In association with SA Crisis Support, Mercedes-Benz Trucks delivered more than 100 bales of cattle feed to a farming community in Winburg, located near Kroonstad in the Free State. The manufacturer provided a truck, trailer, driver and the fuel needed for the two-day operation.
In order to move the large quantity of feed donated by a farmer in Bronkhortspruit, a Mercedes-Benz Actros 2654 was utilised, as well as FleetBoard’s Driver Training tautliner trailer.
Rowlands Peters, Head of FleetBoard South Africa (Daimler’s comprehensive telematics system), commented: “This is a manner in which we can give back to a community in need. As Daimler Trucks & Buses (DT&B), we made the decision to assist this worthy cause to ensure that we have sustainable farming in South Africa. We recently participated in this year’s NAMPO Harvest Day, so we were even more convinced of the need to play our part in the agricultural industry.”
“We pride ourselves not only for being a leading commercial vehicle original equipment manufacturer, but more so for being a mobility solutions provider. Cattle were in desperate need of the feed, and we provided the critical link between the farmer who donated it in Bronkhortspruit, to the animals who will be fed in Winburg,” added Peters, who drove the FleetBoard truck on the first leg of the journey.
SA Crisis Support is an initiative headed by Karen Schwendtke, a businesswoman who, in her private capacity, chairs a number of charity organisations in order to make a difference in South Africa.
“A heartfelt thank you to the entire DT&B. I have to single out the FleetBoard team, who put their resources where their mouths are, and made this initiative a resounding success. As winter is upon us, the cattle feed will go a long way in ensuring farmers in the Winburg area can feed their cattle for the foreseeable future,” said Schwendtke.
Mercedes-Benz Actros and FleetBoard provide urgent aid
Mercedes-Benz relied on its proven Actros 2654 to transport the cattle feed from Mpumalanga’s Bronkhortspruit to Free State’s Winburg. The truck was equipped with Daimler’s telematics system FleetBoard, which enables the driver and operator to stay informed of the vehicle’s mechanical and electronic status. The Actros ensured a high standard of safety and ensured the loads reached their destination through the two-day initiative.
Worst drought in SA in 23 years
According to the South African Weather Service, South Africa received the lowest rainfall between January and December 2015 since the recording of rainfall began in 1904. Since 1904, rainfall in all nine provinces has averaged 608 mm per year, while in 2015 South Africa received only an average of 403 mm (66% of the annual average).
Regions of South Africa are suffering through the worst drought in 23 years, and this has devastating consequences for the farming community. Without water, farmers cannot plant produce, nor feed their livestock. This in turn means that the country’s economy is negatively affected.
