Announcing the contribution following Agri SA’s 2016 Congress, Santam CEO, Lizé Lambrechts said, “farmers and the communities that depend on agriculture for their livelihood, are facing increasing hardships such as drought, rising costs in food production and the negative impact of crime on their business. The commendable efforts being made by Agri SA and the Securitas Fund in improving the safety of farmers, farmworkers, and their families is a deserving cause and just one of the ways we can help contribute to the longer-term sustainability of farming in this country.”
Agri SA established the Trust Fund in 1999 in order to mobilise resources in the promotion of a safe and prosperous agricultural sector in South Africa. The fund has been instrumental in providing on the ground support to local farming communities. Contributions are utilised in the purchase of equipment such as security cameras and radio communication systems, the supply of rural protection equipment, the funding of crime-related research projects, trauma counseling, and information gathering services to combat farm attacks.
“We believe it is critical to offer support and assistance where we can in order to manage the risks threatening the sustainability of our agricultural resources and future food security in South Africa,” concluded Lambrechts.
