Tony 'Tractor' Psaila

Tony Tractor will be undertaking a journey around the world in 2010 on his 1948 Ferguson Tractor to raise awareness and gather support for people affected by violence and rape.

Tony’s previous journey was across South Africa from Beitbridge to Cape Agulhas to raise funds for the Midlands Crisis & Trauma Centre in Howick and to promote awareness for blood donations to the South African National Blood Services.

Why the Tractor Trip?

I’ve been asked so many times why I’m doing this trip and why I have chosen to raise awareness about people affected by violence and rape.  My reasons are simple.  It is because I believe so strongly that women and child abuse is an issue that doesn’t receive the attention and effort that it deserves. Human well-being (mind, body and spirit) is a fundamental right and is critical for a well ‘functioning’ society. Ironically, while our constitution protects these rights, little action is being taken to address the abuse of these rights, which is eroding the functionality and moral values of our families and society.  I can’t just sit here and do nothing about this.

Why support the protection of People Affected by Violence?

Firstly, someone who has been personally violated never really recovers from that trauma.  The effects of the physical wounds heal, but the emotional damage and rollercoaster ride one has to live with never goes away, bouncing back from time to time and leaving an imprint on the individual that scars them for life.  I speak from personal experience having been involved in an armed hold-up.  I was shot twice and was very nearly killed and spent a long time recovering.

Even years on, this incident has left a deep emotional and psychological imprint upon me, so much so, that to think or speak about it, results in tears welling up in my eyes.  I am unable to express the experience in words as I am overcome with emotion.  I know what physical and emotional trauma means.  As a result I feel that I can relate to some degree to people who have been traumatised whether that be from verbal, physical, violent or sexual abuse.

I also know many people who are very close to me who have been personally affected by all of the above in one way or another and have witnessed how these experiences have destroyed their lives and those close to them.  Whether that be men, women or children who have been sexually abused and threatened  with more violence for speaking out.  This leaves emotional scars so deep that only someone who has been there would have the slightest understanding; the countless women who have sought shelter from abusive husbands and boyfriends, and the countless men, too embarrassed to speak out,  only to find that the law cannot help them and that abuse centres are so full, understaffed or are non-existent that they are turned away. In all instances the survivor is inevitably forced to cope alone.

I am a firm believer in human rights and justice and while the constitution supports issues related to human rights abuse cases, unfortunately when it comes to implementation there is little action and support.  Care Centres dealing with such abuse cases are few and far between. Can you think of where the nearest Care Centre for help is?  You probably can’t think of one because there are so few!  Those that do exist are doing a fantastic job, but in just about all cases they are under-resourced, understaffed and running at their limits and are in no way prepared to cope with the number of cases out there.

How will I help with the protection of Abused People’s Rights with a tractor towing a Harley-Davidson?

I am undertaking this trip in an effort to help raise awareness about violence and abuse as well as to raise funds for this worthy cause. As I love tractors I will ‘tractor’ myself along the road for as long as it takes me to circumnavigate the world.  I also love Harley-Davidsons, so I’ll be towing my Harley behind me on a trailer.  Travelling by tractors is not a usual way to travel long distances but it’s at speed that’s fast enough to cover ‘good ground’ but slow enough to absorb what is around me and get a sense of place.  I believe people will be intrigued and more interested in my plight than if I travelled more conventionally.  I’ll be able to attend Tractor Club shows and motorcycle rallies throughout my journey.  I will talk to as many people as possible sharing my adventures and life experiences with those I meet. Proceeds or donations from this trip will go towards Care Centres which support survivors of sexual and violent abuse.  Importantly I will also be raising discussions about abuse when appropriate.  My message will be simple: I will encourage people to support initiatives which deal with abuse in their respective countries.  While raising awareness I would also like to encourage survivors of abuse that there is another way:  having hope , for without hope, what do we have?

‘Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world.  Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has’  Margaret Mead – US anthropologist 1901 – 1978