SAIA donation to Business Against Crime SA

Short-term insurance industry committed to the fight against crime

"The South African Insurance Association (SAIA) and its members are still committed to the fight against crime.  We have been actively participating in many crime fighting initiatives over the years and will continue to contribute towards this important task faced by all South African individuals, companies, organizations and the relevant governmental bodies tasked with crime fighting."  These were the words of SAIAs Deputy Chief Executive, Refilwe Moletsane, after the SAIA Board approved another donation to Business Against Crime South Africa.  This will be the sixth annual donation to Business Against Crime from the SAIA and its members, the first donation having been made in 2001.  The amount pledged to Business Against Crime for this year is R1.336 million.  This donation is to be used by Business Against Crime for the National Vehicle Crime Project facilitated by them.

"If one considers that the vehicle crime figures, including theft off and theft from motor vehicles as well as hijackings showed a steady decline between 2002 and the end of 2005, the previous donations by SAIA were money well spent.  Unfortunately, these figures have shown an upswing since the beginning of the second quarter of this year and the SAIA believes that the donation to Business Against Crime would play a crucial role in turning this trend around again," added Refilwe.

"It is with great pleasure that Business Against Crime South Africa acknowledges the ongoing financial support which it receives from the South African Insurance Association (SAIA) and its member companies.  This financial contribution of over R 1 million has once again been confirmed for the next calendar year as a contribution towards the National Vehicle Crime Project, which is facilitated by Business Against Crime," said a spokesperson from Business Against Crime after being informed of the donation.

"In addition to this financial contribution to BAC, the ongoing support and commitment which Business Against Crime receive from SAIA and the many insurance companies in fighting the scourge of vehicle theft and hijackings have been critical for the national successes in combating these crimes," said Siphiwe Nzimande, the CEO of Business Against Crime.

"When one considers that motor insurance is our largest class of insurance business, with 43% of the industrys gross premium being motor, it makes good sense to become involved in any initiative that would contribute to containing costs of motor claims.  Of the 43% mentioned above, half the net cost of all claims paid is for motor claims. During 2004 for example, of the total value of net claims of R15.4bn, R7.6bn was for motor claims.  Approximately 30% of these motor claims relate to motor vehicle crime.  In view of this, and in addition to our responsibility as South African citizens, it is also very much in our interest to become involved in motor vehicle crime as an industry," said Refilwe.