When Jacolene Lombaard could no longer continue working due to illness, she faced a situation many South Africans know all too well. Despite not being able to earn an income, daily expenses don’t stop, and without savings, it can quickly become difficult to manage.
For Jacolene, the outcome was different. Because she had been saving with Picsa for years, she had financial support in place when she needed it most. “I have something to live from,” she says.
Her experience has become a practical example of how saving money for emergencies can make a difference when circumstances change unexpectedly.
A valued part of the team
Jacolene enjoyed working with colleagues
Originally from Suurbraak and a mother of two, Jacolene was appointed at Elstelm Boerdery on 17 June 2010 and became known as one of the farm’s most reliable workers. Her role focused mainly on raising calves, a responsibility that required daily care and attention.
“You give them milk, you keep them clean, you make sure they grow,” she explains. “You raise them from small.”
She regularly received a merit bonus annually, in addition to the standard annual bonus, reflecting her contribution and consistency on the farm. During her time at Elstelm Boerdery, she also played a role in improving calf survival rates, something the team still benefits from today. “I am going to miss my colleagues,” she says.
Saving money for emergencies made a difference
Taking care of young calves was her passion.
Jacolene joined Picsa in February 2014 as one of the first employees on the farm to do so. From the beginning, a portion of her salary went into savings every month, creating a structured approach to long-term saving.
“It was nice to know I am saving and I can’t just go and take it back,” she says. That structure helped her stay consistent over time. As her savings grew, she began to see the impact of putting money aside regularly.
When illness changed everything
Jeanne de Kock, who manages administration and payroll at Elstelm Boerdery, says she has seen how Jacolene’s savings grow steadily over time.
In May 2025, Jacolene developed serious lung problems and was declared medically unfit to continue working. Situations like this affect both health and income at the same time, which can place people under pressure. “I thought I still had many years left to work,” she says.
When her Picsa investment was paid out, the balance reflected years of disciplined saving and gave her financial support during an uncertain time. “I want to use it when I need it,” says Jacolene.
Instead of being forced to rush into another job immediately, Jacolene now has the opportunity to focus on her health and carefully consider what comes next. “Maybe I will be able to work as a housekeeper in the future,” she says.
Financial support when income stops
Jacolene’s experience highlights an important reality. When illness prevents someone from earning an income, consistent saving can provide both financial support and the freedom to make careful decisions about what comes next.
Instead of being forced to accept immediate work under pressure, Jacolene has the opportunity to focus on her recovery and consider options that are more suitable for her health and future.
For the team at Elstelm Boerdery, her story is a great example of how an employee savings programme can support workers beyond their active years.
“We want all our workers to know how valuable it is to be with Picsa,” Jeanne says.