Isuzu Motors South Africa recently responded to Farmers Assist South Africa’s initiative to provide aid to farmers, who have been adversely affected by droughts in South Africa. The aim of this initiative is to transport critical fodder, farming essentials and food to these farms, thus ensuring ongoing food security for the country.
Working with its dealers across the country, the vehicle manufacturer reached out to Motus Isuzu Isando in Johannesburg to request trucks for the transportation of fodder. This dealership has had a long history with the farming communities and regularly supports similar initiatives.
“The farmers are in dire need; they have no money for food or to even send their children to school. While Mpumalanga and the Free State received good rain and the farmers expect a good harvest, other farmers in the north of Limpopo had to slaughter their game animals because of the drought conditions and there is also big ongoing need in the Northern and Eastern Cape,” said Motus Isuzu Isando franchise MD Le Roux Roux.
Isuzu Motors has supported Farmers Assist with two new FVZ 1400 trucks, which are customized with large drop sides and higher sides to carry additional bales and feed, two truck drivers and fuel for the trips. One of the first trips the trucks will undertake is to deliver fodder to Vanwyksvlei in the Northern Cape and Tolwe in Limpopo. “The trucks will be used on an ongoing basis to move feed around for South African farmers who are in need,” added Roux.
Farmers Assist SA founder, Ronel Steenkamp says the situation, particularly in the Northern Cape, is critical, despite good rains experienced elsewhere in the country. “We are very grateful to the farmers who help each other in need, as well as to Isuzu for the incredible support and passion for the farming community of South Africa,” said Steenkamp. The organisation is also looking for partners to assist with providing groceries to farming communities in need, fuel for their bakkies to make the trips, as well as any donations of fodder and feed.
