When it comes to rugby, few names carry the same weight—or the same ferocity—as Tendai "The Beast" Mtawarira. The Zimbabwean-born legend has bulldozed his way through 117 caps for the Springboks, carving out a legacy built on relentless power, unwavering tenacity, and an unshakable commitment to excellence. But recently, the Beast has found himself aligned with a different kind of powerhouse: ISUZU Motors South Africa.
In a move that feels less like a partnership and more like a natural extension of shared values, Mtawarira has become a "friend" of the ISUZU brand, a company that, like him, embodies toughness, reliability, and the spirit of adventure. For ISUZU Motors South Africa, this was about partnering with someone who lives and breathes the same principles their vehicles are built on. And now, the Beast is set to take on his next challenge behind the wheel of the ISUZU D-MAX ARCTIC AT35, a vehicle as imposing and capable as Mtawarira himself.
"We wanted to bring on board a friend of the brand who already lives the ISUZU values," says Ziphindiwe Ngcobo, Department Executive: Marketing at ISUZU Motors South Africa. "Tendai is someone who has continuously demonstrated resilience, strength, and a sense of responsibility both on and off the rugby field. In him, we see the same qualities we build into every ISUZU vehicle."
It’s easy to see why. Mtawarira’s rugby career is the stuff of legends. Whether anchoring the Springbok scrum or charging down the field, his presence was always synonymous with sheer grit and determination. His relentless drive helped him become the most capped prop in South African history, culminating in a triumphant 2019 Rugby World Cup victory. And though he retired from international rugby, The Beast’s legacy continues to inspire, much like ISUZU’s legacy in the automotive world.
"I've always prided myself on pushing boundaries and going the extra mile, both on the field and in my endeavours," Mtawarira explains. "That’s why I resonate so much with ISUZU—it's a brand that understands what it means to be tough, dependable, and always ready for the next challenge."
These sentiments were echoed by Mahlatse Mashua, managing director of Roc Nation Sports International, the agency that represents Mtawarira and facilitated this partnership. “Tendai has always loved ISUZU vehicles, and so there was natural synergy to formalise his association with a brand that is a household name in South Africa, just like ‘Beast’ himself. Tendai’s journey both on and off the field has been characterised by passion, resilience and a strong work ethic, which mirrors the values that have driven ISUZU's success for decades.”
As Mtawarira sets out driving the ISUZU D-MAX ARCTIC AT35, a vehicle specifically engineered for the toughest terrains, the synergy between man and machine couldn’t be clearer. Built to handle rugged conditions with ease, the D-MAX ARCTIC AT35 represents the same attributes that have defined Mtawarira’s career: strength, adaptability, and relentless performance.
A friendship built to last
There’s an authenticity in this partnership that goes beyond the usual athlete-brand collaborations. Both Tendai and ISUZU represent more than just physical toughness—they're about dependability, resilience, and overcoming adversity. Mtawarira’s charitable work through his foundation, which focuses on education and empowerment, mirrors ISUZU’s commitment to corporate responsibility and community upliftment.
Both ISUZU and Tendai "The Beast" Mtawarira share a deep commitment to community engagement and grassroots development, making their partnership even more meaningful. ISUZU Motors South Africa has a long-standing reputation for uplifting communities through various corporate social responsibility initiatives. Similarly, Mtawarira, through his foundation, has made it his mission to inspire and support young athletes, particularly in grassroots sports, where he believes the future of South African rugby lies. Together, they embody the spirit of giving back, using their platforms to create real, lasting impact by nurturing the next generation of leaders and athletes, both on and off the field.
"I’ve always believed that strength should be used to uplift those around you," Mtawarira adds. "Whether it’s through my foundation or in my personal life, I try to live by that. And that’s something I see in ISUZU—it's a brand that gives back to the community and makes a real impact.”
Like Mtawarira's career, ISUZU vehicles are known for their durability. Whether conquering rugged terrains or navigating everyday roads, ISUZU’s legendary toughness mirrors Mtawarira’s relentless approach to challenges. Both understand that success isn’t just about the battle—it’s about being there when it matters most, time and time again.
As a friend of the ISUZU brand, Mtawarira’s partnership with ISUZU is touted as a convergence of two titans, each built on values that transcend their respective arenas. Much like Mtawarira’s legacy on the field, ISUZU’s vehicles aren’t just built for today—they’re built to go the distance. Together, they are sure to inspire generations to come, proving that when strength meets reliability, there are no limits to what can be achieved and with Mtawarira behind the wheel of the ISUZU D-MAX ARCTIC AT35, the Beast and ISUZU are ready to conquer new frontiers—side by side, stronger than ever.
