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Mail & Guardian
insurancelatest news & developments
The wine, steel, vehicle and insurance sectors are among those most affected by protectionist US tariffs.
AFCFTA

US tariff shake-up sends ripples through African trade and global supply chains

This latest wave of tariff changes signals a broader trend toward economic nationalism and trade realignment.

  • HB Senekal & Julia Choate
6 min read
Despite earning less than R5 000 a month, more than half of South Africa’s Generation Z are somehow saving up to R1 800 a month.
INSURANCE

Investing a windfall? Make sure the contract suits your needs

A recent judgment underlines that it is vital to be certain that you fully understand the terms of an investment before you sign

  • Karin MacKenzie
7 min read
A cancer patient receives treatment.
RESPIRATORY DISORDERS

‘Cancer-related insurance claims on the rise, post-Covid-19’

Cancer accounted for about 32.3% of all insurer Liberty’s claims for 2023 This content is restricted to registered users and subscribers. Get Your Free Account The Mail &…

  • Anathi Madubela
1 min read
GAP COVER

A life disrupted

Old Mutual Illness insurance keeps family in the green after a devastating diagnosis

  • Old Mutual
3 min read
The department of cooperative governance says it is planning for localised flooding and infrastructure damage. File photo
CLIMATE CHANGE

Hail, floods and fires: Insurers in the eye of the storm

Extreme weather events are a key risk to insurers as the climate crisis threatens to ratchet up the price of cover

  • Sarah Smit
5 min read
Glaciers in a third of all World Heritage sites, including Africa’s last remaining glaciers, are “condemned to disappear by 2050”. (AFP)
SPACE JUNK

UN: Melting glaciers, heat, space debris among tipping points of risk

Extinctions, depleted groundwater and an uninsurable future are the others, and together they create instability with potentially catastrophic effects

  • Sheree Bega
7 min read
The decision to form a unity government has been broadly welcomed by economists.
ASHBURTON INVESTMENTS

Income strain weighs on financial sector

As consumers and businesses reel from tough conditions, insurers have expressed uncertainty over whether there is room for growth

  • Sarah Smit
7 min read
The ombudsman for short-term insurance said there has been a rise in complaints over rejected claims related to load-shedding. (Delwyn Verasamy)
ADAMS AMP ADAMS

How to claim for load-shedding damage

The ombudsman for short-term insurance said there has been a rise in complaints over rejected claims related to load-shedding

  • Anathi Madubela
4 min read
It is unlikely that insurance will cover the damage or that the government will bail out companies
COLLAPSE

Who pays if the Eskom grid fails?

It is unlikely that insurance will cover the damage or that the government will bail out companies

  • Anathi Madubela
4 min read
In 2022, KwaZulu-Natal was hit by the most catastrophic floods on record, which led to 459 fatalities. Photo: Delwyn Verasamy
CAPE TOWN

Hefty insurance premium hike for people living in disaster-risk areas

Extreme weather conditions due to climate change are set to increase, meaning higher premiums

  • Mandisa Makgakga
14 min read
South Africans could face rising living and borrowing costs after inflation accelerated to 4% in April, with economists warning that fuel-driven global price shocks — not domestic demand — are complicating the South African Reserve Bank’s interest rate outlook
BRIGHTROCK

Clients affected by insurance collusion can claim civil damages

Eight insurance firms are being probed over price-fixing allegations. Legally, clients can claim for damages but experts say they should not hold their breath

  • Anathi Madubela
8 min read
Discovery is part of the companies that have participated in collusive practices to fix prices and trading conditions in South Africa, according to the competition commission. (Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)
COMPETITION ACT

The Competition Commission has eight insurance companies in its sights for collusion

The companies are BrightRock Life, Discovery, FMI (a division of Bidvest Life) Hollard, Momentum, Old Mutual Insure, Professional Provident Society and Sanlam

  • Anathi Madubela
2 min read
Making vaccination mandatory may be beneficial, given that the government has a responsibility to protect its people; but it does raise the issue of whether forcing individuals to receive a compulsory vaccination would interfere with their rights.
COVID 19

Unvaccinated South Africans to pay more for insurance premiums

Insurance companies have adjusted their premiums and people who are not vaccinated will pay more for cover

  • Anathi Madubela
5 min read
Reality: A police official arrests a woman after the Lotsoho Mall in Katlehong, southeast of Johannesburg, was looted and vandalised. (Photo by Phill Magakoe / AFP)
CEDRIC MASONDO

Sasria to get R3.9bn from Treasury to cover July unrest insurance claims

Claims totalling more than R5.8-billion had already been paid out to businesses

  • Anathi Madubela
2 min read
CHESNARA

Sanlam sells UK businesses worth R5bn

The insurer ditches R5.1-billion to focus on Africa and other emerging markets

  • Anathi Madubela
1 min read
Telecoms networks are the real drivers of financial inclusion on the continent. (Ore Huiying/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
AFRICA

Mobile makes the insurance model work in Africa – and we’re just getting started

Telecoms networks are the real drivers of financial inclusion on the continent

  • Marius Botha
3 min read
Before you commit to acquiring life insurance, it is important to understand how the premium escalations on your new policy are determined.
DISABILITY COVER

Why life insurance premiums become more expensive annually

Things to consider and discuss before taking out a policy

  • Ashree Christian CFP®
6 min read
A tech solution to fires in informal settlements comes with insurance that pays out the victims of these blazes
CAPE TOWN

Sounding the alarm on shack fire losses

A tech solution to fires in informal settlements comes with insurance that pays out the victims of these blazes

  • Sarah Smit
3 min read
Covid-19 has hit the insurance industry especially hard
ASSOCIATION FOR SAVINGS AND INVESTMENTS

Why insurance firms’ earnings are down

Covid-19 has hit the insurance industry especially hard

  • Tshegofatso Mathe
4 min read
Ensure that your alarm system is serviced before you go on holiday
CRIME

Safety and security over the festive season

Safeguarding property and lives

  • Sponsored Feature
4 min read