UNION BENEFITS

MS Office training
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The SOS offers free, first-rate training in MS Office to all teachers in Afrikaans. The training takes about three hours and is presented on
a weekday afternoon. The aim of the course is to make teachers skilful in the use of the MS Office package, thereby improving the quality of their work and saving them time. Visit www.helpendehand.co.za. |
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Subject choice tests for Gr. 9 pupils
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An affordable and first-rate subject choice package is available for Gr. 9 pupils. The assessment focuses on pupils’ aptitude, interests
and personality. The package will help parents and pupils make informed decisions about careers and what subjects should be taken at school. Tertiary training is very expensive – it therefore makes sense to invest in professional career guidance. Visit www.helpendehand.co.za. |
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Empower a Child
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Solidarity Helping Hand finances underprivileged children’s academic progress through the JD Kestell Bursary Fund and funds of the various
Helping Hand branches. The financing takes on different forms and is channelled by the national branches. The branches are familiar with the need in communities and apply for financing from Helping Hand Head Office on behalf of underprivileged young people. Visit www.helpendehand.co.za. |
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Schoolbag Project
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Solidarity Helping Hand’s Schoolbag Project ensures that underprivileged Gr. 1 pupils have the same stationery as their classmates. The
schoolbags also have educational content to ensure underprivileged children are able to make academic progress. More than 5 000 schoolbags are distributed to Gr. 1 pupils every year – to date, more than 25 000 schoolbags have been distributed in total. Visit www.tassie.co.za. |
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Lunchbox Project
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Helping Hand’s Lunchbox Project feeds thousands of needy toddlers across the country every year. Apart from the feeding component,
the project has a training component. The training component is in line with Helping Hand’s efforts to prevent poverty among the youth by ensuring that children receive a good school education. Visit www.helpendehand.co.za. |
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Mathematics courses
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The Society of Afrikaans Mathematics Teachers (VAW) is the only Afrikaans professional organisation for mathematics teachers. Short courses,
one-day courses and two three-day conferences form part of the services that the VAW offers. Other products on offer include a smartphone app with Afrikaans videos on mathematics, free work sheets and exam papers for members, an online marketplace where exam papers can be bought and sold, and much more. Visit www.skoolwiskunde.co.za. |
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School-parent communication
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A 90-minute lecture on positive communication with parents is held with a view to helping schools’ staff, management and governing bodies
improve communication with parents and reduce conflict. The focus is shifted from negative communication towards positive, proactive communication. Visit www.helpendehand.co.za. |
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Reading app
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Three Afrikaans reading apps and an alphabet book were released in 2015. These apps were developed for Gr. 1 pupils who are learning to read and
are available for free on the App Store and Google Play. Helping Hand believes that no child should be excluded from teaching aids because of financial constraints. The alphabet book, ‘n Dag by die Dieretuin, focuses on the learning of the alphabet, letters and sounds, and costs R40 (excluding postage). The app, Alfabetpret, is used in conjunction with the book to bring the characters to life through augmented reality technology. The two other apps, Dieretuinpret and Skryfpret, make use of animation and sound to turn the learning experience into a fun experience for youngsters. Visit www.leesapp.co.za. |
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Mathematics app
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The first Afrikaans mathematics app, Wiskunde-hupstoot, is available at the App Store. Gr. 11 and 12 pupils receive free Afrikaans videos
explaining mathematics with the app. Pupils can, at a fraction of the cost of extra lessons, buy videos on the sections that they grapple with. Visit www.helpendehand.co.za. |
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Mathematics clubs
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The VAW’s extramural mathematics clubs are aimed at pupils who are interested in mathematics, have a talent for mathematics and are
curious about interesting mathematics outside the school curriculum. The mathematics clubs meet at schools. Visit www.helpendehand.co.za. |
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Career app
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This app, which will be released early in 2016, will provide information about careers. Furthermore, information about universities,
subject choices and admission point scores (APS) as well as information relating to career planning will be available on the app. Visit www.helpendehand.co.za. |
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Newsletter for schools
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The SOS’s newsletter for schools contains useful and interesting news for teachers, other educationists and parents.
Subscribe to the newsletter at www.loopbaan.co.za. |
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App writing competition
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The Afrikaans app writing competition focuses on enabling people to make their own money through entrepreneurial and technological skills.
Young and old can enter the competition. Helping Hand will teach the participants how to write an app that they can sell to family members and the broader community. Big prizes and further app development opportunities are at stake. Visit www.helpendehand.co.za. |
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Mathematics winter school
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The first mathematics winter school will be held at Akademia’s eight national centres in 2015. Mathematics teachers will teach mathematics
to up to 300 pupils across the country at the same time from the transmission centre in Centurion. Visit www.helpendehand.co.za. |
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Extra mathematics lessons
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The VAW plans to hold the biggest maths lesson in 2015 by presenting an extra maths lesson to more than 300 Gr. 8 pupils simultaneously.
This lesson will be the first of regular extra lessons that will be presented by some of the country’s foremost mathematics teachers. Visit www.helpendehand.co.za. |
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Maths e-book
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The VAW plans to release a unique maths e-book that, apart from first-rate mathematics content, will contain videos and sketches that can
be manipulated. This product will optimise the learning experience for every user. Visit www.helpendehand.co.za. |
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Course on study methods
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A course on study methods will be presented at Afrikaans schools. The course will be turned into an app in 2015.
Visit www.helpendehand.co.za. |
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Die Markplein (the marketplace)
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Die Markplein is an Afrikaans webpage where teachers can buy and sell products such as exam papers and work sheets. Although the first products
are mathematical in nature, there are plans to start offering products for all school subjects soon. Visit www.diemarkplein.co.za. |
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Project Teaching Assistant
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The SOS has already helped schools with the salaries of more than 80 teaching assistants. Through this project the SOS contributes towards
young teachers’ entry into the profession. Visit www.helpendehand.co.za. |
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Technology in schools
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Implementing technology in a school often coincides with lack of knowledge about what is needed, how much must be budgeted, and so on.
The SOS provides schools with guidelines on how to implement technology. Visit www.helpendehand.co.za. |

Akademia
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Study part time in Afrikaans at Akademia. Akademia, an initiative of the Solidarity Movement, is a private higher education institution that
offers qualifications aimed at preparing people for entry into the job market in an expanding economy. In so doing, Akademia makes a significant contribution to the progress of South Africa as a whole. Akademia is accredited with the Higher Education Quality Committee of the Council on Higher Education (CHE). The CHE is the statutory body that awards accreditation to higher education programmes Visit www.akademia.co.za. |
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20% discount at Akademia
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Solidarity members and their dependent children qualify for a 20% discount on courses offered by Akademia. The amount is equivalent to about
12 years of Solidarity membership fees. Visit www.akademia.co.za. |
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Interest-free study loans
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Solidarity members and their dependent children get access to interest-free study loans to study at Akademia. Moreover, students who receive
a study loan only have to start repaying it on completion of their studies. This membership benefit once again proves that Solidarity is more than just an ordinary trade union. Solidarity protects its members’ jobs through training! Visit www.helpendehand.co.za. |
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Sol-Tech
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Sol-Tech offers training in scarce skills. Sol-Tech, a private technical college, was founded on Christian values and uses Afrikaans as medium
of education. Sol-Tech offers the following formal courses: Electrician, Millwright, Diesel Mechanic, Fitter and Turner, Welder, Fitter, and Tool and Jig Maker. Visit www.sol-tech.co.za. |
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Solidarity members get preference during intakes
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Solidarity members and their dependent children up to the age of 21 get preference during intakes at Sol-Tech.
Visit www.sol-tech.co.za. |
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Interest-free study loans
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Solidarity members and their dependent children get access to interest-free study loans to study at Sol-Tech. Moreover, students who receive
a study loan only have to start repaying it on completion of their studies. Visit www.helpendehand.co.za. |
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Financial assistance for tertiary training
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Every year Solidarity Helping Hand provides financial assistance worth millions of rand to deserving students who would not be able to
study without such assistance. The Solidarity Helping Hand Study Fund Centre was founded in response to the demand for financial assistance for tertiary training. Visit www.helpendehand.co.za. |
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Solidarity members get easier access to financial assistance for tertiary training
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Solidarity membership will give you a better chance of receiving financial assistance for tertiary training. Members and their dependent
children get additional points and therefore qualify easier for financial assistance. Visit www.helpendehand.co.za. |

Affordable career guidance
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The aim of the career guidance programme is to provide an affordable career guidance service with respect to subject and career choices
to Afrikaans youths across the country. Professional guidance is given to young people to ensure they acquire the necessary knowledge and skills and make informed decisions about their future. Various packages are available and the cost of Contact details: 0861 25 24 23 or diens@helpendehand.co.za Visit www.helpendehand.co.za. |
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Discount for members
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To thank members for their loyal support Solidarity has negotiated a special discount on the available packages for them. Remember to mention
that you are a Solidarity member! |
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Career guide
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Choosing a career is probably one of the biggest choices of a young person’s life. It is therefore very important to choose right.
Visit www.helpendehand.co.za to read Helping Hand’s online career guide. |
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Inligting oor verskillende loopbane
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Information on various careers.
Read more about different careers. Visit www.helpendehand.co.za. |
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Drawing up a CV
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Solidarity not only helps members to keep their jobs, but also wants to help improve their working conditions and career prospects.
Having a professional CV is a crucial part of looking for a job. Click here if you need help in drawing up your CV. |
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WerkNet
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WerkNet is a free Afrikaans jobs portal. It is an interactive electronic platform where jobseekers can post their CVs and look for jobs
and employers can advertise available jobs and look for suitable candidates. Solidarity Helping Hand is not a personnel placement and recruitment agency and does not accept responsibility for the selection and placement process. Visit www.werknet.co.za. |
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Enquiries regarding employment contracts
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Signing your first employment contract can be quite daunting, especially if you are not up to date with the basic conditions of employment.
If you are unsure about anything in your contract, contact Solidarity at 0861 25 24 23 or diens@solidariteit.co.za. |

Job-related legal aid
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Solidarity’s General Litigation Department provides assistance to members who experience legal problems in the workplace. The department provides assistance in respect of legal queries, consultations,
grievance procedures, disciplinary inquiries, conciliations and arbitrations. The department focuses on referring cases to institutions such as the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) and the bargaining councils of the various industries. Contact Solidarity Legal Services’ General Litigation Department at 012 644 4344 or lodge your claim with Solidarity Legal Services. |
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Labour Court Department
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Solidarity’s Labour Court Department provides a wide range of labour-related services to members. The department handles labour disputes of Solidarity members that have to be settled in the Labour Court.
It also handles cases of discrimination and unfair dismissal as well as contractual claims. Contact the Labour Court Department on 012 644 4381/4411/4433/4337 or lodge your claim with Solidarity Legal Services. |
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Telephonic civil law advice
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Solidarity offers telephonic civil law advice to its members.
Contact details: 012 362 1552 or fineks@svslaw.co.za. |
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Advice regarding affirmative action
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Advice regarding affirmative action Solidarity has done extensive research on the implementation of affirmative action in South Africa. If you are affected negatively by the incorrect implementation
of affirmative action, contact us at 0861 25 24 23 or diens@solidariteit.co.za. |
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Occupational psychologist
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Contact Bertus Swanepoel at 076 010 4952 or bertus.swanepoel@gmail.com to make an appointment.
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Discount on consultations with occupational psychologist
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To thank members for their loyal support Solidarity has negotiated a special discount on consultations with occupational psychologist Bertus Swanepoel. Remember to mention that you are a member of Solidarity!
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Social worker
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Members of Solidarity and supporters of Helping Hand can contact the social worker regarding social welfare matters.
Social welfare matters can be reported by e-mail, telephonically or in person. The most effective way to report a matter is by e-mail. Members are also welcome to contact the social worker to make an The social worker cannot provide assistance with regard to financial aid, material support, housing, statutory services or confirmation of identity of pensioners who receive a pension from the Contact details: 0861 25 24 23 or diens@helpendehand.co.za Visit www.helpendehand.co.za. |

Claims process and forms
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Read more about the claims process or click here for all referral forms and complaints forms relating to occupational
injuries and diseases. |
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Assistance with claims relating to occupational injuries and diseases
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We put a high premium on protecting our members in the workplace before and after occupational injuries.
Contact Solidarity Legal Services’ Occupational Health and Safety Department at 012 644 4343 or lodge your claim with |
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Assistance and advice regarding occupational health
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The aim of the Occupational Health and Safety Department is to protect the rights and the interests of Solidarity members in pursuit of a safe workplace. This goal is one of the most important links
in Solidarity’s value chain that is aimed at providing all-inclusive protection to members. Contact Solidarity Legal Services’ Occupational Health and Safety Department on 012 644 4343 or get advice from |
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Assistance and advice regarding occupational health investigations
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Solidarity offers assistance and advice regarding investigations resulting from occupational injuries and diseases.
The Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (No. 130 of 1993) provides for the allocation of compensation in respect of work disability caused by occupational injuries and diseases, Contact Solidarity Legal Services’ Occupational Health and Safety Department at 012 644 4343 or lodge your claim with |

Free financial advice
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Solidarity Financial Services provides financial solutions through value-driven advice and excellent service.
Contact Solidarity Financial Services on 0861 10 10 05. |
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Affordable car and household insurance
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Help the trade union grow by taking out car and household insurance with Solidarity. Phone us on 0861 10 10 05 for a free quote
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Affordable life and disability cover and income protection
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What would happen if you were unable to earn an income tomorrow? Solidarity Financial Services can give you free answers to this question. Phone us at 0861 10 10 05.
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Affordable additional legal aid cover
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Get the power of the law on your side. Solidarity Financial Services, in cooperation with Legal X, offers additional legal aid cover for Solidarity members. This service includes the following:
Call 0861 765 734 or visit www.legalx.co.za |
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Free assistance regarding investments
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Are you making adequate provision for your family for the day when you will no longer be there to provide for them?
Solidarity Financial Services can give you free answers to this question. Phone Solidarity Financial Services on 0861 10 10 05. |
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Free retirement planning
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Have you made adequate provision for your retirement?
Solidarity Financial Services can give you free answers to this question. Phone Solidarity Financial Services on 0861 10 10 05. |
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Tax advice
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Are you paying too much tax? What can you claim back from Sars?
Solidarity Financial Services can give you free answers to these questions. Contact Solidarity Financial Services on 0861 10 10 05. |

Advice on medical aids
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Solidarity offers professional advice on medical aids.
Solidarity has a contract with a service provider who can carry out a needs assessment to help you choose a medical aid that will fit your personal circumstances. Send an e-mail to solidariteit@health2wellness.co.za |
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Lifestyle coach and relationship expert
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Contact Paul Smit at:
082 721 4000 |
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Discounted tariffs
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To thank members for their loyal support we have negotiated a special discount on consultations with lifestyle coach and relationship expert Paul Smit. Remember to mention that you are a Solidarity member!
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Wellbeing webpage
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Solidarity offers free advice aimed at promoting your wellbeing. Visit our wellbeing webpage for advice and tips on how to find
balance in your life. |
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Athletics Club
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Are you looking for a hobby? Do you want to be more active and enjoy the outdoors? Then the Solidarity Running Club is perfect for you! The club consists of a close-knit group of 220 enthusiastic runners
who practise together and take part in races. The club is rated under the top 15 in North Gauteng and kicks dust in other clubs’ eyes with respect to membership numbers. At a once-off joining fee of just R150, it is definitely worth your while to enjoy the support of the club and its members. So don’t let the grass grow under your feet – join today! Contact us at atletiek@solidariteit.co.za. |

Drafting of last will and testament and administration of estate
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Solidarity members can have their wills drawn up and stored for free.
Contact details: 012 362 1552 or fineks@svslaw.co.za. |
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Funeral benefit
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Solidarity members who qualify receive a comprehensive funeral benefit. This benefit includes a member’s marriage partner/nominated spouse/life partner and dependent children younger than 21.
All claims must be submitted within six months after the death of a member, a member’s spouse or a dependent child. Phone 0861 25 24 23 or your nearest Solidarity branch. |
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10% Discount on gravestones
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When Solidarity members make use of the undertaking services of AVBOB or Martin’s, they get a 10% discount on gravestones. This benefit applies to a member’s marriage partner/nominated spouse/life
partner and dependent children younger than 21. Phone 0861 25 24 23 or your nearest Solidarity branch. AVBOB: Martin’s |

Solidarity Magazine and electronic newsletter
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The Solidarity Magazine communicates important labour issues and developments in the labour market to members. Six issues of the magazine appear annually. Phone 0861 25 24 23 or visit
www.solidariteittydskrif.co.za for further details. Solder is Solidarity’s weekly newsletter that is e-mailed to members. It contains news on the latest developments at Solidarity and in the South African labour market. |
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Kraal-klub
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Solidarity members can join the Kraal Club for free. Kraal Club members get a 10% discount on Kraal Uitgewers’ publications. SMS “KRAAL” to 32347 to join, or visit
www.kraaluitgewers.co.za. |
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Holiday benefit: 20% discount on accommodation at Kokoriba
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Come and relax in the Bushveld at a 20% discount. All paid-up members of the Solidarity Movement qualify for a 20% discount at Kokoriba. Membership will be verified before the discount is awarded.
Members themselves must stay at Kokoriba during the period for which a booking was made. Members must show their membership card or identity document to the resort’s reception staff on arrival. The discount applies to one unit per family only. At least one member of the family must be a member of the Solidarity Movement. The 20% discount does not apply in respect of Easter Weekend and the December school holidays. Visit www.kokoriba.co.za for further details. |
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Discount on selected shows
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Solidarity members get discounts on selected shows. Members are notified of these offers through social media and in Solder.
Click here to subscribe to Solder. |

Maternity benefit
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A maternity benefit of R1 250 is paid to female members with 12 months’ uninterrupted Solidarity membership for each child. The benefit must be claimed within six months after the birth of a child.
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