OCTOBER 2017

Knysna’s tragedy of under-insurance

A few months ago, a catastrophic wildfire swept through Knysna, gutting 600 homes, killing seven, displacing 10 000 people, and causing an estimated R4-billion or more of damage. Some lost everything they owned in what was declared the most severe wildfire in South African history since the so-called Great Fire of 1869, which raged through a similar part of the southern Cape. Extreme winds and devastating drought, coupled with extremely hot ambient conditions, combined to create this horrific event. The aftermath of the initial tragedy is that over half of the formal homes were not covered by insurance, and many people were seriously under-insured, so they will not be compensated in full and will have to cover a portion of their loss themselves.

Working together

Making a difference

When farmers in the drought-ravaged Eastern Cape contacted Eston farmer MJ Hillhouse for help, he sprang into action. His intention of collecting animal feed for a few farmers snowballed, especially after he was interviewed on East Coast Radio, with aid association Gift of the Givers also getting involved. Communities in need were partnered with those offering assistance to streamline the process. Eventually the trucks transporting feed from donors across KZN were not enough, and ten trains were also arranged to transport the feed. MJ was amazed by the generosity of people who gave so much to help others. “It’s been a challenge but very rewarding,” he says. The campaign made a difference to about 500 farmers across the region. Safire is proud to have assisted with funding for this incredible initiative.

Donkey chomps McLaren

Maintain your home

Homeowner insurance pays for sudden unexpected events, not for gradual deterioration or damage through lack of maintenance. Heavy rain often results in claims relating to water damage from leaking roofs and flooding when blocked drains cause water to enter the house. It is the responsibility of homeowners to keep their home in an insurable condition. Leaks from cracked or shifted roof tiles will be attributed to lack of maintenance and the claim may be rejected. Ensure that nothing can impede rainwater flowing away (but not onto your neighbour’s property). Clean out gutters and unblock storm water drains and drainage outlets. Watch for pools of water, especially on flat roofs. Check roof lining and roof nails and screws. By being vigilant, homeowners can ensure that water damage will be less likely in bad weather.

Safire Berg 100 2018

Billed as one of the toughest one-day MTB events in the country, the seventh Safire Berg 100 will take place on Saturday 17 March 2018, with the race starting in Nottingham Road and ending in Himeville. Every year the race is staged between these two KZN villages, with the start and finish alternating annually. Set in some of the most scenic countryside imaginable, the Safire Berg 100 is a beautiful race to ride and is also a whole lot of fun, with long climbs and descents along a route designed to be fast but not technically difficult. In addition, it is an ideal way to get ready for Sani and JoBerg2C. Entries have just opened, with an early bird special of R380 – the same as last year – until the end of the year, whereafter the entry fee will be R420 per person. To read more or sign up now, click here.

Get out guide

Extreme weather in the eastern parts of the country in October saw rivers bursting their banks and roads and highways flooded. Many people had to be rescued from their vehicles. Watch how to free yourself from a rapidly submerging car. It could save your life one day.

 ECONOMIC TIDBITS