Keeping The Doors Open

Businesses face many risks, and depending on the nature of the business, some may be greater than others. But with the right insurance in place, business owners can sleep soundly. Debbie George, Broker Division, at Infiniti Insurance Limited, takes a look at the ins and outs of business insurance.

Disaster Areas

From the devastating floods in KwaZulu-Natal to the hailstorms in Johannesburg and the heavy rainstorms in Cape Town, extreme weather events have highlighted the vulnerabilities of building in disaster-prone areas. Coupled with the recent California fire disaster, it raises a critical question: should human beings be building in such areas to start with? Marike Van Niekerk, Manager – Legal, Marketing and Compliance Officer at MUA looks at the data.

CEO Update: Key Priorities Driving Advocacy and Member Value

We would like to share an update on the key priorities currently underway at the FIA. From regulatory engagement and policy advocacy, to strengthening member value and operational efficiency, our focus remains on protecting and advancing member interests. 

An overview of the ‘Updates in healthcare policy’ webinar held exclusively for FIA members

The FIA recently hosted an exclusive members-only webinar to unpack the latest developments in South Africa’s healthcare policy landscape. With rising media attention on the Health Funders Association’s (HFA) court challenge to the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act, the session provided timely insights into the future of healthcare funding, regulatory reform, and what these changes mean for intermediaries and clients. Key speakers explored the financial and constitutional challenges surrounding the NHI, updates on Low-Cost Benefit Options (LCBOs), and other pressing industry issues.

A New World Of Opportunity

As we look to 2025, non-life insurers must navigate a landscape shaped by technological advancements, climate change, and shifting customer needs and preferences. To remain relevant, the industry must adapt swiftly and strategically, says Tarina Vlok, MD of Elite Risk Acceptances, a subsidiary of Old Mutual Insure.

Waity Issues

Income protection is a more complex benefit compared to other life insurance benefits – whether someone meets the definition of a claim event, how related claims are treated, and the exclusions applied can result in complicated situations at claim stage. Often, the most important factor that impacts a claim outcome is the waiting period selected. Nic Smit, Life Product and Pricing Executive at Bidvest, explains.

Striking A Balance

Do your clients operate a fleet? Koogan Naicker, Senior Manager of Quality Assurance, and Lebogang George, Head of Corporate and Commercial at Netstar explore how telematics revolutionises fleet management while navigating the complexities of data collection and privacy under South Africa’s regulatory landscape. “Any data being collected needs consent around storage, sharing, or any other purpose.”

Make Moments That Matter

“My attack in Durban was a defining moment for me, but it also reinforced the importance of key moments in insurance.” Wimpie van der Merwe, CEO of Global Choices, shares how a personal experience of violent crime became a defining moment for providing genuine, empathetic customer service.

Criminal Minds

With tech advancements exacerbating the rising incidence of identity theft, fraud awareness is more important than ever, writes Dr Jerry Chetty, Head of Business Integrity at Santam. Read on for some of the latest fraud trends and how to guard against them.