SUZUKI SA AND NSRI TEAM UP FOR CARS4GOOD 2026, WITH THE LOVABLE JIMNY LEADING THE CHARGE.
Suzuki Auto South Africa has partnered with the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) for Cars4Good 2026, a nationwide fundraising campaign that blends mobility, awareness and life-saving action, with the ever-plucky Suzuki Jimny 5-door at the heart of it all. Launched in the wake of one of the NSRI’s busiest festive seasons on record, the campaign is aimed squarely at strengthening rescue readiness and helping to prevent drownings across South Africa. Between 15 December and 15 January, NSRI volunteers rescued 201 people, a 26% increase year on year, while national callouts climbed by 32.5%. Most alarming was a 117% surge in “Drowning in Progress” incidents, underlining just how critical sustained funding and public awareness have become. Founded in 1967, the NSRI is a volunteer-based, non-profit organisation that operates along South Africa’s coastline, inland waters and major dams. Today, it runs more than 40 rescue stations and supports lifeguard services at beaches nationwide, responding to emergencies at sea, on rivers, lakes and even flood zones. Funded largely by donations, sponsorships and fundraising initiatives, the NSRI has saved tens of thousands of lives over nearly six decades of operation.
As part of Cars4Good 2026, no less than four Suzuki Jimny 5-door GLX manuals, each valued at R465,900, form the headline prizes. Supporters stand a chance to win one of the vehicles simply by purchasing a ticket, while directly contributing to the NSRI’s ability to keep volunteers trained, equipped and rescue-ready. Chosen for its compact footprint, proven off-road ability and confidence in both urban and remote environments, the Jimny is a natural fit for a campaign rooted in access, preparedness and reliability. Four Jimnys, each wrapped in a different colour to tell a distinct NSRI story, are now travelling the country, turning everyday sightings into conversations about water safety and rescue.
“Suzuki Auto South Africa is thrilled to be a partner with the well-known and trusted National Sea Rescue Institute,” says Brendon Carpenter, Brand Marketing Manager of Suzuki Auto South Africa. “As vehicle partners, we are committed not only to supporting the Cars4Good competition, but to engaging in projects and activities where Suzuki products and our audience can make a tangible difference in life-saving efforts.”
Each colour-coded Jimny represents a key pillar of the NSRI’s work. The blue Jimny highlights the organisation’s specialised whale disentanglement programme, which rescued 70 animals in 2025. Red reflects core rescue operations, where 1,548 people were saved across 1,069 missions last year. Yellow recognises NSRI lifeguards stationed at 55 beaches around the country, while the pink Jimny shines a light on the Pink Rescue Buoy initiative, which has helped save more than 240 lives since its launch in 2017.
“These Jimnys are fun, eye-catching, and different, just like the NSRI’s approach to turning everyday South Africans into life-savers,” says Dirk Coetzee, NSRI Business Development Manager. “Suzuki doesn’t partner lightly, and neither do we. This collaboration is about real impact, built on trust and shared purpose.”
Each vehicle features a QR code linking directly to the Cars4Good campaign, making it easy for the public to get involved, whether a Jimny is spotted at a shopping centre, roadside or beach parking area. Tickets for Cars4Good 2026 cost R695 and include entry into four prize draws throughout the year. With only 45,000 tickets available nationwide, proceeds go directly towards supporting the NSRI’s core rescue, education and prevention operations.
“The Jimny has always been about enabling people to go further with confidence,” Carpenter adds. “Through Cars4Good 2026, we’re proud that it can also help the NSRI reach communities, raise awareness and ultimately save lives.”
Take a look at the YouTube video that shows how important the NSRI is and why the organisation deserves your support - and Suzuki's: NSRI | Wherever you are, we are. | NSRI
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