True heroes in times of disaster

Members of the insurance industry are true heroes in times of disaster

The devastating Knysna fire has shocked South Africans across the country. But it’s at times like these that we are reminded about the African spirit of Ubuntu and the silent heroes who put their lives on the line and go the extra mile to comfort and support others.

This is what humanity is really about; how do we keep forgetting this?

Last week we were reminded about the role the insurance industry plays.

We often hear the industry being bad-mouthed, that insurance is a grudge purchase – and worse! But in times of need, they are the first people that we call on.

The insurance industry is preparing itself for massive claims over the next few months – estimated at more than R4-billion. They couldn’t plan for something like this, yet they are the first to put their hands up and offer to help, donating millions of rands to support those in need.

Europ Assistance, for example, jumped straight, in putting its emergency and medical response teams on standby while partnering with their roadside assistance team at Jaguar Land Rover to drive across the country collecting stuff to deliver to Knysna.

Oakhurst Insurance Company’s head office is the largest employer in George. Staff rallied together to collect more than three bakkie loads of clothes, blankets and food to deliver to those affected in Knysna.

Santam was also in the news last week for its R1-million donation to the relief fund.

And the list of insurance companies that have donated and assisted goes on. These guys really do care.

CN&CO’s Blake Dyason assisted in co-ordinating a Cape Town relief team, partnering with Stor-Age for drop-off points around Western Cape and co-ordinating volunteers and deliveries with the mayor of Knysna and local organisations.

The selflessness demonstrated by South Africans in the face of the Cape Town storm and the Knysna fire has left us all feeling proudly South African.

Our thoughts are with all those affected.