In the heart of every bold adventurer lies a thirst for the extraordinary, an unquenchable desire to explore the unknown. Enter ISUZU, the driving force behind groundbreaking partnerships with fearless explorers like Ruan Pretorius.
United by a shared passion for adventure, ISUZU embraces the spirit of those who seek the thrill of uncharted territories. Together, they form an unbreakable bond, conquering diverse terrains, overcoming challenges, and weaving tales of awe-inspiring expeditions.
Today, we're diving into the heart of Ruan Pretorius's journey as an adventure enthusiast and content creator, exploring his background, the inspiration behind his adventures, and the incredible partnership with ISUZU that has added a new dimension to his explorations.
How it began
Ruan's story begins in Mpumalanga, but it's in Durban that he truly found his home. Gelofte Primary School and Kloof High School were his stomping grounds, but it was the gift of a camera from his mom on his 21st birthday that set the stage for his content creation odyssey. Little did he know that this hobby would evolve into a full-blown profession.
Ruan's journey into content creation gained momentum during a gap year in Australia, where he explored the East Coast and fell even deeper in love with capturing moments. Back in South Africa, he honed his skills, joined the Chasing Africa content creation group, and collaborated on campaigns, including one with Corona beer. In just two months, Ruan's success solidified his belief that passion, dedication, and perseverance can transform dreams into reality. And of course, with a little help from his (girl)friend
"Exploration and embracing new experiences are additional driving forces behind my creative journey. Stepping out of my comfort zone is crucial, offering valuable insights into the broader world. While I don't have a dedicated team, the one person that I do share my life with is my beautiful girlfriend, Iana Strydom. She, too, was part of the Chasing Africa group and is an exceptional content creator. Our shared adventures and her constant inspiration and motivation have been instrumental in shaping my current position. Without her, I wouldn't be where I am today."
A partnership born for adventure
Ruan's inspiration for content creation stems from his love for connecting with like-minded individuals. The content creation community is like a close-knit family, mirroring Ruan's values of building strong connections—a sentiment he extends to his actual family, who has been his unwavering support system.
Now at a crossroads, Ruan's current mission is to delve into the world of extreme sports documentaries. His goal for 2024 is to produce compelling films that capture the adrenaline-fueled essence of these activities.
The partnership with ISUZU came about organically, thanks to Khulekani's introduction. Ruan and his girlfriend, Iana, joined a shoot in Clarens, and from that day on, there was a connection not just with the brand but with the people at ISUZU. Ruan saw in ISUZU the ideal vehicle to traverse South Africa's diverse terrains and showcase the brand's adventurous spirit.
Ruan highlights the crucial role ISUZU vehicles play in his adventures. Their capability, trustworthiness, and versatility make them the go-to choice for Ruan's expeditions, providing a worry-free driving experience.
"Without a vehicle, or can I say ISUZU it wouldn't have been possible to go on the adventures that we have been on. The capability of the car is just spectacular– the vehicle puts my mind to rest. I don't have to worry about anything happening."
The recent Durban to Tugela adventure tested both Ruan and ISUZU. Cycling 372 km is no joke, but with ISUZU's robust vehicles, the journey was not only comfortable but also filled with memorable experiences. The vehicle's capability to tackle dirt roads ensured a seamless and enjoyable trip.
"I called out a really good friend of mine that has a friend, Daniel Poalses, who cycles a lot and that this idea would fit him the best. The three of us started with the planning process and a few months later we created a film that we are really proud of," Ruan enthuses.
Looking ahead, Ruan plans to optimise ISUZU's features to elevate the overall experience for himself and his followers. Whether on off-road adventures or extended road trips, ISUZU's durability and performance will be harnessed to ensure a reliable travel experience.
For Ruan, the bakkie range is the perfect ISUZU model for his adventures. Its powerful engine, advanced suspension, spacious interior, and versatility make it an ideal companion for all his endeavours.
"The ISUZU D-MAX bakkie is the perfect model for my adventures. Having to carry a lot of gear from camping to cycling, the bakkie is the perfect match for all my adventures. The bakkie's powerful engine and advanced suspension contribute to its exceptional performance, providing the necessary torque and stability for diverse adventure scenarios.
"ISUZU bakkies boast spacious and comfortable interiors, ensuring a pleasant experience during long drives or extended road trips. The vehicle's versatility allows for customisation to accommodate adventure-specific needs, such as roof racks for additional storage or towing capabilities for trailers," he adds.
Ruan teases upcoming projects, including a cycling series exploring the best bike-packing routes in each South African province and an epic journey cycling from the top to the bottom of Madagascar—both made possible by the reliability of ISUZU vehicles.
Inspiring responsible adventures
As a content creator, Ruan takes the responsibility of inspiring his audience seriously. Through various channels, he promotes responsible and sustainable adventures, emphasizing the importance of environmental consciousness.
"ISUZU's commitment to providing reliable vehicles plays a significant role in the broader adventure and outdoor community. The brand's vehicles become integral partners, enhancing the overall experience for adventurers and fostering a connection between the ISUZU brand and the spirit of adventure."
As Ruan looks ahead, his long-term goals include becoming a top South African creator, creating short documentary films, and sharing his knowledge with aspiring content creators. "ISUZU has found a special place in my heart and I look forward to growing this partnership with such an incredible brand. To many more adventures!"
ISUZU's commitment to reliability and performance aligns seamlessly with the audacious spirit of these adventurers, setting the stage for a collaboration that transcends boundaries and fuels the journey into the extraordinary.
Ruan Pretorius and ISUZU are ready to take you on a thrilling ride filled with adrenaline, exploration, and the undeniable joy of the open road.
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