The South African trucking industry has long been defined by resilience, reliability and a readiness to roll when duty calls. Nowhere is that more evident than in the recent cross-country drought relief effort where Hino South Africa stepped up once again to assist farming communities in distress.
In a coordinated act of solidarity, Hino SA provided a Hino 700 2845 truck-tractor from its demonstrator fleet to move 34 tons of urgently needed fodder from Secunda in Mpumalanga to Loeriesfontein in the Northern Cape – a 1 500 km haul through some of the country’s most remote terrain. This act of logistical generosity highlights the vital role trucking plays in disaster response and rural resilience.
Across great distance to bring relief
“Although there has been heavy rain and flooding in many parts of South Africa recently, there are still pockets of the country in the fierce grip of a drought, particularly areas in the Northern Cape,” explains Gilbert Martin, founder of We are South Africans and The People of South Africa Foundation NPC, which coordinates many of the local drought relief initiatives.
“Loeriesfontein has been hard hit by drought since 2013 and on one occasion, the town and its surroundings had no rain for seven years, relying solely on ground water. In certain cases, in these drought-stricken areas, we sometimes see one part of a farm that is green while other sections are bone dry.
“This is most distressing for the many small scale livestock farmers living in these areas. We not only deliver fodder for animals but also desperately needed food such as potatoes and butternuts into Namaqualand towns such as Springbok, Garries and Kamieskroon.”
Sustaining deep roots in the farming community
The OEM’s latest effort builds on a track record of assistance. In 2021, Hino loaned a Hino 700 2848 truck-tractor for four months to help transport fodder to drought-affected regions around Vanwyksvlei, Boesmanland and Calvinia (also in the Northern Cape). The truck completed over 20 long-distance runs and nearly 40 000 km in relief mileage.
“Our relationship with Hino South Africa, their dealers and the Hino Knights goes back to the aftermath of the July 2021 riots. They have subsequently helped us immensely by providing transport and coordinating the delivery of fodder and food to areas hit by floods, drought and fires. We are most grateful for these helping hands from members of the Hino family,” adds Martin.
Itumeleng Segage, general manager of Hino South Africa concludes: “We are very pleased that we have again been able to assist community organisations in providing food for livestock and the inhabitants of these regions of our country.
“Our parent company, Toyota SA Motors, was given significant support from the farming community after it was established in the 1960s. Since Hino, a Toyota Group company, arrived here in 1972 they have also provided reliable and durable transport to the agricultural sector. We are particularly grateful to the organisations that arrange support for those affected by disasters and will continue to help when possible.”
Editor’s note: From the farms to the freeways and back – again and again – South Africa’s trucking community continues to prove that its power lies not just in horsepower but also in heart! So to all those farmers visiting the NAMPO show, pop into the HINO stand and give the guys a big ‘thanks’ pat on the back. They’re on your side through good and bad times.
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