Latest news with #AtangMatebesi
News24
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- News24
4 insurance tips to protect your vehicle from hijacking and car theft
Road safety is of an utmost concern for South Africans, especially with the high rates of vehicle theft and carjackings. While recent SAPS reports show carjackings have decreased by 15 percent, that's still a whopping 4 533 incidents reported just between January and March 2025, making it about 50 cars hijacked a day. Everyday South Africans are placing crime like burglary, mugging and hijacking as one of their top risks, as seen in surveys like Santam's 2025 Insurance Barometer. 'It's encouraging to see the numbers trending down, but hijacking and theft are still far too common,' says Atang Matebesi, CEO of Santam Client Solutions. 'What's important is that we're now seeing what works, particularly when it comes to proactive interventions like enhanced tracking systems in high-risk vehicles.' Here are a few key takeaways Atang believes every vehicle owner should keep in mind: 1. Hijackings are replacing traditional theft According to Tracker, criminals are increasingly choosing hijackings over theft because modern vehicles are harder to steal when parked. Atang highlights that hijacking gives criminals immediate access to the vehicle and its contents without having to bypass sophisticated ignition and security systems. This shift means that owners need to be more vigilant when entering or exiting vehicles, especially in driveways, traffic queues and poorly lit areas. 2. Comprehensive insurance and affordable alternatives With hijackings and vehicle theft still an everyday reality, comprehensive vehicle insurance has become more critical than ever. 'It's not just about replacing the car,' Atang explains. 'It's about protecting yourself financially against the ripple effects of a loss. It all adds up, from car hire costs and excess payments to potential debt obligations if the vehicle is financed,' he says. 3. Install more than one tracking device can lower insurance premiums Insurance claims data show a noticeable decrease in hijacking and theft claims for vehicles fitted with two tracking systems. With two devices, the chance of vehicle recovery by tracking companies' increases, if one device is tempered with by hijackers the second device may still be functioning. 'These underwriting interventions are making a measurable difference,' Atang shares. 'Fitting a dual tracking system doesn't guarantee your vehicle won't be targeted, but it significantly increases the chances of recovery. A win for everyone.' 4. Extra layers of protection go a long way Insurers and security providers are constantly evolving their offerings to stay ahead of criminals. AI-powered dashcams, cargo door sensors and panic buttons are great ideas for business vehicles. For personal cars – along with installing multiple tracking devices – Atang says it's worth investing in early warning alerts and air-tags and parking in well-lit, secure locations (especially overnight) are good first steps to take. 'Insurance is just one part of the equation, prevention and recovery should be a joint effort between the vehicle owner, the insurer and security providers. With smart technology and better awareness, we can keep closing the gap between risk and safety,' says Atang.
The Citizen
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Combating theft & hijacking in South Africa
Despite a welcome drop in reported incidents, vehicle theft and hijackings remain a primary concern for South Africans. According to the latest SAPS's quarterly crime stats, hijackings decreased by 15.1% between January and March 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. However, with 4,533 hijackings recorded in only three months (about 50 vehicles hijacked per day), the risk remains uncomfortably high. This aligns with Santam's 2025 Insurance Barometer, which found that 50% of consumers surveyed cited crime (including burglary, mugging and hijacking) as one of their top risks, second only to the rising cost of living. 'It's encouraging to see the numbers trending down, but hijacking and theft are still far too common,' says Atang Matebesi, CEO of Santam Client Solutions. 'What's important is that we're now seeing what works, particularly when it comes to proactive interventions like enhanced tracking systems in high-risk vehicles.' Here are five key takeaways Matebesi believes every vehicle owner should keep in mind: Hijackings remain high While theft and hijacking trends are down nationally, hotspots remain. Tracker's most recent crime data shows that Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape remain high-risk zones, with the Eastern Cape recording a shocking 8:1 hijacking-to-theft ratio. In terms of metros, Midrand, Honeydew, and Roodepoort recorded the highest number of hijackings in early 2025. Not to dissuade people from being less vigilant during other times, but it's important to note that most hijackings occur on Friday evenings between 4pm and 9pm. Hijackings are replacing traditional theft According to Tracker, criminals are increasingly choosing hijackings over theft because modern vehicles are harder to steal when parked. Matebesi notes that hijacking gives criminals immediate access to the vehicle and its contents without having to bypass sophisticated ignition and security systems. This shift means owners need to be more vigilant when entering or exiting vehicles, particularly in driveways, traffic queues and poorly lit areas. Installing multiple tracking devices is proving effective, and it could reduce your insurance premium Santam's own claims data shows a noticeable decrease in hijacking and theft claims for vehicles fitted with two tracking systems. With two devices, the chance of vehicle recovery by tracking companies' increases – if one device is tempered with by hijackers the second device may still be functioning. 'These underwriting interventions are making a measurable difference,' says Matebesi. 'Fitting a dual tracking system doesn't guarantee your vehicle won't be targeted, but it significantly increases the chances of recovery. A win for everyone.' Comprehensive insurance and more affordable alternatives are available With hijackings and vehicle theft still an everyday reality, comprehensive vehicle insurance has become more critical than ever. 'It's not just about replacing the car,' Matebesi explains. 'It's about protecting yourself financially against the ripple effects of a loss. It all adds up, from car hire costs and excess payments to potential debt obligations if the vehicle is financed,' he says. In many cases, he says claims related to hijacking are not limited to the car alone. They may even include damaged property, trauma counselling, or legal processes. Matebesi's advice is to have proper cover in place to help reduce the long-term impact on your life and finances. Comprehensive insurance may not be affordable to everyone, so individuals should consider taking more affordable cover types such as Third Party, Fire and Theft as an alternative. This kind of insurance policy does not cover accidental damage, but it can be significantly cheaper than comprehensive insurance and you'd be fully covered if your car is hijacked or stolen. Extra layers of protection go a long way Insurers and security providers are constantly evolving their offerings to stay ahead of criminals. For businesses, this includes AI-powered dashcams, cargo door sensors, and panic-alert buttons that link to rapid response teams. For personal vehicles, Matebesi says it's worth investing in: Multiple tracking devices (GPS plus RF) – confirm with your tracking company that it runs on the 5G network Early warning alerts for unauthorised movement Remote immobilisation features Parking in well-lit, secure locations – especially overnight 'Insurance is just one part of the equation, prevention and recovery should be a joint effort between the vehicle owner, the insurer and security providers. With smart technology and better awareness, we can keep closing the gap between risk and safety,' says Matebesi. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Daily Maverick
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Maverick
Insurers take hard line on failure to maintain infrastructure aimed at preventing climate change damage
A R6.5bn lawsuit in the wake of the 2022 KZN floods reveals how insurers are no longer willing to act as underwriters of public incompetence, especially concerning damage related to climate change. Cast your mind back to April 2022 and the floods in KwaZulu-Natal. Infrastructure, homes and businesses buckled under severe floodwaters that caused billions of rands in damage and hundreds of deaths. Devastating flood damage at Toyota's manufacturing and assembly plant in Durban halted vehicle production there for four months. In the aftermath, Toyota South Africa Motors' (TSAM's) insurer, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance, paid out — and then turned its attention to those it holds responsible. The Japanese insurer is now attempting to recoup a collective R6.5-billion from the eThekwini Municipality, the KZN Department of Transport and Transnet. It is claiming negligence, specifically the failure to maintain flood prevention infrastructure. 'It is important to note that the litigation proceedings are not being facilitated and/or funded by TSAM,' said Tasneem Lorgat, the general manager of marketing communications at TSAM. 'Accordingly, TSAM will not benefit in any way from the subrogated recovery action against these entities.' If successful, this case could change how insurers manage climate risk and who they hold accountable for damages related to climate change. Insurers vs incompetence As the climate warms and infrastructure decays, insurers like Tokio Marine seem no longer willing to act as underwriters of public incompetence. And who can blame them? According to Atang Matebesi, the CEO of Santam Client Solutions, the insurer's storm and flood claims in commercial lines have increased by 5% over the past year. 'Storm and flood damage is often exacerbated by inadequate infrastructure maintenance or poor town planning, resulting in higher-value claims regardless of no major catastrophe events occurred over the past year,' he said. Santam's latest Insurance Barometer shows that climate change has barged its way into the list of top 10 concerns for customers, with 78% of respondents worried about extreme weather. Nearly a quarter of respondents said they were proactively cleaning gutters or upgrading infrastructure to mitigate risks, said Matebesi. He added, however, that Santam's claims data tell another story: too little, too late. Climate change is a balance sheet issue Insurers aren't alone in their shift from passive observer to active risk manager. 'Climate volatility has accelerated the case for investing in renewable energy and water infrastructure to enhance economic and environmental resilience,' said Thabang Selota, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and impact analyst at Sanlam Investments. The asset manager's investments, including in Oya Energy and Alien Fuel Group, are designed to lower exposure to fossil fuel volatility and boost long-term sustainability. Sanlam uses internal ESG scoring and aligns decisions with global standards like the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosure and the UN's Principles for Responsible Investment, said Selota. High-emission companies with no real decarbonisation plan are red-flagged. 'Climate-related risks have direct implications for investment values,' said Selota. 'These risks have increasingly influenced how we assess infrastructure resilience and asset viability.' Everyone's problem, nobody's job In sectors like agriculture and logistics, the cost of inaction will hit a lot harder. Selota points out that businesses with physical exposure to climate extremes — agriculture, logistics, infrastructure — are particularly vulnerable. Those without the capital to build adaptation buffers are the first to go under. '[Climate change] impacts substantially on livestock and crop health and production, while damage to infrastructure from extreme weather events disrupts agricultural and food supply chains,' said Stellenbosch Business School research fellow Roscoe van Wyk. There's still a yawning gap between risk perception and preparedness. Santam's data show that 64% of agribusinesses name climate change as a top concern. Yet only 16% of corporates overall rank it in their top three risks. Wear and tear on infrastructure and increased weather-related risks could influence the fine print of insurance policies, said Kirsten Wolmarans, a partner at Webber Wentzel. 'Insurers may soon require institutional policyholders to implement early warning systems as a condition for coverage,' she said, warning that infrastructure contracts should mandate such systems or risk facing litigation. DM
IOL News
28-06-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
Point of view: Santam's 2025 Insurance Barometer exposes rising risks across SA
Santam's 2025 Insurance Barometer reveals critical insights into the rising risks faced by South African households and businesses, highlighting economic pressures, infrastructure challenges, and the impact of climate change on the insurance landscape. Image: Freepik South Africa's short-term insurer, Santam, has released its 2025 Insurance Barometer, which paints a sobering picture of the risks confronting local households and businesses. Economic strain, infrastructure decay, crime, and increasingly erratic weather patterns tied to climate change have emerged as key concerns. Now in its fourth edition, the biennial report offers a detailed pulse check on global and local risk trends. Drawing insights from nearly 900 consumers, businesses, and brokers across the country, the report captures shifts in public perception alongside expert industry analysis. Atang Matebesi, CEO of Santam client solutions, said the short-term insurance sector must remain agile. 'Once again, weather volatility, infrastructure concerns, and socio-economic challenges have created a tough environment for local insurers. This has been exacerbated by ongoing geopolitical turmoil... threatening the affordability of the Motor and Heavy Haulage classes of insurance.' Matebesi noted a concerning development: 'A trend is emerging where vehicles that normally wouldn't be written off are being declared total losses because repair costs have skyrocketed due to costly imported parts affected by the geopolitical environment.' Balancing premiums while ensuring sustainable underwriting practices is an ongoing challenge. 'The industry has the unenviable task of balancing premium rates with sustainable underwriting practices and risk mitigation measures to ensure a sustainable insurance sector... thus also contributing to national economic growth,' Matebesi added. Claims trends and consumer pressures The Barometer reveals that Santam's MTN portfolio saw a spike in claims for stolen mobile devices, tablets, and laptops, largely due to petty theft and muggings in shopping malls. Motor insurance remains the main contributor to claims in both personal and commercial lines. While strategic underwriting has brought some relief, collision-related claims have surged as road traffic returns to pre-pandemic levels. 'This is largely due to road usage in South Africa returning to pre-COVID levels, driven by many companies reinstating five-day office attendance policies,' explained Matebesi. Infrastructure degradation is also playing a role, particularly road conditions. 'Potholes causing loss or damage to vehicles' have hit all sectors, including agriculture and heavy haulage, particularly hard. An emerging issue flagged in the report is the phasing out of 2G and 3G networks, which support many alarm systems and vehicle tracking devices. 'Close collaboration between insurers, insureds, and telecoms services providers is necessary... There is anecdotal evidence of the potential impact on property owners with those who have already had their alarms 'switched off' falling victim to crime,' Matebesi warned. The cost-of-living crunch Rising living costs are reshaping consumer behaviour: 40% have cut back on non-essential spending 27% have reduced essential monthly expenses 21% have tapped into savings Many South Africans are also changing their lifestyles: 38% now spend less on entertainment and eating out 23% have stopped going on holiday 19% drive less 14% opt for public transport or taxis more often 13% cancelled DSTV Some households have turned to borrowing: 7% took personal loans 9% borrowed from friends or family 15% invested in alternative energy to reduce electricity costs Business realities and risk gaps For corporate and commercial entities, theft remains the top worry, though concern has declined over five years. 'Persistent economic malaise remains a top concern for businesses at 19%. Interestingly, growing concerns over operational costs have emerged... likely related to economic pressures,' Matebesi said. A surprising disconnect was noted regarding business interruption (BI) cover. Despite ranking high on global risk indices, only 7% of local commercial respondents prioritised BI. 'The lack of emphasis placed on loss of profits is concerning; we believe business interruption is a massively underestimated risk,' Matebesi warned. Currency fluctuations made a noticeable jump, up 10%, amid global policy shifts and local political uncertainty, particularly around the Government of National Unity (GNU) budget delays. One bright spot came from the power front: South Africa marked 300 days without loadshedding in 2024. This led to a significant drop in power surge claims, thanks to improved grid stability and underwriting action. Climate risk remains entrenched, especially in agriculture. 'The agriculture sector is disproportionately concerned about climate risk,' Matebesi noted. Commercial claims linked to storms and flooding were up 5%, worsened by poor infrastructure and town planning. Top ten business risks in 2025: Theft (21%) Machinery/system breakdown (20%) Economic downturn (19%) Loadshedding/power surge (18%) Loss of profits (18%) Currency fluctuations (18%) Fires (16%) Climate change (16%) Staffing issues (14%) Crime (14%) Brokers evolve their role Brokers remain essential in risk mitigation. Most conduct home or site visits (72%) and communicate risk management tools via email or SMS (63%). Yet, one in three still finds coverage communication confusing. More brokers now prioritise affordability, 34% cite price as the top factor in choosing an insurer, followed closely by service excellence and claims reliability. Encouragingly, eight in ten intermediaries remain confident about business prospects in the year ahead, the data shows. * Maleke is the editor of Personal Finance. PERSONAL FINANCE
News24
26-06-2025
- Business
- News24
Avoid regret: Insurance tips for making smarter decisions
Insurance adds value to both life and items we own, offering stability, security, and peace of mind. It plays a critical role in helping us manage life's uncertainties that have financial implications. Santam's 2025 insurance barometer report, surveying nearly 900 South African customers, businesses and brokers, highlights the emerging risks we face today. It makes a case for the importance of informed, forward-thinking insurance decisions. The risks identified in South Africa The report notes how South African households are feeling impacted by the persistently high inflation and interest rates, with 84 percent of consumer survey respondents saying they have had to make adjustments to cope with the increased cost of living. Atang Matebesi, CEO of Santam Client Solutions, notes how the changes in the local and international risk landscape mean the local short-term insurance industry must continue to adapt at a rapid pace. Atang says, 'Weather volatility, infrastructure concerns and socio-economic challenges have created a tough environment for local insurers.' READ MORE | 6 ways to master financial resilience through tough economic times Beyond the cost of living, the report highlights other concerns, which include: Crime - '16 percent more consumer respondents citing it as a top three risk for their households now, compared with 2023'. Climate change - '78 percent of consumers citing they are in some way concerned about the threat of extreme weather events'. Cost of living - 47 percent cite economic challenges. With the changing role of insurance brokers, the report highlights how insurers must provide meaningful risk management tools. Beyond this, there's the growing question of how to make more informed insurance choices. Where does it start and where does it end? Types of insurance Investopedia, a U.S.-based financial publication, notes these four types of crucial insurance policies you need: Life insurance; Health insurance; Long-term disability coverage; and Car-insurance. READ MORE | Nicolette Mashile on financial literacy - 'It should be a basic human right' Tips on picking the right insurance policy for you South Africa-based MiSure Insurance Brokers suggests you consider the following:
