As parts of South Africa continue to struggle with prolonged drought, Hino South Africa has once again stepped in to support urgent relief efforts aimed at sustaining the country’s farming communities.
The truck manufacturer recently provided a Hino 700 2845 truck-tractor from its demonstrator fleet to transport 34 tonnes of animal fodder from Secunda in Mpumalanga to Loeriesfontein in the Northern Cape—a journey of approximately 1,500 kilometres.
Despite heavy rains and localised flooding in other parts of the country, areas of the Northern Cape remain under significant strain due to ongoing dry conditions. According to Gilbert Martin, founder of the non-profit organisations We are South Africans and The People of South Africa Foundation NPC, many farmers in these regions continue to face extreme challenges.
“Loeriesfontein has been grappling with drought since 2013,” Martin said. “There was a stretch when the area had no rainfall for seven years, relying solely on groundwater. It’s not uncommon to see part of a farm green and growing while the rest is completely barren.”
The foundation’s relief work extends beyond delivering fodder, also including food staples such as potatoes and butternuts to towns across Namaqualand, including Springbok, Garies and Kamieskroon.
Hino’s latest involvement builds on an ongoing collaboration with Martin’s organisations. The relationship began in the wake of the July 2021 unrest and has since seen the company assist with transporting food and fodder to areas impacted by natural disasters.
“Our partnerships with Hino South Africa, their dealer network, and the Hino Knights have been a great help during difficult times,” Martin said. “Their willingness to support these communities has made a tangible difference.”
Hino has previously played a role in similar initiatives. In 2021, the company loaned a Hino 700 2848 truck-tractor for four months to deliver feed to drought-affected regions including Vanwyksvlei, Boesmanland and Calvinia. Over 20 long-distance trips were completed, covering close to 40,000 kilometres.
Itumeleng Segage, General Manager of Hino South Africa, said the company was pleased to continue offering practical support where needed.
“We appreciate the opportunity to contribute to these efforts. Supporting communities—especially during difficult times—remains important to us,” said Segage.
He added that the company’s ties to the agricultural sector go back several decades.
“Toyota SA Motors, our parent company, received strong support from farmers in its early days. Since Hino’s arrival in 1972, we’ve worked closely with this sector, providing dependable transport solutions. We intend to continue offering assistance where we can,” Segage concluded.
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