Commemorated on July 18,  former president Nelson Mandela’s birthday, Nelson Mandela International Day celebrates the idea that each individual has the power to transform the world and the ability to make an impact.

In honour of his 67 years of public service, Argo International in South Africa joined the Mandela Day 2022 celebrations with a unique, but meaningful, initiative.

Inspired by the theme of this year “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are” and by the “My 67 minutes” campaign, Argo Tractors’ staff devoted 67 minutes of their time in service to others by planting vegetable gardens at their new premises in Pomona.  “As part of the agricultural community the staff felt that it was fitting to embark on this initiative. We are confident that these efforts will result in a good harvest and that we will be able to help feed those in need in our communities,” said Godfried Heydenrych, Managing Director ARGO Tractors SA.

He added that  Argo was committed to take hands with other agricultural companies in building  a more sustainable agricultural environment and ultimately, South Africa to the benefit of all. “As President Nelson Mandela once said, “we must never forget that it is our duty to protect this environment.”

The area earmarked for the vegetable garden is a 4 x 5 x 3 m area and the staff planted Beetroot, spinach and cabbage. The Argo staff took full responsibility for the maintenance of the garden throughout the season and are committed to maintain the garden in the future.  The produce will be harvested by the staff and then divided to be provided to local communities in the areas where the staff lives.