Making a Difference
Craftwork for kids
The Safire team is always ready to serve a worthy cause, and volunteers attended a workshop at Safire House to make educational toys from waste products such as egg boxes and bread bags for Singakwenza. This Hilton-based organisation (its name means “we can do it”) provides sustainable early childhood educational programmes in economically disadvantaged communities. The wife of Crop Division’s Gareth Smallbones, Linda, also did her bit by swimming the Midmar Mile for this non-profit organisation.
Investing in our Youth
Seen here with Pierre Bekker of Safire Insurance are from left to right: Kuhle Mthimkhulu, Lubanzi Mlondo and Andisa Young.
Safire Insurance is a short-term insurance company with its head quarters in Pietermaritzburg. This specialist insurer was founded in 1987 by a group of farmers and timber-growers who created a unique insurance co-operative to respond to their specific requirements at a cost that was accessible to all. Today Safire Insurance specialises in offering comprehensive cover for risk-averse individuals.
Part of Safire’s business philosophy is to offer hands-on personal attention to its clients. This interest in the ‘human’ aspect of insurance is reflected in the company’s attention to the youth of the region, especially school pupils in need.
“At Safire, we believe that education is the key to the future of our country, and by investing in the education of our youngsters, we can help to bring about a change in communities where children might not have as many opportunities as others,” says Safire CEO, Pierre Bekker.
Safire established an educational sponsorship programme in 2014, based on the concept of selecting one promising pupil a year from a disadvantaged background and providing them with an opportunity to attend a top primary school in KwaZulu-Natal. At this new school, these pupils are given the chance to develop their skills: academically, culturally, spiritually and on the sports field.
Currently the Safire Insurance educational programme has three boys attending Cordwalles Preparatory School in Pietermaritzburg:
Andisa Young– Grade 6
Kuhle Mthimkhulu– Grade 5
Lubanzi Mlondo- Grade 4
Seen here with Pierre Bekker of Safire Insurance are from left to right: Kuhle Mthimkhulu, Lubanzi Mlondo and Andisa Young.
