2024 Ambassadors

Angus Morton

Age: 33

Hometown: Johannesburg (grew up and finished my schooling in Durban)

Occupation: Event Management

About me:

I am a son, brother, husband, and father (to three mini-Schnauzers). Although I've never formally been diagnosed, I'm pretty sure I have some form of functional ADHD. I can't sit still for long periods of time and need to keep my mind busy with a multitude of things.

As a result, I wear several hats:

1. My main source of income comes from my own business, africaMASSIVE. In short, we do conferencing, events, and travel, with a focus on ecology related and academic projects. Website: https://africamassive.co.za/

2. One of my main passions in life is trauma medicine. I am a first responder in the greater Midrand (Johannesburg) area and also share the knowledge as a Stop the Bleed instructor (https://www.stopthebleed.org/) which is accredited through the American College of Surgeons, and is owned by the American Department of the Defense.

3. Sharing the spotlight with trauma medicine, is my passion for security and law enforcement. I am currently the SCF/CPF Operations & Patrols coordinator for Midrand Sector 5. We report to the Midrand SAPS Station and are their partners in policing. In addition, I am Head of Security for my neighbourhood, Barbeque Downs, in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg, which has several thousand residents. In past years, I have also served on Anti-Poaching Units and led Farm Security (Anti-stock Theft) teams.

4. Last but not least, is my love for everything living and found in nature. Whether it’s diving the ocean, spending time in the bush, or walking pangolins going through rehabilitation, I want to see/help/save everything and anything!

Sporting bio:

I have been active and done sport from the moment I could walk. For me, besides the obvious health benefits, sport teaches discipline and allows you to meet many people from all walks of life. In high-school, I did almost every sport our school offered, and by the end of matric, was part of several 1st teams. I also represented KZN in some of these sports. Nowadays, I do whatever I can to stay active... From hiking, rock-climbing, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, to golf, padel, and swimming (to name a few), I'm keen to do it!

Reason for taking challenge:

To highlight the phenomenal beneficiaries, and raise as much money for their projects as possible!

Personal sponsor:

Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital

africaMASSIVE

Arno Buitendag

Age: 34

Hometown: Stellenbosch

Occupation: Self-Employed

About me:

I believe we are made to live on this earth with a view of respect towards nature and our environment. Not only am I passionate about our country but our continent, especially for the landscapes, animals and scenery. I see every opportunity to be in nature as a special priviledge and gift. When we are in our natural stance, on our feet in nature a deep connection exists that is difficult to convey with words. We become one with nature and I cannot think of a deeper moment of praise and glory. Running is one of the ways that I enjoy most to connect with nature and am deeply thankfull for my ability to do so. I had the opportunity to explore some of our most beatifull neighbouring and African countries and ran on multiple landscapes and terrains from Namibia to the DRC.

Sporting bio:

I have taken part in multiple trail and cycling events over multiple years and include events such as: # UTCT # Lions Head Challange # Bat run # George MUT # Impact Marathon (Kenya) # 1Zambia # Wines 2 Whales # Maxi race # Wildcoast Wildrun

Reason for taking challenge:

When I was invited to partake, I did not hesitate to accept to the challange as this event is the perfect combination of my passion for conservation and trail running. I`m unfamiliar with the Drankensberg mountain range and has always been a dream of mine to explore.

Brandie Wettstein

Age: 48

Hometown: Basel, Switzerland

Occupation: --

About me:

I was born in Port Moody, British Columbia, Canada. It's a little town on the west coast just outside of Vancouver. In my early 20s, I took a job as an au pair in Switzerland and finally left Canada for the first time. Living in the heart of Europe, I discovered my love for travel. Growing up I never imagined I would have such an opportunity. I never moved back to BC but lived in Ontario, the US and Austria. I have been married now to my husband for 14 years. We live in Basel, Switzerland. We have a 13 year-old daughter, Emma, who has developed our love for travel and inspires us to do what we can to make the world a better place for her to explore and live in.  We want her to think of herself as a world citizen and try to set that example—not just for her sake but for that of future generations

Sporting bio:

I love running, biking and hiking. I've completed several half marathons over the years and even a full marathon. Last year I completed the Rhino Peak Challege for the first time. I had an amazing time and knew straight away I'd do it again this year

Reason for taking challenge:

I have been volunteering with Wildlife Act since 2019. I have returned year after year, sometimes twice in a year.   I have even had the opportunity to volunteer with my husband and daughter. Being a volunteer with Wildlife ACT, working alongside the monitors, fellow volunteers, meeting park staff, anti-poaching units and reserve veterinarians has given me a real sense of what conservation looks like.  And this motivates me to try to do what I can to help this important work So why take the Rhino Peak challenge?  Generally, because I strongly believe in a few mantras:  Actions speak louder than words.  A true act of kindness always sparks another. And more personally, to show my daughter Emma that by working together we can do great things. By taking part in Rhino Peak, my hope is to not only reach my fundraising goal but to create more awareness for this amazing platform. I want to try and encourage people to help in any way they can. To understand that no contribution is too small. And to remind ourselves how fragile this planet is and how sad the future would be losing another species

Greg Carter-Brown

Age: 42

Hometown: Creighton

Occupation: Farmer

About me:

Husband and father of three, farm dairy and beef. Love SA and the outdoors, kayak, fly fishing, hunting, surfing. Spent a year doing horseback safari”s in the Masai Mara

Sporting bio:

Couple Duzi’s, couple ultras/comrades, 100 milers, bit of rugby in my youth, best surfer in Creighton!. Paddled across the Okavango in a canoe, kayaked skookemchuck last year

Reason for taking challenge:

Wildlife and the outdoors/rivers have been a massive part of my life and it must be part of my children and future generations lives to.

Guy Wiggill

Age: 45

Hometown: Underberg

Occupation: Farm manager

About me:

As a child growing up in Underberg, we would spend alot of time playing in the rivers and going for walks. A good weekend away with my wife and two energetic boys would be camping at one of the local parks. I was a round tabler for 9 years and did alot of fundraising and helped with many good causes, as Sani 152 still does.

Sporting bio:

Having enjoyed running my whole adult life, my wife and I always have a race to train for. We take part in the local races, Sani Stagger, Ultra Trail Drakensberg, Gooderson Trail Run and the Glencairn trail runs. I have also run the Rhodes Run (whilst snowing) and the Mutter (getting lost in the mist) and had a great time running the iMfolozi Outrun. In the last few years getting a bit more adventures and jumping off Bloukrans bridge, which is the highest commercially operated bungee jump in the world. And abseiling down the Maletsunyane falls in Lesotho, which is the highest commercially operated abseil n the world.

Reason for taking challenge:

Being fortunate enough to spend so much time in nature, and be physically able. It really was a no brainer to take part in this awesome event to raise funds and awareness.

Personal sponsor:

Sani Springs

Jeany Heinlein

Age: 56

Hometown: Baltimore, Limpopo, South-Africa

Occupation: Too many to mention

About me:

I am a wife, a mother of three, a grandmother of two and a lover of Africa. Adventure was always part of who I am and I like to take a challenge. I grew up in the Western Bushveld and today we are farming citrus, potatoes, onions and tomatoes in the Baltimore region and also near Tom Burke on the banks of the Limpopo River. My fascination with wildlife dates back to childhood. It has led to the regular and intense observation of animal behavior. I studied BSc Zoology and Botany at the University of Johannesburg, and after that my Honors in Mycology. I enjoy Wildlife photography and travelled Africa occasionally.

Sporting bio:

I did as much sport as I could during my whole school career such as tennis, athletics and netball. I did one or two half-marathons after school. I started mountain biking in 2004 and still enjoying it today. I completed numerous single stage events ans also a few multistage events: Tour de Tuli (twice), Desert Knights in Namibia, Namaqua Quest and the Trans Baviaans 24 hour challenge. In 2022 I completed the 10-day Namaqua Camino hiking trail.

Reason for taking challenge:

If we want to ensure that true nature exists for generations to come, it is vital to empower people to protect the unspoiled, natural environment through conservation. We must teach people to understand why it is important to conserve our natural resources and expose more people to Nature in all her glory. The world faces a race against extinction, but I do have hope for the future. Let us embrace the beauty of Earth and believe in tomorrow. As the Indian blessing says:”Let us walk softly on the Earth with all living beings great and small, remembering as we go, that one God, kind and wise created it all.” I hope my contribution can make a difference.

Personal sponsor:

Sirkel-N-Landgoed

Kelsey Leeming

Age: 34

Hometown: Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park

Occupation: K9-Co ordinator

About me:

I grew up on a farm in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. I have always loved mountains, the outdoors, horse riding etc. Naturally I found myself living and working in the bush after my studies. I currently live and work in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, Zululand. I work with the anti-poaching K9 Unit based inside the reserve. I assist with the daily training and handling of dogs for tracking purposes, mostly rhino poachers. I also oversee canine welfare, camp maintenance and donor reporting. I assist the park with whatever help they need, this includes black rhino monitoring, security camera deployments in the field and wildlife veterinary work/game capture.

Sporting bio:

I dont have a sporting bio really. The only physical activity I do is running in the bush with the K9 and walking far distances for black rhino or camera traps. I have done Cathedral Peak Challenge, and a few outruns. I do enjoy tennis and running/walking in mountains.

Reason for taking challenge:

WildlifeACT has been one of the major supporters of the K9 Unit in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. I decided it was time for me to give back and try raise funds for the wildlife I work with every day. In the field of conservation, donor support is critical for the survival of protected areas and wildlife, as government does not meet the operational demands in provincial reserves to keep fighting independently. I have experienced this personally on the ground and have been incredibly grateful and inspired by all the generous people supporting the work that needs to be done. I would therefore also like to do what I can to keep moving forward.

Matthew Schwenke

Age: 12

Hometown: Johannesburg

Occupation: Scholar

About me:

I have always had an interest in nature. My favorite holidays are either hiking or Kruger.

Sporting bio:

Running and tennis.

Reason for taking challenge:

Help raise funds to save the rhinos and vultures.

Steve Williamson

Age: 44

Hometown: Underberg

Occupation: Impact manager

About me:

My name is Steve Willamson and I have the privilege of calling Underberg my home.I left the hustle and bustle of the city about 6 years ago to raise our kids in the country.I have always loved the outdoors and nature so a move to Wildlife ACT this year was a good fit and I enjoy being part of a winning team.

Sporting bio:

My love of the outdoors gave rise to a passion for trail running and mountain biking.I have competed in Sani2C, comrades, two oceans and UTD to name a few.

Reason for taking challenge:

This challenge is a chance to give back to a planet that has given us so much of herself and a chance for us to be role models to future generations.

Treverton Travers Pellew, Abigael Don-Wauchope & Yvette Shepherd

Age: 17

Hometown: Travers: Mooi River, Abigael: Champagne Valley - Central Berg, Yvette: Bergville - Northern Berg

Occupation: High School Educator and Head of Sport at Treverton College & Grade 11 Students

About me:

Travers Pellew - I enjoy running, cycling, hiking and any other adventure activity. I love being out in nature and enjoying the diverse landscape that our country has to offer. I am passionate about educating students to embrace their uniqueness and individuality, as we each have our own strengths to enrich those that cross our paths. Abigael Don-Wauchope & Yvette Shepherd - We are both grade 11 students who are passionate about the outdoors and enjoy a causal run or hike in the Drakensberg. We are part of adventurous families who love to explore and travel around our beautiful country.

Sporting bio:

Travers Pellew: Representing South Africa in my age group at two Duathlon World Champs. Placing 2nd in the u23 category at Xterra (off-road triathlon) South African Champs at Xterra Grabouw. Top 5 finishes at 4 Peaks Mountain Challenge, Giants Cup Trail Run, Run The Berg Trail Run and multiple other popular trail races in South Africa. Twice 1st place at The Heaven and Hell Mountain Run. Completing the Rhino Peak Challenge in 2022 & 2023, and many other memorable races and experiences. Abigael Don-Wauchope: I have always had a love for sport and the outdoors. I have been fortunate enough to join my parents sporting events, mostly trail running, all over the world since a young age. Earlier this year I swam 8 miles for charity at Midmar Mile, and supported children with cancer. I am excited that it is now my turn to tackle the mountains, and run for another awesome cause! Yvette Shepherd: Drakensberg marathon 10k (2021 & 2022) and 21k (2023) Dumbe Trail Run(2022) Run the Berg 13k (2023) Kudu Canter day 1 12k day 2 15k (2023) I will also be doing the Oxpekker 25k this year Represented Treverton in Cross Country running Done 142 park runs

Reason for taking challenge:

We as a team are passionate about the Drakensberg and the diversity that it offers us as South Africans. This challenge embraces the beauty on our doorstep and showcases the majestic Drakensberg, as well as the diverse animal and plant life that it offers. This challenge allows us to do our part in fundraising and preserving this special place so that in years to come others can enjoy the Drakensberg and its beauty. In addition, we are always keen for an epic challenge!