Insurance industry contributes over R1.4 million to fight vehicle crime

Joint media release: The South African Insurance Association (SAIA) and Business Against Crime South Africa (BACSA)

26 February 2008

Short-term insurance industry contributes over R1.4 million to fight vehicle crime

“The unacceptable levels of crime are still of great concern to the SAIA, its members and the country at large. This is the sole justification for the continued support by the SAIA to Business Against Crime South Africa initiatives for the fight against crime.” These were the words of SAIA spokesperson, after the SAIA Board approved the seventh consecutive donation to Business Against Crime South Africa. The SAIA pledged R1 469 600 which will be used for the national vehicle crime projects which are facilitated by Business Against Crime South Africa.

“Motor insurance, being the largest class of business insurance, accounted for half of the short-term insurance industry’s net claims in 2005. The total value of the industry’s net claims was R18.4 billion, of which R9.1 billion was for motor claims, vehicle crime- related claims accounted for 25% - 30% of this cost and therefore this area has remained an area of concern for our members,” added SAIA's spokesperson.

“It is with great pleasure that Business Against Crime South Africa acknowledges the ongoing financial support it receives from the South African Insurance Association (SAIA) and its member companies. A 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 Projects facilitated by Business Against Crime,” said Siphiwe Nzimande, CEO of Business Against Crime South Africa, after being informed of the donation.

“Many of the initiatives of Business Against Crime South Africa have yielded positive results. In relation to national vehicle hijacking crime statistics, a decline of 9.9% was noted over the period April – June 2007 when compared to the same period in 2006. Such a reduction can be attributed to continued efforts in the collective fight against crime. Business Against Crime South Africa’s Violent and Organised Crime working group has as one of it’s main objectives the reduction of such crimes.

The SAIA will remain committed to the fight against crime as we believe that through partnerships and our continued involvement in initiatives that will curb vehicle crime, so much more can be achieved,” says SAIA's spokesperson.

“In addition to financial contribution to BACSA, the ongoing support and commitment from industry players such as SAIA and the insurance companies is needed to fight the scourge of vehicle theft and hijackings. To combat these crimes at a national level collective partnerships that promote system wide change are needed,” said Siphiwe Nzimande, the CEO of Business Against Crime South Africa.

For more information or to set up interviews, please contact:

Adéle Joubert

Public Relations Officer

Tel: 011 726 5381

Fax: 011 726 5351

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Lorinda Nel

Business Against Crime South Africa

Tel: 011 883 0717

Fax: 011 883 1679

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