SLR takes on the Nedbank Desert Dash in support of Hope for Life

At SLR, we are committed to extending our “Making Sustainability Happen” purpose beyond our projects and into communities. Over the years, this commitment has inspired our teams to support a range of initiatives that create meaningful social impact.

One such initiative is the Nedbank Desert Dash, now in its 22nd year. On the 11th of December, SLR will once again support a team of colleagues from across the EMEA region as they take on this extraordinary challenge. This year, we are also partnering with a local charity, Hope for Life, which will be the focus of our fundraising efforts aligned to this challenge.

About the Desert Dash

First held in 2005, the Nedbank Desert Dash has steadily grown in scale, increasing from 340km to more than 400km over the past two decades.

This now 401km, 24 hour mountain-bike race in the Namibia Desert, is the world’s longest single-stage mountain bike race.

The race (99% of it over gravel road, mountain passes, tracks and through thick river sand) starts in Windhoek and ends in Swakopmund and must be completed in 24 hours. Like most endurance challenges, the Desert Dash means that both the riders and the support team on the road are awake for around 36 hours.

For more information, visit Nedbank Desert Dash.

SLR’s Desert Dash journey

SLR team members have been involved in the Nedbank Desert Dash for the past 14 years, with our first participation being at the 2012 race. What began as a locally championed initiative, led by a few colleagues from our Namibian offices, has grown into a wider regional effort.

Since 2023, SLR has formally supported colleagues taking part in the event, bringing together people from a range of disciplines across EMEA to take on the challenge and embody our One Team culture.

Building on this annual societal impact initiative, we are proud to partner with Hope for Life as our chosen local charity for 2026.

About Hope for Life

Established in 2003, the Hope for Life (HFL) Foundation is a non-governmental organisation dedicated to supporting vulnerable children, families, and communities through a variety of social upliftment programmes.

There are four main projects that partners can make donations and support: Hope Baby House, Pregnancy Support Centre, Bare Necessities Project and Send-a-Child-to-School. While donations of food, clothing and school supplies are always welcomed, Hope for Life's most immediate need is financial support to help fund the dedicated caregivers who provide daily care for the babies at Hope Baby House.

Supporting our fundraising efforts

In the months leading up to the Desert Dash, SLR will be working closely with Hope for Life to raise awareness and vital funds for its programmes.

We invite our clients, partners and wider networks to support this effort through direct donations via Hope for Life's fundraising platform, selecting the designated project reference where applicable.

For more information, visit Hope for Life.