Mossel Bay, South Africa – In the wake of the devastating wildfires that swept through Mossel Bay in early January, Changan has stepped forward with practical, hands-on support, sponsoring Hunter Diesel bakkies to bolster relief and humanitarian operations. The effort was coordinated by the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT-SA) in partnership with Skitterblink, ensuring that aid reached those who needed it most.
A Coordinated Response to a Major Incident
Between 6 and 8 January 2026, fast-moving fires tore through areas including Aalwyndal, triggering widespread evacuations, road closures, and significant damage to homes, vehicles, and infrastructure. Preliminary assessments revealed:
- Between 10 and 30+ residential structures damaged or destroyed, including vehicles.
- Severe destruction of thatch houses, particularly vulnerable to fire.
- Over 18.9 km² (approximately 1,900 hectares) of land burned.
- Damage to Eskom infrastructure, causing local power outages.
- Extensive loss of fynbos vegetation.
While no fatalities occurred, the fires injured three firefighters, with one hospitalised due to smoke inhalation and another sustaining minor burn injuries.
Beyond Sponsorship: Operational Impact
Changan’s involvement went far beyond symbolic support. CERT-SA, Skitterblink, and Changan implemented a structured relief operation, combining humanitarian aid with logistical and operational support for emergency services.
Skitterblink coordinated donations and logistics, while CERT-SA provided operational command, transport management, and distribution oversight. Changan’s sponsorship of Hunter Diesel bakkies proved essential, enabling the safe and efficient transport of personnel, equipment, and supplies across difficult terrain.
“The reality in situations like this is that help is measured in minutes and metres,” says Marinus Venter, Country General Manager for Jameel SA. “By sponsoring working vehicles, Changan directly strengthens operational capacity where it counts most, ensuring that communities can return to safe, usable spaces quickly.”
Relief Operations and Humanitarian Support
The relief effort focused on immediate and practical needs:
- Assisting firefighting personnel and emergency services.
- Providing humanitarian aid to affected households.
- Delivering essential supplies to vulnerable groups, including old age homes.
- Supporting animal welfare initiatives.
- Ensuring safe, accountable distribution of donated items.
All donated goods were carefully collected, sorted, verified, and transported to affected households, fire stations, old age homes, and other designated points, with meticulous record-keeping to ensure transparency and accountability.
Potable Water: A Lifeline
One of the most urgent priorities was potable water. Through coordinated efforts, 865 litres of water were distributed to fire stations, affected households, and old age homes, ensuring essential access to a critical resource.
Built for the Work That Matters
Changan’s Hunter Diesel range, designed for heavy-duty load-carrying and demanding conditions, proved perfectly suited for disaster-response logistics. From staging areas to affected zones, the bakkies enabled smooth operations under challenging conditions. Safety protocols were strictly observed, and no operational injuries occurred among relief volunteers.
Delivering Practical Help, When It’s Needed Most
The partnership between CERT-SA, Skitterblink, Changan, and supporting partners ensured relief reached those who needed it most. As Mossel Bay rebuilds, Changan’s involvement underscores a simple truth: real support is practical, accountable, and makes a tangible difference on the ground.
About Jameel Motors
Jameel Motors is a leading provider of mobility solutions and a trusted partner to top automotive brands worldwide. With operations in over 10 countries, Jameel Motors represents renowned commercial and passenger vehicle brands including Toyota, Lexus, BYD, MG Motor, Changan Automobile, and Hino, helping OEM partners grow closer to their customers while driving sustainable market growth.
About Changan Automobile
As one of China’s “Big Four” automakers, Changan Automobile operates 34 production facilities across 14 global bases and maintains an international R&D network spanning six countries. Present in the Middle East and Africa since 1994, Changan has sold over 400,000 units in the region and continues to advance sustainable mobility through initiatives such as the 2023 Vast Ocean Plan. Guided by the mission to “lead sustainable mobility and benefit human life,” Changan remains committed to creating practical, life-enhancing solutions for communities worldwide.
For more information, visit: https://www.globalchangan.com
