Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf) has awarded financial relief and practical support packages to farmers affected by the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak through its Farmer Solidarity Campaign.
Launched at NAMPO Harvest Day 2026, the campaign centred on the Farmer Stories Fund, a relief initiative that provided R190,000 in practical support packages to selected farmers affected by the outbreak.
Recognising the impact of the outbreak on farming operations across the country, IMSAf launched the campaign to provide meaningful support to affected farmers while highlighting the resilience of South Africa's agricultural community.
"Through the Farmer Solidarity Campaign, we wanted to place farmers and their experiences at the centre of the conversation while providing practical support during a particularly challenging time. The stories we received highlighted both the impact of the outbreak and the resilience of South Africa's farming community. As a brand with deep roots in the agricultural sector, we are proud to stand alongside farmers and contribute in a meaningful way where support is needed most," said Mpho Nkhumeleni, Department Executive: CV Sales, Revenue Generation at ISUZU Motors South Africa.
The Farmer Stories Fund awarded financial relief to three farmers affected by the outbreak, recognising the challenges they faced and the resilience they demonstrated during this difficult period.
One of the recipients, Amogelang Metsamere from Kimberley in the Northern Cape, said the outbreak placed significant strain on farming operations.
"We experienced significant cash-flow strain, increased biosecurity costs and restrictions on livestock movement that limited grazing opportunities and feed purchases. As a result, our buying and selling plans were severely disrupted," said Metsamere.
Another recipient, Jannie Marais from Bloemfontein in the Free State, described the outbreak as one of the most challenging periods for his farming operation.
"The first cow showed excessive salivation and was not eating properly. Soon more cattle showed symptoms and milk production dropped noticeably, affecting the dairy operation financially. The calves were affected the worst, becoming weak very quickly, and unfortunately, we lost many calves during the outbreak. The experience was stressful and difficult, especially seeing young animals suffer," said Marais.
The support package included three R50,000 financial relief awards, and two customers received R20, 000 each in service plans.
The Farmer Solidarity Campaign forms part of IMSAf's ongoing commitment to supporting the industries and communities that rely on dependable mobility and operational continuity every day. Through initiatives such as these, IMSAf continues to stand alongside its customers and communities, providing meaningful support when it matters most.
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Iviwe Poti
Contact details: +27 79 803 9141 | [email protected]
Kulani Zitha
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About Isuzu Motors South Africa
Isuzu Motors South Africa is a wholly owned subsidiary of Isuzu Motors Limited of Japan. ISUZU has had a presence in South Africa since 1964, when the first commercial vehicles entered the market, which was soon followed by the introduction of light commercial vehicles in 1972. The brand’s popularity grew and resulted in local production of light commercial vehicles in 1978.
Isuzu South Africa is a committed corporate citizen, dedicated to driving sustainable development and supporting the communities where it operates. ISUZU continues to champion meaningful change while fostering a culture of care and responsibility.
Today, ISUZU remains one of South Africa’s leading commercial vehicle brands and has become renowned for its durability and reliability. For more information on ISUZU products visit www.isuzu.co.za
