In the era of technology, innovation, and access to information, the South African Farmers Development Association (Safda) has partnered with different stakeholders to ensure that farmers can access and receive critical data, have funeral cover, and not be left in the lurch when medical care is needed.
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, Safda together with Sanlam, MTN, Discovery, Samsung and Huawei joined forces to launch an all-in-one package to empower South African farmers.
Upgrading farmers
According to Safda, the initiative addresses the distinct needs of South African farmers and introduces an innovative product designed to bridge essential service gaps.
“At the heart of this groundbreaking initiative is a creative solution that leverages farmers’ average monthly spending on airtime to provide a comprehensive package of services.
“This includes airtime, cellphones, data, funeral cover and access to Discovery Primary Care which all come at an additional cost aimed at uplifting and supporting farmers,” Safda said in a statement.
The benefits, among others, include reliable access to airtime for essential communication needs through the provision of cellphones, generously provided by Samsung and Huawei, along with cellphone insurance from PSG for added security and connectivity.
The Safda statement further highlighted two key aspects:
- Access to vital online resources through data provisions, recognising the importance of digital access in today’s world; and
- Funeral cover by Safrican, underwritten by Sanlam, to alleviate financial burdens in times of loss for farmers and their families.
Keeping farmers healthy
With farmers being exposed to hard labour and an environment that can result in different illnesses, Safda said the well-being of farmers and their health status was critical to the country’s ability to be a food-secure state.
“Access to Discovery Primary Care, ensuring both medical aid and improved overall well-being for farmers. This collaborative effort is a testament to Safda’s commitment to empowering and supporting South African farmers, acknowledging their critical role in our society,” the statement said.
According to Safda, the comprehensive package represents a significant step towards ensuring the well-being and success of the nation’s farmers.
“We are grateful for the partnership of industry giants who have joined us in this endeavour, and we are confident that this initiative will have a meaningful impact on the lives of South African farmers.”
Furthermore, a farmer will be paying one premium a month which starts at R198 p/m Funeral payouts start at R10 000 and go to R100 000.
“Safda has identified a critical gap in the coverage of funeral expenses for farmers and their families,” the statement said.
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