On a bright and sunny Saturday morning, 30 August 2025, the grounds of the Samuel Broadbent House in Potchefstroom became the starting point of a remarkable journey. The TRACTOR Awareness Rally (Together Rallying Across Communities To Overcome Remembrance-loss) began its 1 900-kilometre trip with an emotional departure.
The morning’s programme was filled with heartfelt moments of thanks and reflection. The TRACTOR team expressed gratitude to Samuel Broadbent House for opening their premises, while staff and residents acknowledged the importance of the project, shared their well-wishes, and affirmed their support for raising awareness around dementia and Alzheimer’s care.
At exactly 11:00, the ribbon was cut by Bibi Bouwman, director for North-West University (NWU) Sustainability and Community Impact. With that, the tractor rolled away – symbolising not only the start of a physical journey across provinces but also the shared resilience of communities facing the realities of memory loss.
A rally for awareness and connection
The TRACTOR project is more than a rally – it is a story told across South African roads, from Potchefstroom to Bredasdorp, stopping in towns along the way to host events, share experiences and provide vital resources to families.
Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease affect thousands of South African families every year, placing immense emotional and social burdens on caregivers. The tractor’s slow but steady pace reflects the daily realities of care: a long journey that requires patience, endurance and hope.
The initiative was inspired by Esmé Marks and is coordinated by NWU support staff, with the Faculty of Health Sciences proudly hosting. It is part of the university’s broader mission to combine academic expertise with social responsibility and to work closely with communities.
A fitting start: Samuel Broadbent House
Starting this journey at Samuel Broadbent House was deeply meaningful. As the first home in the Methodist Homes Group, opened in 1972, it has long been committed to providing compassionate care. With specialised facilities for Alzheimer’s patients, the home embodies the values of dignity, care and remembrance that the TRACTOR rally seeks to highlight.
Looking ahead
From 30 August to 12 September 2025, the TRACTOR Awareness Rally will cross towns and communities, creating moments of connection and sparking important conversations about memory loss, care and community support.
This is just the beginning. As Bibi Bouwman reflected: “We hope this is the start of many journeys, opening opportunities for communities, building partnerships with the university, and laying the foundation for future research.”
Follow the journey
The TRACTOR rally is not only about those on the road – it is about all of us. Every stop, every story and every shared moment adds to a collective effort to raise awareness and build resilience. · Follow the journey: https://services.nwu.ac.za/tractor-awareness-rally-families-focus | #TRACTORforMemory
