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Is South Africa’s protest legacy undergoing a dramatic transformation?
In the vibrant tapestry of South Africa’s history, protests play a colourful, if at times, turbulent role. While whispers of unrest have always swirled through the nation, the winds changed direction in July 2021. An unrest so profound, it left behind a scar of over R50 billion in property damages.
Infrastructure vandalism, to drive a point home, was synonymous with how most protesters demanded to be heard by the apartheid state. That’s infinitely part of protest history, not only here at home, but beyond our borders.
For us to understand the nation’s future, let’s look at its past. Amidst the dark shadow of apartheid’s brutal laws, South Africa’s African, Coloured, and Indian (ACI) citizens bore the weight of discrimination. Their pain, their fight, and their spirit of rebellion were rooted deeply in two theories.
First, there’s the Relative Deprivation Theory (RDT), which surmises that when individuals feel lesser than their peers, a social movement is born. The apartheid years had ACI citizens raising the flag of defiance, disrupting key infrastructure, reclaiming victories from the jaws of deprivation.
Concurrently, the Social Identity Theory (SIT) tells us about the power of shared struggles. A bond stronger than racial or ethnic divides unified the ACI citizens, turning them into a formidable front against oppression. Together, RDT and SIT sketch a narrative of collective rebellion that had a face, was intentional, driven, and firmly anchored in the quest for justice.
Diving deeper into this historical fabric, a defining trait emerges – the unwavering clarity of intent in these protests. Far from fragmented and chaotic displays of dissent, South African resistance movements consistently showcased unmistakable objectives and solidarity. These were political and activist movements that came to define the trajectory of a free South Africa they endeavoured.
Twenty-nine years into our constitutional democracy, one is left asking since there were pivotal shifts that sculpted South Africa’s democratic horizon, what may have changed?
One recent memory etched in the minds of most South Africans is the stormy events of July 2021, a beast that no one saw or predicted the wreckage it would leave behind. It was two weeks like no other.
As grey clouds gathered, casting an ominous shade over South Africa, they seemed to whisper tales from yesteryear times. These are periods of bloodshed across decades of liberation struggle, whether one refers to the Sharpeville Massacre or the June 16 protests in Soweto.
However, this wasn’t a mere echo of the past; it sang a different tune, one that needed the discerning eye of the Individuation Theory to unpack and comprehend. During those tumultuous times, something peculiar happened. The once-defiant faces of individual protestors melded into one indistinguishable mass—a sea of anonymity. It was as if the very identity of each person was swallowed whole by this gigantic entity, a phenomenon labelled as ‘deindividuation’.
In an article I penned, earlier in July, titled – South Africa’s Eight Days of Anarchy – I shared an observation from a security guard that encapsulated the scene – a striking forfeiture of civility and order among the protestors. This anonymity fuelled the chaos, turning ripples of discontent into a monstrous tidal wave.
Historical uprisings were centred around principles, rooted in profound beliefs. But July 2021? It was as if it floated without a compass, appearing more opportunistic than principled, perhaps signifying an unsettling shift in society’s foundation.
Fast forward to Human Rights Day, 21st March 2023. The air was thick with anticipation. Led by the EFF (the face), a shutdown gripped the nation, protesting the ongoing electricity crisis, rampant unemployment, and questioning President Cyril Ramaphosa’s fitness to hold office. Yet, this protest was distinct. It bore an identity, a purpose that guided its participants. Shielded from the dangers of deindividuation, protestors marched with clarity and focus, not veering into the unpredictable realm of violence and deviance. Their faces, their identities, and their intent were evident.
By sunset, this tale of revolt, so different from the stormy days of 2021, culminated with handshakes in front of Mahlamba Ndlopfu, Pretoria. The EFF leaders, standing side by side with the police officers, expressed their gratitude for a day of peaceful and purposeful protest.
One needs to ask what lies ahead, what is the path that’s possibly going to chart new territories when it comes to dissent?
The answer may lie in looking at the evolution of protests in South Africa, from the staunch values-driven revolts of the past to the murky waters of 2021, which speaks of a society at the crossroads. The theories we discussed point to a society grappling with anonymity, the blurring of personal boundaries, and an erosion of core values.
What needs to happen, what should South Africans do? One of the solutions lies at tackling the roots of deprivation.
Further, there is a need to undertake social, political, and economic reforms to bridge the gaping inequalities and foster unity, adapt and evolve law enforcement mechanisms to handle the unique challenges posed by ‘faceless’ protests and strengthen community and educational initiatives, weaving a tapestry of shared identities and ethics.
South Africa stands at a juncture, its legacy of protests evolving and transforming. The nation’s journey from here, navigating these complex waters, will shape its future trajectory and determine if it can return to the clear, values-driven dissents of its past.
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Dladla is the Executive Manager at Sasria SOC Limited
Sasria is an authorised FSP registered under license number 39117.
Sasria’s partnership with UCT online high school will fund 100 students
JOHANNESBURG – Wednesday, 01 November 2023: Continuing with the resolve for better education, Sasria SOC Ltd (Sasria) has partnered with the University of Cape Town (UCT) Online High School to ensure more learners are afforded quality education.
The learning programme which was launched by UCT on 31 July 2023 sees Sasria investing R6 million that will be used to support economically disadvantaged, and talented learners through the high school’s ‘Learning Liberated Scholarships Programme.’ These are learners that have potential, aspire to pursue tertiary education, and intend to make a positive and impactful contribution to South Africa (SA). In a five-year period, the learners will have 50 percent of their online tuition fees covered.
The UCT Online High School, launched in January 2022, has seen a rising number of interested parents seeking to enrol their children. In its first year, 4,000 learners were enrolled. Since the launch of this programme, and with the 2024 academic year fast approaching, there is a clear need for financial support as over 8 000 families have shown interest in finding out if their children would qualify for the partial scholarship, covering grades 8-11.
Tshepiso Chocho, Executive Manager for People Management at Sasria, said: “We want to expand the reach of quality education to all learners in the country, this is not something that we can do alone. UCT Online High School and its partners have made it easy for us to be part of the solution, and we hope more corporates will come on board.’’
Chocho believes that the interest shown indicates a growing need for accessible, quality education across SA. She further said Sasria supports the provision of quality education and has confidence that the UCT Online High School is the right partner, in this digital age, to deliver such quality at an affordable cost.
Munei Tshiovhe, Corporate Partnerships Manager at UCT Online High School, said: “I see the partnership with Sasria SOC Ltd as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path to a future where education knows no bounds. I embrace this opportunity with unwavering determination because I understand the immense potential it holds for reshaping the landscape of learning. I believe that, together, we can nurture the minds of tomorrow, empowering them to build a brighter world.”
The application deadline has been extended until 17 November 2023 and is only open to Grade 8-11 learners, in 2024.
For more information on the programme, such as the criterion to qualify, please visit www.uctionlinehighschool.com/scholarships
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For more information and media queries, contact: Andiswa Madolo
Email: andiswam@sasria.co.za
Phone: 072 243 0978
Sasria is an authorised FSP registered under license number 39117.
eNCA to flight Sasria’s history-telling documentary
JOHANNESBURG – Wednesday, 27 September 2023: This Saturday, one of South Africa’s 24-hour news channels eNCA will be airing the Sasria Documentary: Unveiling the Unrest: 7 Days of Destruction.
The documentary, premiered early in July, delving into the tumultuous events of July 2021. It features in-depth interviews with both current and former leaders of Sasria SOC Ltd, as well as key stakeholders who witnessed the events firsthand.
Mpumi Tyikwe, Chief Executive Officer at Sasria, said: “We are excited that a channel such as eNCA, has partnered with us to flight our documentary. It’s a documentary that captures a regretful piece of history in our constitutional democracy.”
This compelling film allows viewers to experience the unfolding events over those critical eight days. In the end, viewers will take away the significance of responsible protest, emphasizing the tragic consequences of lives lost, infrastructural damage, and economic mayhem.
Sasria Documentary: Unveiling the Unrest: 7 Days of Destruction aims to not only inform but also impart a profound understanding of the gravity of those events.
South Africans are invited to join us on eNCA (DStv Channel 403) on Saturday, 30th September, at 14:00 for an enlightening journey through the documentary that, as Tyikwe notes, delves into the immense challenges Sasria faced and underscores the organization’s determined response amidst profound adversity.
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Sasria is an authorised FSP registered under license number 39117
Sasria Launches Innovative Careers App to Empower Students
Sasria SOC Ltd, in partnership with Bushbaby Communication, launched a cutting-edge career app known as “Careers by Colour” at Lodirile Secondary School on Friday, the 1st of September 2023. The purpose of this innovative app is to empower learners with crucial resources and mentorship that could help them explore and pursue their desired career paths. The app aims to inspire learners to take practical steps towards their goals and make their aspirations a reality.
What is Careers by Colour?
The Careers by Colour app was designed to bridge the gap between education and career readiness. Offering a comprehensive platform that helps students explore different career options, gain insights into various industries, and make informed decisions about their educational pursuits. It is a user-friendly, inclusive, and forward-thinking platform that empowers learners to make the right choices when it comes to their careers.
The key features of the Careers by Colour application:
• Career Exploration: The app offers an extensive database of career profiles, each packed with information about job responsibilities, required qualifications, and potential growth opportunities.
• Industry Insights: Learners can access firsthand accounts from professionals in different fields, gaining valuable insights into the realities of various industries.
• Educational Pathways: The app guides learners towards suitable educational paths by suggesting relevant courses, institutions, and scholarship opportunities based on their interests and goals.
• Interactive Tools: Engaging quizzes and interactive features help students discover their strengths, interests, and aptitudes, assisting them in making well-informed decisions about their future.
Working Towards a Better Tomorrow Worth Discussing
The launch event at Lodirile Secondary School featured keynote speakers from Sasria, education experts, and local community leaders. Attendees had the opportunity to interact with the app firsthand, witnessing how Careers by Colour could revolutionise the way learners approached career planning. Sasria is committed to fostering a generation of confident and capable individuals, ready to embark on successful careers.
Announcing a New Career App
We are thrilled to announce the launch of a new career app called Careers by Colour at Lodirile Secondary School. This platform was designed to empower learners with a user-friendly, inclusive, and forward-thinking approach to turn their aspirations into reality. We believe that this launch was a significant step towards a brighter and more promising future for our youth. We are proud to be a part of something that could make a positive impact on the lives of learners and are excited to have celebrated this milestone with everyone.
The launch of Careers by Colour was a significant milestone in empowering learners with the essential resources and mentorship to explore and pursue their desired career paths. The innovative app is a step towards a brighter and more promising future for our youth.
Sasria is an authorised FSP registered under license number 39117.
This Mandela Day, Sasria brings smiles with the delivery of houses in Delmas
JOHANNESBURG – Tuesday, 18 July 2023: One of the most humane, dignified experience a human being can be afforded is to have a roof over their heads. Having a home, does not only bring such dignity, but smiles that last forever as families get to live comfortably.
Sasria SOC Limited (Sasria), partnering with Amor South Africa t/a Amor Community of Hope, has been delivering homes to several families in Delmas, Mpumalanga, since 2015.
The delivery of houses forms part of Sasria’s humanitarian and employee benefits programme, which is aimed at impacting lives where some of the employees come from or have identified communities in need.
In the past eight years, Sasria, together with Amor, have achieved an amazing feat of building eighteen homes for several families in Delmas.
Tshepiso Chocho, Executive Manager: People Management at Sasria, said: “Mandela Day presents an opportunity for us to show up and find innovative ways on how we can make people’s lives better. Our employees form a cognisant and important part of Sasria; hence we are excited to be involved in such an impactful project in Delmas.”
Chocho said the house builds project was identified by the Corporate Social Investment (CSI) department, with the sole aim of making a difference in communities, where staff reside, and where Sasria do business. Across South Africa, our communities need to be uplifted, as we envisage for better living conditions.
Chocho concluded: “One house at a time. There is more to be done. Our Sasria employees are committed to this initiative and lending a helping hand, which is at the heart of what we do. We are optimistic about the future of South Africa, and we are even more happier when lives are changed.”
Sasria is an authorised FSP registered under license number 39117. T’s and C’s Apply.
Sasria hands over ablution facilities and borehole to Hlahlindlela Secondary School
On Friday, 17 February 2023, Sasria handed over the much-needed ablution block and a borehole at the Hlahlindlela Secondary School in KwaNgcolosi, KwaZulu-Natal. The community of KwaNgcolosi are beneficiaries of Sasria’s COVID-19 Relief Programmes. KwaNgcolosi is under 40 kilometres from Durban.
Through its Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programme, Sasria has funded the provision of Social Welfare, Curriculum and Infrastructure projects in North West, Gauteng and KwaZulu Natal as part of the COVID-19 Relief Programmes.
Tshepiso Chocho, Sasria’s Executive for People Management said: “The effects and impact of Covid 19 continue to be felt even now. Hence as Sasria, through our mission of supporting education in our country, we continue to support schools through various interventions including the COVID-19 Relief Programmes that help to restore the dignity of learners and educators, and improve the learning conditions of learners, ultimately enhancing learning outcomes.”
Inadequate sanitation facilities and chronic shortage of water supply are a major challenge in many schools in South Africa, especially in the rural areas. Sasria’s decision to approve the construction of ablution facilities at Hlahlindlela Secondary as well as the erection of a borehole to ensure sustainability of water supply was not about expanding the CSI budget – it was about being true to Sasria’s mandate to contribute meaningfully to education by bringing dignity to learners and educators.
Chocho concluded: “It is often said that water is life, water means cleanliness, hygiene, hydration. When there is no water, you cannot do anything. Therefore, we are pleased that we could respond to the needs of the learners and educators at Hlahlindlela Secondary with ablution facilities and a borehole. We believe learning is wholistic, it is difficult for learners to concentrate in class when their environment is waterless and unhygienic.”
A year on since last July unrest, Sasria has made significant progress in settling claims
JOHANNESBURG – Wednesday, 13 July 2022: Last year, specifically on July 9, South Africa experienced one of the saddest events in the history of the country’s constitutional democracy as widespread, violent, and deadly looting took place in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
These were incidents that most South Africans would not wish to see a repeat of. Law enforcements agencies have been hard at work as they endeavour to see successful prosecutions against those that allegedly perpetuated the looting. With close to four hundred lives, infrastructure vandalised and the economy negatively affected, the unrest was not only unfortunate, but should also be seen in the negative light it brought to South Africa. Like most South Africans, the Sasria SOC Ltd was largely affected by the riots as there has been an unprecedented number of claims, most of which have been assessed and settled. We are thankful to the support government, particularly the Treasury, has given us.
Sasria has so far paid over R24 billion, meaning that eighty percent of all lodged claims have been paid out. Sasria continues to encourage clients that have outstanding information or paper work to submit these, so that those claims can be finalised as well.. Out of the 21 000 claims lodged, there is only a few outstanding, hence the call to clients to submit for finalisation. Currently, there are 6 800 outstanding claims, totalling R7 billion. Some of these are complex as clients are still rebuilding, and in some cases, they need to put the exact amounts of claims.
Mpumi Tyikwe, chief executive officer at Sasria, said: “This past year has not only been tough and challenging, but it called on us as an organisation to think differently and come with solutions geared towards smoothly assisting our stakeholders, and in the end, all our clients.”
“We all know the damage the unrest did to our economy and infrastructure. Much as this is etched in our history, we need to reflect, plan better and vow never to see such a repeat. We do recognise the right of people to protest, but we call on them to do so responsibly. We are encouraged to see that law enforcement agencies are working together as we strive to never find ourselves in this situation again. As the insurance industry, we note the information given by the Justice, Crime prevention, and Security cluster on the latest arrests. We will continue to work closely with all stakeholders,” said Tyikwe.
Tyikwe said Sasria is currently in a stable financial position, with enough capital required by the regulator. Based on this, he said Sasria can focus on risk planning as it future proofs the business to be agile and to be able to handle any event that can be similar to the unfortunate 2021 July unrest. Tyikwe said it was unfortunate that Treasury had to inject R22 billion to assist with settling claims, as this was money that could have been better used towards other urgent service delivery needs.
Sasria is thankful to the assistance offered by the entire insurance industry, brokers, and agent companies as they worked closely with us in attending to all the claims and seeing their conclusion. It’s commendable how claims were dealt with. This support has been tremendous, and we are grateful to be part of an industry that pulls together when faced with such a huge challenge.
Sasria clarifies call to finalise claims
JOHANNESBURG – Friday, 17 June 2022: Sasria SOC Ltd has noted the confusion across the industry after it issued a circular in relation to the finalisation of claims relating to last year’s July unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
Sasria would like to assure all stakeholders that the company has every intention to honour lodged claims. The circular that was issued was in relation to two parts of claims that are not moving. These are claims that have been reported and liability was acknowledged, with Saria waiting for the client to provide accurate information so that the claim can be quantified. The second part is where the quantum of the claim has been established, an offer was issued based on the terms and conditions and the client has not reverted.
Sasria believes adequate time has been given so that these claims can be finalised, with some clients failing to provide critical information required. It’s almost a year since the July unrests and like the entire insurance industry, it would like to close most claims emanating from the unrest.
Muzi Dladla, Executive Manager for Stakeholder Relations at Sasria, said: “We are not saying we are repudiating or denying covering these claims. We are not removing ourselves from these claims. Rather, we want to see the industry being able to recover and individuals back in business.”
Dladla emphasised that Sasria will no longer actively pursue these claims, after a significant amount of resources were invested to deal with all claims, some being complex. Over 21 000 claims were lodged in both provinces, the majority of the damage has been paid out by Sasria.
Dladla acknowledged that the circular caused a scare in the market and emphasised that in as much as the circular puts the claimants on terms to close the files, Sasria will not deny accepted liability. He said Sasria will be communicating with the industry as they give clarity and context on why this is done, and the eagerness to finalise these claims.
Mpumi Tyikwe appointed as new Sasria Chief executive Officer
JOHANNESBURG – 08 April 2022: Sasria SOC Ltd has appointed Mr. Mpumelelo “Mpumi” Tyikwe as the organisation’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective 07 April 2022.
Tyikwe’s appointment follows due, vigorous processes that emanated from recruitment board’s satisfaction after all due processes were followed. With over 35 experience in the financial sector, mostly spent in the short-term fraternity, Sasria is looking forward to working with a dynamic and goal-oriented business leader with vast experience in leading business operations within the insurance industry, mostly involving turnaround strategies, spanning 20 years.
Mr. Tyikwe succeeds Mr. Cedric Masondo, whose term ends in May 2022. Masondo has done a sterling job in leading the organisation in the past twelve years. After serving two tenures as managing director, Masondo decided to pursue other interests. The Sasria board, staff, and stakeholders thank Masondo for the work he has done in leading the organisation, mostly during unprecedented, unpredictable times, with the recent one being last year’s July unrest.
Masondo will be handing over the reins to a seasoned professional, who, among his many accolades created the first black owned Underwriting Management Agency at Hollard, was a key leading figure in Santam’s development of its business strategy, driving business growth and profitability through specialist companies and corporate business between 2008 and 2009. This was followed by leading strategy at the Standard Bank Wealth Division.
Moss Ngoasheng, Sasria’s board chairperson, said: “We have gone through a thorough process to find a candidate capable enough to lead Sasria into the future. Tyikwe’s proven track record proves that his appointment is perfectly suited to lead Sasria as it embarks on its journey, one that’s equally challenging and exciting. We thank Mr. Masondo for the sterling job he has done for the organisation.”
The incoming CEO has been in the same position at Land Bank Insurance Company (LBIC), where he was responsible for strategic directions of the organisation’s two insurance companies providing risk management, long and short-term insurance solutions to the agricultural sector.
Tyikwe played a key role in the growing business at Santam and LBIC as he developed strategies, which bore the successful implementation of interventions after he initiated them. One of these was the notable acquisition of Absa’s crop business, a move that saw a significant, profitable increase that ultimately became a sustainable revenue model.
One of the key aspects of running a successful business is the leveraging of existing and the creation of new networks, a skill Tyikwe is familiar with as he is capable of leveraging partnerships aimed at business growth.
These kinds of partnerships are what further enhances Tyikwe’s skills when it comes to stakeholder management, an aspect he showed at LBIC as he established sound relationships with government departments such as Agriculture and Land Affairs. Engaging with these departments was pivotal as the result was the development of an insurance product catering for black farmers.
Tyikwe said: “I am looking forward to the challenge ahead. Sasria is a big-potential business where I see opportunities in growing and diversifying the revenue streams of the business as we need to make the organisation sustainable, strengthen its investment portfolio and improve the solvency position of the organisation.”
“We will work closely with various stakeholders to manage key risks with the aim to practively manage riots and public unrest.
Ngoasheng concluded: “Sasria is in safe hands. These are hands that see opportunities in identifying possible new products and the creation of unique distribution channels. That’s the kind of thinking Sasria currently needs new thinking with unexpected challenges always on the horizon.”