Since 87 with blocks

THE INSURER

APRIL 2017

Safire Insurance turns 30

It was in 1987 that Safire Insurance Company Limited (then known as the Central Timber Fire Protection Co-operative Limited) first came into being as an innovative insurance cooperative, created by timber-growers who wanted to take control of their spiraling insurance costs. Today, we are proud to be a leading short-term insurer with specialist niche products that serve the specific needs of our clients. This comprehensive interview with CEO Pierre Bekker appears in the latest issue of SA Forestry magazine.

An apology

In the previous issue of The Insurer, an obituary for Friedrich “Fred” Keyser featured an incorrect spelling of his name. This is sincerely regretted. Friedrich Johannes Ludwig Keyser, known to most as Fred, passed away at the age of 97 on 28 January 2017. He was born on 19 August,1919 at a Mission station in rural KwaZulu-Natal and grew up in the Paulpietersburg district, attending the Luneburg and Braunschweig schools. Fred was a great family man, a dedicated farmer with a passion for trees, and a founder member of SATGA, Brokoop and Safire. His support of these organisations continues today, with his sons carrying on in his footsteps, placing their insurance with both Brokoop and Safire.

Napping to prevent crashing

Studies show that sleeping as little as an hour less than recommended doubles the risk of a motor accident. Researchers say that an afternoon nap of around 20 minutes could improve alertness and mental performance in all adults without interfering with their nocturnal sleeping patterns. With those of 65 and older, a nap generally led to better memory and thinking skills.

Flaming reputation cover

A company in Japan is offering "enjo" or “flaming insurance”, which covers people and organisations should their name be tarnished online by mishaps or rumours. The cover will enable the insured person/company to run media campaigns in their defence and provide a platform for public apology if necessary. This isn’t the strangest form of insurance cover available. Change of Heart insurance covers the cost of a wedding if either the bride or groom has cold feet at the last minute, and Alien Abduction insurance is a reality.

Impact of downgrade on consumers

The South African Insurance Association (SAIA), the representative body for the local short-term insurance industry, says that South Africa's foreign-currency rating downgrade is of grave concern, and that ramifications will be felt for years to come. “This is bad news for all South Africans and businesses. For the short-term insurance industry in particular, this means that the cost of motor parts, which are mostly imported, will increase exponentially, which is likely to lead to increased repair costs followed by increased premiums for policyholders.” SAIA warns that some cash-strapped consumers might limit their insurance cover – not a good idea, when these consumers are then exposed to high financial risks in the event of a loss of, or damage to, their assets.

Crop Division-AFC golf day

Safire’s Crop Division supported and played at the Amathole Forestry Company (AFC) golf day in Stutterheim recently. The funds raised through this event, which includes a substantial donation by AFC, go towards the local high school and the country club that serves the community. The two teams entered by Safire included local brokers from the greater Stutterheim area, broker consultants for the region Pieter Minnie and Hedley Bertrand, and Safire staff and clients. Hedley Bertrand and Crop’s Ruth Bezuidenhout ran the Safire stand, which was again voted the best manned “watering hole” by the players. Seen here are (left to right), Marc Bradley, Niall McDonald, Safire Marketing Manager Anton Rohrs, and Tallie Fourie.

Countdown to the Husqvarna Classic

There are just a few days to go! We are sponsoring the 40km phase of the Husqvarna Classic Mid-Illovo Challenge, one of the most exciting MTB events in KZN, taking place on Sunday 30 April. Sign up quick if you’re a keen MTB rider. With 100% of proceeds invested back into the community that the route winds through, it’s exactly the type of family-friendly and community-minded activity that we support, so get into the saddle and make a difference. Entries will be accepted on the day. Visit the ROAG website at www.roag.co.za for details.

Go for a virtual MTB ride

If tackling the Husqvarna Classic doesn’t suit your diary (or fitness levels), how about a virtual MTB ride? US company Zwift has developed a virtual world where MTB riders can ride and train together. More than a million people have tried the $10-a-month service that combines gaming displays with resistance and rider input. Enter personal data like height and weight, and you’ll be represented with a personalised avatar. If you want to tackle Mont Ventoux, one of the most legendary climbs in cycling, you now can!

Let’s go fishing in May!

Safire Insurance has renewed its title sponsorship of this year’s King of the Sea Classic, a hugely popular fishing competition taking place on the KZN South Coast on 26-27 May that sees competitors aboard jet-skis, kayaks and boats hoping to snap up great prizes. “We are delighted to once again be the main sponsor of this family-focused event,” says Safire’s marketing manager, Anton Rohrs. Hosted at the Pumula Beach Hotel, these action-packed two days of fun in the sun include something to entertain family members of all ages.

Safire Berg 100

This annual race winds through some stunning scenery between Underberg and Nottingham Road, so enjoy the visuals of this highly popular event that saw a bumper field this year.

WATCH

ECONOMIC TIDBITS

141 000 – number of jobs for women to be generated through “telework” and working from home by 2020, according to the Saudi Arabian labour ministry. Women are not allowed to drive and public transport is limited.

$162-billion – value of an estimated 66 million tons of food wasted by consumers and retailers in the USA, while almost 800 million people worldwide go to bed hungry each night.

335 – number of Zimbabwean maize growers being included in a crop insurance pilot project that aims to offer small-scale farmers inexpensive insurance policies to reimburse them in the event of a weather disaster.

$150-million - amount to be invested in two new beer production lines in SA by AB InBev, which aims to sell African beers outside of the continent.

1.5-billion – number of people who are served by Chinese medicine and acupuncture, making it the world’s second largest medical system.

190 000 – number of women who admitted in a UK insurance study to having almost had a collision while driving, due to hairstyles that restricted their vision.

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