Santam and Sanlam donate R3m to alleviate impact of drought on farming communities
6 February 2020
Santam, South Africa’s largest short-term insurer, and Sanlam, Africa’s largest non-banking financial services business, have collectively donated R3 million towards aid relief for farming communities. The donation will assist commercial and emerging farmers currently impacted by a devastating drought that has hit large parts of the country.
The donation of R3 million was today presented to Agri SA, which is coordinating relief efforts for farmers in the country. The drought has afflicted two provinces in particular, the Northern and Eastern Cape. According to Agri-Northern Cape, the organisation for farmers in the Northern Cape, the drought has affected 15 000 farms in the province and reduced livestock by as much as 50%.
The agri-sector is a critical segment for Santam and holds the largest market share in the sector. Santam views the sustainability of the farming community as important for food security and employment. The company therefore feels committed to assisting farmers during the drought current crisis.
Agricultural experts believe it is the worst drought in living memory, with the drought in the Eastern Cape being dubbed as the worst in a thousand years. Many farming towns, including Graaff-Reinet, Bedford, Makhanda and Adelaide, have experienced water shortages.