Engen Petroleum, a leading producer and marketer of fuels, lubricants and oil-based products, handed over a cheque for R1 million to Agri SA for drought relief at this year’s Nampo agricultural show.

The donation was made in response to a call for help from the agricultural company Senwes.
“We understand the negative impact exerted by the current drought on agriculture and we hope that our donation will help to make a small contribution in assisting farmers,” says Mike Stead, Engen’s Manager: Commercial Fuels.

Johannes Möller, president of Agri SA, believes the donation will make a big difference. "For every R1 we receive towards the Drought Relief Fund, the value we give back is R5, which goes towards farmers, throughput, feeding pellets and similar products.”

Möller however stresses that the Drought Relief Fund is not only used for Agri SA members. "The money is also used to support all farmers, whether commercial or emerging farmers. Assistance is also offered to the community," he says.

Engen has long maintained a keen agricultural focus, with one in every two South African farmers depending on the company’s quality products, local expertise and global technical excellence.

“Engen’s contribution represents another step in our commitment towards supporting those in dire straits in a sector whose value we really understand,” adds Stead.

Joe Mahlo, Engen’s general manager of Sales and Marketing concurs. “Over the past 40 years we have demonstrated to farmers that ‘With us you are Number One’. This has resulted in excellent integrated relationships and working methodologies.

“After all, when it comes to the future, nothing less than a vibrant and brilliantly supported agricultural sector will meet the needs of the economy and all of our people,” adds Mahlo.