt to the needs of the very complex task of protecting our keystone species and specifically the highly endangered white and black rhino,” says Pietersen.
Returning to the partnership between Mahindra South Africa and SORAI: The partnership delivers immediate operational support to rhino protection efforts in the Kruger National Park through the provision of two specialised vehicles.
A Mahindra Pik Up Game Viewer will be stationed at SORAI’s home in Sout Africa, Jock Safari Lodge within the Kruger, serving the dual purpose of supporting intensive anti-poaching monitoring efforts and demonstrating an ongoing commitment to broader conservation initiatives, including applied support for various initiatives.
Additionally, a specially equipped 4×4 Mahindra Scorpio-N has been deployed for use at the Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary, conducting critical border patrol operations and facilitating transport around the reserve. The partnership extends beyond vehicle provision, with Mahindra making its entire fleet available to Kevin and his team during their travels from the United Kingdom to South Africa.
Mahindra has also mobilised its staff and dealer network to actively participate in the initiative, with employees serving as SORAI Rangers and the company’s nationwide network providing comprehensive support for anti-poaching activities and conservation projects throughout the region.
The partnership represents a significant milestone in private sector engagement with conservation efforts, demonstrating how business partnerships can create a tangible impact in the fight against wildlife trafficking and habitat destruction.
