COMPANY NEWS

The prolonged drought in the Northern Cape has been going on for the last five years, with conditions worsening for farmers every day. Many farming businesses have been crippled with accompanying job losses, borehole levels have dropped significantly, or have dried up, food supplies are scarce, livestock are dying, and farmers are so indebted that they cannot secure loans to keep their farms and households running.

And there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel, because even if the rain does eventually fall, it will take approximately five years for the land to fully recover, and even longer to turn a farming business in the area around.

“BOKS VIR BOERVROU”

Voorpos, a leading short-term insurance advisory firm in Limpopo, recently became involved in the “Boks vir Boervrou” project. This project aims to help South African farmers’ wives who are struggling financially due to the severe drought in the Cape. The initiative called on women across South Africa to assist these careworn ladies by packing a typex-size box full of essentials that will give them hope and recognition, and remind them that they have caring countrymen and women thinking of them.

Voorpos’ involvement started when the company ordered boxes and arranged for distribution across Polokwane to companies and individuals willing to fill them. The Company then extended their involvement and also arranged for the filled and packed boxes to be delivered to the VLV in Wellington who, in turn, will disseminate them to the women in need.

Donators to the “Boks vir Boervrou” project were urged to pack items that they believe would have made them feel special if the roles were reversed. Items included shampoo, conditioner, soap, feminine products, body cream or even cleaning materials, non-perishable food, condensed milk, and maybe a little something extra like a scarf or letter of encouragement.

The reaction was phenomenal! In the end the team loaded 992 boxes in Polokwane, 300 in Naboomspruit, and a further 283 in Potgietersrus. As a result, 1,575 ladies will soon receive a very special package.

IT DID NOT END THERE

“After speaking to Agri Northern Cape, we were shocked by their revelation of how dire the circumstances of the farmers actually are, and to which extent they are struggling. They revealed that farmers are barely surviving due to the severity of the ongoing drought,” says Melvin Duvenage, Head of Operations & Business Development at Voorpos Short-Term Insurance Advisors.

“As a company who specialises in Agricultural Insurance, we felt the need to support these farmers and their wives above and beyond the “Boks vir Boervrou” project, so we called on our clients, community and local farmers to help us make a difference.”

The feedback from Limpopo’s farmers and companies have been incredible, with sponsored food and transport that will enable delivery to the farmers, and their families, in the Northern Cape.

Here is a breakdown of the goods received:

KEEPING IT GOING

It does not have to end there! If you would like to get involved in any way, you can donate money to Agri Northern Cape, so that they can utilise the funds to assist the farmers.

BANKING DETAILS:

Agri Noord-Kaap
Bank: Absa
Acc No: 940 591 759
Branch Code: 632 005
Reference: LimHD

*By using this reference, we will be able to track the amount of money we raise for our farmers in the Northern Cape. And it will enable us to keep you informed in this regard.

You are welcome to view the list of companies who have already made donations toward the project here:

Drought Project

“Thank you to everyone who has offered to assist and for helping us make a difference. We are humbled by the feedback and support we have received,” concludes Mr Duvenage.