Santam’s Commitment To Resilience Earns CSI Legacy Awards Recognition 

Santam, South Africa’s leading general insurer, is proud to be recognised as a finalist in the Best Corporate Category at the CSI Legacy Awards. This nomination reflects the company’s impactful contributions to Corporate Social Investment (CSI) and its steadfast commitment to building resilient communities. 

Under the leadership of Neptal Khoza, Santam’s Head of Market Development, the company has implemented several pioneering initiatives. Khoza brings nearly two decades of experience in business development and CSI leadership, overseeing flagship programmes such as the Partnership for Risk and Resilience (P4RR). This initiative, launched in response to the government’s Business Adopt-A-Municipality (BAAM) call, has expanded over 12 years to reach more than 100 municipalities. 

The P4RR programme exemplifies Santam’s dedication to mitigating climate change impacts, enhancing disaster risk reduction, and promoting sustainable practices. Collaborating with municipalities, NGOs, and academic institutions, the initiative addresses key challenges such as climate change adaptation, disaster preparedness, and data-driven risk assessment. 

Beyond P4RR, Santam’s CSI initiatives include a school safety programme in partnership with the Department of Basic Education and the National Disaster Management Centre. This programme focuses on improving safety at schools for learners with special educational needs (LSEN), conducting risk assessments, and implementing tailored safety measures. By educating and empowering children on risk reduction, Santam ensures that even the most vulnerable members of society are better equipped to face emergencies. 

Santam’s commitment to resilience and community well-being has yielded remarkable outcomes. For example, its support of stormwater drainage clearing in Tshwane has significantly reduced flooding, enabling local communities and street vendors to thrive economically. The company has also empowered NGOs, such as the South African Red Cross, to provide critical disaster relief during events like the KwaZulu-Natal floods. 

Additionally, Santam’s Consumer Financial Education (CFE) programme has been transformative, equipping emerging businesses with the skills to manage both personal and business finances effectively. These initiatives have resonated deeply with communities, with parents of LSEN learners expressing gratitude for the safety and peace of mind Santam has provided. 

Looking ahead, Santam envisions scaling its efforts to deepen its impact and foster wider collaboration. The company aims to influence policy through advocacy and rally support from international partners and other corporates. By promoting a collective approach to disaster risk management, Santam seeks to transition communities from resilience to thriving. 

Santam’s achievements would not have been possible without the support of its implementation partners, NGOs, and dedicated executives. These partnerships underline the importance of a united approach to tackling societal challenges, reinforcing the belief that disaster risk management is everyone’s responsibility. 

As a finalist in the Best Corporate Category, Santam hopes to inspire further investment in public-private partnerships. The company’s work underscores the critical link between thriving communities and business sustainability. By focusing on de-risking environments and capacitating institutions, Santam leads the way in proactive, impactful CSI practices. 

Santam’s nomination for the CSI Legacy Awards is a testament to its unwavering dedication to creating safer, more resilient communities. This recognition celebrates the power of collaboration and innovation in addressing some of South Africa’s most pressing challenges.