For centuries, Husqvarna has been trusted to provide world-leading outdoor tools solutions that make a difference. The brand has a large footprint in Africa, but it’s expanding at a rapid pace, making it the ideal time to partner with a much-loved local personality that embodies the innovation and excellence for which it’s known. Husqvarna is proud to announce its first-ever African brand ambassador, Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira.

Tendai isn’t just one of South Africa’s most talented rugby players; he’s also a family man who embodies the core values of the brand – commitment, teamwork, family and support. In short, he’s a natural fit. “I’m very honoured to be a part of the Husqvarna group,” says Tendai. “It’s a world-class brand, and it’s incredible to be working with such a professional team”. (A big compliment when you consider the star athlete’s other teammates.)

Products that make a difference

Welcoming Tendai into the Husqvarna family meant ensuring he’s got all the products he needs to help him take the very best care of his garden.  Just one that’s making a world of difference to the Mtawarira home is the brand’s best-selling automower®. 

“I’m often on the road or on the field so, when I was home, much of my free time was spent doing chores around the house. Now, because all the mowing is done for me, I am able to enjoy more time with my family.” The automower® is one of Husqvarna’s many battery-driven “Silent Nature™” products. As it’s powered by electricity, it doesn’t produce harmful emissions and works hard in virtual silence. As you can imagine, Tendai’s neighbours are big fans too. “No more noisy mowing on Sundays,” he laughs. In fact, he now never has to spend any of his days cutting grass. “When I spend time overseas I now don’t have to worry about coming home to an overgrown garden. These products are really making a difference!”

Another Husqvarna item making life easier for the Mtawarira’s is the brand’s high-pressure washer. It’s so much fun to use that Tendai’s kids are actually looking forward to helping their dad wash the family’s cars. “Everyone was also really excited about the generator,” says Tendai. “Now we’ll never miss another game on TV when there are power cuts!”

Eyes on the future

According to Husqvarna Africa’s regional marketing manager, Jenna Robinson, the brand is widely recognised throughout the continent. “We have a presence in 30 countries in Africa and are the leading professional brand within our market,” she says. However, the company is looking forward to emboldening its already strong position by partnering with Tendai, a personality whose appeal goes beyond borders.  As it stands, the product range for Africa includes over 280 items, and the catalogue is ever expanding as it innovates. Still, Husqvarna wants to move in a way that’s strategic as well as sustainable.

“By 2025, 60-percent of the global population will be living in cities; fewer will have gardens and shared urban green spaces will become more relevant. We need to think ahead, plan for the future and worry more about emissions - hence our extensive range of battery products and ‘silent nature’* drive,” says Robinson. “Less noise, less disruption, less harm to the environment - we believe in that, and it helps us stand out.” 

To watch the new campaign with Tendai – visit https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFPFCTqrs5BACrB9LmCsT4A/videos 

To learn more about the brand and find your nearest Husqvarna dealer, visit www.husqvarna.co.za

About Husqvarna

Swedish-owned Husqvarna is a world leader in outdoor power products, operating in South Africa via a specialist network of dealers. Over the past 330 years, they’ve manufactured everything from muskets to their iconic chainsaws and are now the world leader in robotic mowing.

The Husqvarna Classic Mid-Illovo MTB Challenge & Trail Run on Sunday (28 April) will have a new look and a new winner in both the men's and women's MTB races.

With both last year's champions, Julian Jessop and Christie-Leigh Hearder, committed to other events, there are sure to be two new winners with last year's runner-up, Tyronne White, looking like the early favourite to keep his unbeaten run going for 2019 in the men's race.

The Ballito-based coach, who will be taking part in the 60km Husqvarna Classic wearing the colours of his new DriveTrain Academy team for the first time, has become the rider to beat in KwaZulu-Natal this year. White has picked up wins at the Kamberg Classic, Berg 100 and Wartburg and the Drakensberg Descent team event with Andrew Johnson – who joins him in the new team.

"The Husqvarna Classic has always been a tough event, but I have always enjoyed it," said White. "Julian (Jessop) and I had a good dice last year and he beat me in the final sprint, so hopefully I can go one better and pick up the win on Sunday.

"I believe the course has changed a bit, although from what I have heard and read the 60km is not too different. I believe by moving the new start venue to Gwahumbe Game Lodge and Spa, one of the early climbs has been changed, which is probably going to mean a bigger front group for the first part of the race, which will make things interesting.

"The Husqvarna Classic has always been a brilliant event that I have always tried to do if possible. I missed it a few times because it clashed with the joBerg2c but I was not going to miss it this year.

"The route is always good with some really nice single track and some proper climbs, so the better mountain bikers do well. The organisers have always been very good at talking to the riders and listening to what they have to say, and then making changes that make the race better."

White's biggest challenge is probably going to come from Stuart Marais who has been concentrating on preparing for the Olympic-style cross-country racing as he aims for selection to the team to go to Tokyo in 2020.

With White concentrating on marathon-style events, the two have not raced head-to-head this year which adds another level of intrigue to what should be a tight fight for the win.

Another rider who could challenge is Andrew Johnson, White's teammate in the new team. The Ballito training partners have both moved to the new team which is sponsored by White's new training academy.

This year's Husqvarna Classic Mid-Illovo MTB Challenge & Trail Run on April 28 will be based at the Gwahumbe Game Lodge and Spa which will provide a spectator-friendly venue for supporters and a relaxed setting for riders and runners to recover after their events.

There are various options for riders and trail runners with the blue riband event the 60km Husqvarna Classic MTB X-treme which is aimed at the province's experienced mountain bikers. The popular 40km Safire MTB Classic has a few changes to the route which has made the course easier as well as shorter than last year.

The 18km Gwahumbe Family Experience and 10km Fun Ride target the younger riders and those who are not confident enough to tackle a full 40km classic.

The trail runners will now start at the Gwahumbe Game Lodge on top of the plateau and finish at a beautiful waterfall in the valley. This makes for predominantly downhill routes for both the 16km Farmers Agri-Care Trail Run and the 9km Gwahumbe Trail Run. Shuttles will transport runners back up the hill to the start area for prize giving.

"We are so excited to be hosting the 11th Husqvarna Classic Mid-Illovo MTB Challenge & Trail Run at the new venues," said race organiser Shanon MacKenzie this week. "We have already had such good feedback on the new routes from riders as well as runners and only positive comments from athletes who have tested the new routes.

"I am convinced we made the correct decision to move the start / finish venue and am excited to see how much people enjoy the new setting."

One of the riders who was part of the pre-ride on the 40km route, Andrew McKinnon, was full of praise for the route, saying there was 700m of climbing which is about average for a 40km classic but the course had "awesome trails with well-manicured single track with some beautiful berms."

His 12-year-old daughter, Jodi, who also rode the 40km route, was impressed by the "flowy single track" and said she did not find the route hard at all.

There are 800 Uzwelo shopper bags and 600 Quick Dry, Microfibre towels for the first entrants.

Each year, the Mid-Illovo community benefits from hosting the Husqvarna Classic Mid-Illovo MTB Challenge and Trail Run with proceeds from the event going towards community upliftment.

Every entrant also has the opportunity to give back and help a child in this Midlands community by purchasing an Uzwelo School Bag, with a built-in raincoat poncho, for R150.

Enter online at www.roag.co.za or contact ROAG on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 086 100 ROAG/7624.

Entry Fees (early entry prices close April 24)

DIST EVENT PRICE

• 60km Husqvarna Classic MTB X-treme R220
• 40km Safire MTB Classic R190
• 18km Gwahumbe Family Experience R160
• 10km Fun Ride R80 (free for under 12s)
• 16km Farmers Agri-Care Trail Run R140
• 9km Gwahumbe Trail Run R100

For more information, visit www.husqvarnaclassic.co.za