Toyota South Africa has partnered with the much loved SABC 2 television show 50/50 by sponsoring a Land Cruiser 70 station wagon for production purposes. The official handover took place at the Randburg studios of Clive Morris Productions on the 11th of August, 2008.

“We’re honoured to be associated with such an esteemed show such as 50/50,” said Ferdi de Vos, General Manager: Corporate Public Relations. “50/50 is the longest running environmental television programme worldwide, and the link with Toyota’s core values of sustainability and reliability, as well as the undeniable capability of Land Cruiser, is obvious.”

Johan Botha, Executive Producer and presenter was on hand to accept the vehicle and was grateful for the support. Having been with the show for 14 years, Botha explained the importance of a truly reliable and capable vehicle in the production of a weekly 48 minute show.

“When we’re out in the bush, it’s comforting to know that we’re in the hands of a Toyota,” said Botha furthering that the simplicity of the Land Cruiser allows even him to “make a plan when stuck in a tricky situation.”

“When two strong brands come together it can only be a win-win situation,” said Cheche Mazoka, Head of Funding and Partnerships for the SABC. “There is a fantastic synergy between these two brands and we hope the relationship will continue to grow into a meaningful partnership.”

Having been outsourced by the SABC for the first time in 24 years, Clive Morris of Clive Morris Productions offered his thanks to Toyota and congratulated the 50/50 team on their continued efforts in conservation and environmental awareness.

Commissioning Editor Danie van der Walt took those at the handover through a candid history of Toyota’s in the show, pointing to two vehicles that became 50/50 legends in their own right. “When we first started we had to embark on our off-road adventures in an old station wagon. I had to fill out numerous accident reports detailing every scratch the vehicle took on,” said van der Walt.

As a result, when the SABC Caprivi division closed down, an old Land Cruiser was sent down to the 50/50 team and lasted 10 years with the show. A Hilux converted into a station wagon with camera supports became the second legend in the show and was nicknamed ‘Ossewa’ owing to the immense weight the vehicle had to carry.

50/50 has been on air for 24 years. It flights on SABC 2, Monday nights at 19h30.

Toyota South Africa is also sponsoring the show with a Hilux 3,0 D-4D double cab 4x2 as a prize for the much loved Veldfokus and Toktokkie viewer’s competition. The addition of the Land Cruiser 70 station wagon into the production fleet is a confirmation of Toyota’s dedication to conservation.