On 18 September 2026, the TRACTOR Campaign team reunited at Crista Galli in Potchefstroom to reflect on a journey that took them nearly 1 900 kilometres across South Africa and left a lasting impact on each of them.
As they shared their memories, challenges and encounters, it became clear that the campaign had been about much more than raising awareness about dementia. It had changed the people behind it, deepening their understanding of compassion, resilience and the power of human connection.
The journey began on 30 August 2025, driven by a deeply personal story. Esmé Marks, who has worked at the North-West University (NWU) for 18 years, joined her twin sister, Debbe Pieterse, a small business owner, and their younger sister, Rene Daffue, who works in the financial department of a primary school, on the road to raise awareness about dementia. Their father, John Laing, had lived with the condition. For the sisters, the long, slow and uncomfortable tractor ride symbolised both the gradual progression of dementia and the resilience required of those who provide care.
Setting off from Samuel Broadbent House in Potchefstroom in a specially sponsored Landini tractor, the team travelled to Bredasdorp, stopping along the way to connect with communities and share knowledge. The starting point, known for its compassionate care for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, reflected the commitment of the campaign to dignity, remembrance and understanding.
Stories that touched hearts
The team travelled through Bloemhof, Kimberley, Hopetown, Britstown, Carnarvon, Williston, Calvinia, Vanrhynsdorp, Citrusdal, Tulbagh, Robertson and Bredasdorp, visiting old age homes, community centres and local venues. Healthcare professionals shared information about dementia care, while storytelling sessions gave families, caregivers and people affected by memory loss an opportunity to share their experiences.
In smaller towns, these encounters were particularly moving. Caregivers and older people expressed their appreciation for being heard and recognised. NWU students also joined the campaign, documenting stories and conducting community research, connecting academic learning with real-life experiences.
For Prof. Carlien van Wyk, the personal sacrifices made by ordinary people along the way were especially touching. Their generosity and commitment offered a powerful reminder of the often unseen challenges faced by those caring for loved ones with dementia.
At the reunion, Esmé described the experience as an odyssey: a long, eventful and often challenging journey that tested the team and brought unexpected lessons.
For Dr Nonkululeko Navise, the journey could be summed up in one word: “village”. As the team travelled through different towns, she realised that no one should have to face the realities of dementia alone. It takes a village to support not only the person living with dementia, but also the caregivers who walk alongside them.
For Tshwanelo Maleko, the journey was about becoming. She explained that somewhere between the kilometres, the stories, the laughter, the difficult moments and the people she met, TRACTOR became more than a journey she was part of. It became a journey that changed her.
She had set out thinking she was there to help tell a story but returned carrying stories that had become part of her. The experience taught her to listen differently, slow down and look beyond the work to see the person behind every story.
Rene described the journey as a pilgrimage, a meaningful journey with heart behind it. Although Bredasdorp was the destination, the real significance lay in the people they met, the conversations they shared and the awareness they helped create.
Together, these reflections captured how the campaign had become a journey of personal growth, connection and renewed appreciation for the dignity of people living with dementia and their families.
The people behind the mission
The success of the campaign relied on a dedicated team whose contributions extended far beyond the road. Esmé led the project, with Debbe and Rene sharing the responsibility of driving the tractor. Prof. Sanette Brits and Prof. Carlien van Wyk provided support from the Faculty of Health Sciences, alongside Prof. Thabisile Mpofana and Dr Nonkululeko Navise.
Tshwanelo Maleko and Thendo Lucky Nemavhandu managed media and communication, helping the stories reach a wider audience. Sandra Lin handled financial management, Gert Benade maintained the tractor, Werno Foit provided medical support, Solly Grace served as a service provider, and Donald Mugodhi supported the team as the roll-bed driver. Behind the scenes, others helped with road safety, maintenance and the daily needs of the group.
The team also paid tribute to the late Jannie Vergottini, recognising him as an outstanding leader whose contribution went far beyond securing the tractor and training the team to drive it. They expressed their heartfelt gratitude for his instrumental role in making the campaign possible, as well as the guidance, commitment and support he offered throughout the journey.
Building on the impact of the campaign
The impact of TRACTOR did not end when the team reached Bredasdorp. The relationships and lessons that emerged from the journey have created opportunities to strengthen collaboration, support research and continue raising awareness about dementia.
The team also joined hands with the Association for Dementia and Alzheimer’s of South Africa, and a memorandum of engagement has been approved within the Community Psychosocial Research focus area. This agreement creates an opportunity for Prof. Carlien van Wyk, who has been instrumental in this initiative, to pursue research linked to the campaign and its focus on dementia awareness and care.
These efforts reflect the importance of building lasting partnerships that can turn community experiences into opportunities for further learning, research and support for people affected by dementia.
The team also expressed their heartfelt gratitude to all their partners, sponsors and stakeholders for their support and contribution to making the TRACTOR Campaign possible. For those who took part, TRACTOR carried a simple but powerful message: no one should have to face dementia alone. Through understanding, compassion and collective care, we can help ensure that people living with dementia and those who care for them are treated with dignity and respect.
In front from left are Prof. Sanette Brits, Bibi Bouwman and Esmé Marks. At the back from left are Prof. Thabisile Mpofana, Rene Daffue, Dr Nonkululeko Navise, Debbe Pieterse, Prof. Carlien van Wyk and Tshwanelo Maleko.
