In a sector still largely dominated by men, Petro Harmse, the Area Manager for crop insurance at Santam Agri, combines a decade of practical farming experience with strong business skills to help protect farmers in Limpopo’s Sekhukhune District from the increasing risks posed by climate change. Her work goes beyond merely selling insurance policies. She is actively building resilience, changing perceptions and creating opportunities for more women to take on leadership roles in agriculture.
By Lebogang Mashala, Editor at African Farming
Agriculture continues to be one of the most male-dominated industries in South Africa, but changes are beginning to take place. Data from the fourth quarter of 2024 reveals that male employment in the sector stood at 628 000, compared with 296 000 for women. However, female employment in agriculture increased by more than 4% in the last quarter of 2024, whereas male employment saw a decline.
This shift indicates slow yet significant progress towards gender inclusion. Women like Petro Petro, Area Manager for crop insurance at Santam Agri, are at the forefront of this change. With a background in farming and extensive hands-on experience in crop risk assessment, Petro brings both empathy and technical insight to her role. Based in the Sekhukhune District of Limpopo, she supports farmers during some of their most challenging seasons and is helping to shape the future of the industry.
Building A Career In Agri-insurance
After completing a BCom honours degree in Business Management, Petro was drawn to farming. “I farmed for 10 years and experienced firsthand the highs and lows of being a farmer. I also gained knowledge and experience throughout the entire agricultural chain,” she explains. During that time, she started conducting hail damage assessments on crops, which allowed her to work with farmers during their most vulnerable moments.
She later spent three years as a crop insurance broker, deepening her understanding of policies and client engagement, all of which led to her current role. “Everything came together when I received an offer to work for Santam Agri as Area Manager,” she reflects.
Petro’s role is twofold: on one side, she markets crop insurance products, trains farmers and provides advice; on the other side, she assesses crop damage and manages assessors. “It’s all about maintaining healthy relationships between farmers, brokers and Santam,” she says.
Also read: ‘Insurance is no longer a luxury; it’s a lifeline’
Addressing Climate And Client Challenges
For Petro, climate change has made her work more urgent, complex and impactful than ever before. She has witnessed a clear increase in extreme weather events, from heatwaves to unseasonal rain, resulting in a higher demand for insurance. Many farmers who once felt they could “ride out” bad seasons are now seeking risk cover.
“My role has expanded from simply offering policies to becoming a trusted adviser – someone who can clearly explain risk, suggest the right coverage and guide them through increasingly complex decisions,” she explains. “We’re not just selling insurance any more, Santam Crop Insurance is part of a broader movement aimed at building resilience in agriculture.”
What drives Petro is her ability to make a real difference. “It’s incredibly fulfilling to help farmers understand that insurance isn’t just a cost, but a tool for resilience and long-term planning,” she says. “Crop insurance is not a luxury, it is a necessity. This can shift a farmer’s perspective from merely surviving to actively building a future.”
Breaking Barriers
Petro’s career has not been without challenges. “At times, I’ve had to prove my credibility in ways that my male counterparts did not have to,” she notes. Whether in meetings or in the field, she has had to counter assumptions about what leadership and technical expertise should look like.
“Those moments pushed me to be sharper, more prepared and more intentional about how I engage with clients and colleagues,” she shares. “By being consistent, prepared and genuine, I gained their trust.”
Over time, she has observed a shift in the sector. “Seeing a woman advising on risk management or leading crop assessments in the field changes perceptions. It opens doors for more women to confidently step into the industry.”
Inclusive leadership is fostered by decision-makers, companies and industries that create opportunities for underrepresented groups to rise to the forefront and pave the way for future generations. She believes women bring essential strengths to agri-insurance, including empathy, communication, systems thinking and attention to detail. “Women are often skilled communicators and relationship-builders. We tend to listen empathetically, build trust with clients and approach challenges holistically.”
Petro’s leadership style, based on empathy and active listening, has helped her achieve stronger client retention and foster more collaborative teams. “These experiences have not only strengthened my resilience but have also deepened my commitment to advocating for inclusive leadership throughout the sector.”
Also read: Underinsurance a significant risk to SA farmers
Looking Ahead: Advice And Reflections
When asked what advice she would offer to young women entering the industry, Petro says: “Don’t underestimate the value of your voice, your perspective and your presence. These sectors are evolving rapidly and need diverse thinkers who can bring empathy, innovation and strong communication to the table.”
She encourages women not to diminish themselves to fit into male-dominated environments, but instead to lead with authenticity. “Be confident, even if you’re the only woman in the room. Let your work, consistency and values speak for you.”
Petro’s message for Women’s Month is one of advocacy and momentum. “We not only honour the unseen strength of women in agriculture but also call for greater investment, inclusion and visibility for women at every link of the value chain. Let’s break the barriers, one woman at a time.”
