Agrimark has donated R91,000 in irrigation materials to support the installation of a water pipeline that now delivers clean drinking water directly from a borehole to the community of Charlestown in rural KwaZulu-Natal.
For many families in the area, access to clean water has long been a daily challenge. With no nearby water source, women and children often had to walk up to three kilometres to collect water, placing physical strain on families and impacting their health, safety, and overall quality of life.
When Agrimark learned that Haygrove Farms – a longstanding customer with farms in Volksrust, Hermanus, and George – wanted to help the Charlestown community, they seized the opportunity to further strengthen their partnership by joining forces to drive the project forward. Agrimark supplied the essential materials needed to complete the 2,700-meter underground pipeline.
Johan de Lange, Executive Manager: Services & Relations, says supporting customer-led sustainability initiatives helps align business and CSI objectives, ensuring Agrimark delivers real value in the communities where it operates.
“The Haygrove Trust and Agrimark collaborated closely to coordinate the logistics required to get the necessary materials where they needed to be. Through consistent communication and a focused effort, we ensured that the right materials reached the right locations, enabling the work to be completed effectively. I appreciate the commitment shown by everyone involved. This hands-on approach helped ensure that the pipeline and taps are not only accessible, but also well-maintained and sustainable to make it useful for the long term.”
Haygrove employees carefully measure the pipe fittings to ensure a seamless pipeline installation.
The installation took place under extremely challenging conditions, with persistent bad weather repeatedly delaying progress. “We were privileged to work with a dedicated team that was committed to completing this project on time,” says Jacques Goosen, Marketer: Agrimark Hermanus & Caledon, who manages the customer relationship with Haygrove and who served as Agrimark’s coordinator for the pipeline project. “The teamwork and sense of purpose to get water to the community were truly inspiring.”
The full stretch comprises over 30 joints and pressure valves, each carefully installed and tested, delivering water at a rate of approximately 1,66 litres per second – a steady, reliable flow that brings tangible relief.
“Sustainable access to clean water strengthens the foundations of any community. At Agrimark Operations, we provide water management solutions to farmers every day. Supporting the Charlestown community enables us to align our business expertise with our CSI objectives, creating solutions that not only meet immediate needs of many people but also deliver lasting impact and greater resilience,” says Arno Abeln, Managing Director: Agrimark.
Barend Sulvester, Senior Manager: Sustainability at Agrimark, highlights the importance of the project as part of the company’s broader commitment to sustainable community development and upliftment.
Water is now easily accessible, just a short walking distance from the community’s homes.
"This project builds on Agrimark’s proud history of supporting water security initiatives in the communities where we operate. Over the years, we have supported schools and communities facing urgent water shortages. Recently, we donated fresh drinking water and installed water tanks at a primary school in Montagu. When clean water is accessible, it transforms lives in ways that go way beyond convenience. It improves health by reducing waterborne illnesses, enables economic participation, and empowers communities by giving families greater control over their daily lives,” says Barend.
“We are deeply grateful. As the Charlestown community, we want to thank you for bringing us water that now flows right into our community. In the past, we struggled with carrying barrels and buckets, often having to hire transport and get time off work just to fetch water. Now, with water available right here, life has become so much easier. Anyone can fill a barrel without needing to drive anywhere. We truly appreciate Agrimark and Haygrove’s support and the difference this has made to our lives,” says Sifisokuhle Mbatha, Charlestown community member and Haygrove employee.