South African rugby icon, double World Cup winner Cheslin Kolbe, has become Nissan Africa’s third and final sports ambassador for 2026, after receiving the keys to his new Navara PRO-4X bakkies at the Nissan Milnerton in Cape Town today.
Kolbe returns to South Africa after playing his domestic rugby overseas for the last few years, first in France and then in Japan where he finished this season as Japan Rugby League One’s top points scorer.
The partnership with Nissan, which was facilitated by Roc Nation Sports International, follows on from Nissan’s appointment of his national teammates Aphelele Fassi and Jordan Hendrikse as Navara athlete ambassadors last month at the Bidvest McCarthy dealership in Gateway, Durban.
“The Nissan Navara is an incredible vehicle,” says Juan Wheeler, Nissan Africa’s Chief Financial Officer, who travelled to Cape Town to hand over the Navara Pro4X to Kolbe. “It has proved itself in some of the toughest environments imaginable, while being very diverse at the same time in its application; from commercial to industrial to adventure.
“Whatever the specification, the Nissan Navara has become a passport to dare, which is why it’s so wonderful to have someone like Cheslin who has achieved what he has on and off the field affirming precisely that by choosing to become a brand ambassador,” said Wheeler.
Kolbe expressed his gratitude as he received the handover of the vehicle in Cape Town on Friday.
“The Nissan Navara is a vehicle built on resilience, toughness, and a passion for pushing boundaries – values that really resonate with me both on and off the rugby field. It’s a proud moment to represent an iconic brand that is manufactured right here in Africa, and I’m looking forward to the adventures ahead with my family in the Navara PRO-4X.”
Wheeler said it was important to host the handover at the Cape Town dealership because it highlighted Nissan’s extensive retail footprint that stretches from one part of South Africa to the other.
“When you buy a Nissan Navara, you’re not only buying a fantastic vehicle that allows you the freedom to dare, but you’re also getting an immediate relationship with our exceptional dealer network, giving you the confidence wherever you are in your journey with Nissan anywhere in the country.”
For Nissan Africa head of brand and communication Ramy Mohareb, the athlete ambassador programme has been a wonderful affirmation of Nissan and the Navara.
“We are as proud of all three of our ambassadors: Cheslin Kolbe, Jordan Hendrikse and Aphelele Fassi, as we are of this iconic bakkie.
“They are all record breakers in their own field, they defy ordinary in everything they do – and they give us all every reason to hope and to dare.”
The Nissan Navara PRO-4X is a specialised 4×4 double-cab bakkie featuring a 2.5L twin-turbo diesel engine (140kW/450Nm) with a 7-speed automatic transmission.
Designed for off-roading, it offers 221mm ground clearance, 3500kg braked towing capacity, and premium interior features including an 8-inch screen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and unique black styling accents.
The Nissan Navara’s Intelligent Around View Monitor (AVM) with Off-Road Mode uses four cameras to create a 360-degree bird’s-eye view, specifically designed to help navigate tricky terrain at slow speeds.
Due its superior ride comfort and dynamic capabilities with 5-link coil suspension, the PRO-4X set the standard for endurance and durability when it undertook Daring Africa, an eight country 8 000km odyssey from South Africa to Egypt.
The Stealth was launched in the Magaliesberg foothills last year , while the Navara Warrior, by Premcar, wrote its own world record on debut for the longest off-road journey which it completed in Namaqualand, some of South Africa’s most challenging terrain imaginable.
The Navara was also adjudged Car of the Year in its segment in 2022 in South Africa, as well as Bakkie of the Year in its segment of the inaugural competition of the same name.
“It really does shatter expectations and set the standard for toughness,” says Wheeler, “much like Cheslin, in fact.”
Curtis Nxumalo, Head of Commercial for Roc Nation Sports International in South Africa, concluded: “At Roc Nation Sports International, we pride ourselves on aligning our world-class athletes with brands that share their drive, resilience, and local heritage.
“Cheslin embodies the spirit of modern South African excellence – dynamic, fearless, and always pushing boundaries. Seeing Cheslin and fellow athletes Jordan and Aphelele partner with a brand as iconic and rugged as Nissan was a perfect fit.”
Nissan South Africa’s extensive dealer network covers the far reaches of the country, and every purchase is accompanied by a 6 year/150 000km warranty and a 6 year/ 90 000km service plan.
A suite of Nissan Intelligent Mobility safety technologies like forward emergency brake, lane departure warning and blind spot warning also comes as standard and creates a whole new way of driving to give owners additional peace of mind on the road.
