Motus Isuzu franchise managing director, Le Roux Roux, says they are well acquainted with the plight of the agricultural sector and believes that if farmers cannot produce, the country will be in trouble.

“The farmers are in desperate need with no money for food or to even send their children to school,” Roux said. “Despite good rains and an expected good harvest in Mpumalanga and the Free State, the situation in the Limpopo, Northern and Eastern Cape provinces is dire with several farmers having to slaughter their animals because of the drought.”

Since November, trucks have been doing trips to collect feed from areas that had good rainfall and transporting it across the country to the areas in need, often covering vast distances making sure these large loads are delivered where they are needed most. Feed is collected and delivered even in remote areas like Merweville, Vanwyksvlei, Upington and Pofadder.

“The investment in this project is substantial,” Roux said, “but it is worth it when you see the look of relief on the farmers’ faces. The effect that these deliveries have on the farmers is enormous and often means respite for their staff and the entire community.” Staff from all Motus Isuzu dealerships are involved, with employees from the closest dealership often in contact with the farmer, as well as being present during the collection or delivery of feed.

According to the statement, Charles Muller, a farmer from Merweville for the past 46 years, said they are trying to survive the worst drought ever. “There’s no more vegetation left on the farm, we are dependent on these fodder donations,” Muller said. “The feed is expensive and owing to our remote location, the delivery costs are extremely high.” Muller compared the donations to their weight in cold.

Gishma Johnson, Isuzu SA Corporate Communications Manager, said in the statement that one of the company’s corporate social responsibility objectives is to help communities in crisis. “Finding the right partners to get the job done is so important and demonstrated just how much can be accomplished when you work together,” Johnson said. “When Farmers Assist SA approached Isuzu for assistance earlier this year, we reached out to our dealer network to garner support, and we are very pleased that Motus Isuzu Isando stepped up to the plate.”

David Xaba, a truck driver from Motus Isuzu Isando, said he is proud to be part of this initiative. “As we drive across the country, cars flash their lights to show that they appreciate what we are doing to help the farmers, and I think that we are setting a great example for the rest of South Africa, showing what can be achieved if we work together,” Xaba said in the statement.

Motus Isuzu has four dealerships located in Isando, Vereeniging, Kimberley and Bloemfontein, near the main arteries of South Africa, including the N1, N12 and N3, making it ideal for servicing the farming communities.