Terrorism and social unrest cover in South Africa
Lockton South African is often requested to ensure local South African entities receive policy wording from in-country appointed carriers. Typically, the Associate receiving this request will ask the client whether South African Special Risk Insurance Association (SASRIA) cover for the property should be arranged. Often the response is ‘no’, and the reason provided is that the entity is covered for ‘terrorism’ under the main insurance programme. We believe that thorough interrogation of the terrorism cover in place is required, as cover provided by SASRIA does not only cover terrorism, but also civil commotion, public disorder, strikes, and riot risks in South Africa.
SASRIA is the only non-life insurer in the nation that provides this cover. Their clients include government institutions, businesses, and individuals within South Africa. As a state-owned entity, SASRIA reports to the Minister of Finance through the National Treasury.
SASRIA coverage Loss of, or damage to, the property insured directly related to or caused by:
- Any act (whether on behalf of any organisation, body or person, or group of persons) calculated or directed to overthrow orinfluence any State or government, or any provincial, local or tribal authority with force, or by means of fear, terrorism or violence;
- Any act which is calculated or directed to bring about loss or damage in order to further any political aim, objective or cause, or to bring about any social or economic change, or in protest against any State or government, or any provincial, local ortribal authority, or for the purpose of inspiring fear in the public, or any section thereof;
- Any riot, strike, or public disorder, or any act or activity which is calculated or directed to bring about a riot, strike or public disorder;
- Any attempt to perform any act referred to in clause (i), (ii) or (iii) above;
- The act of any lawfully established authority in controlling, preventing, suppressing or in any other way dealing with any occurrence referred to in clause (i), (ii),(iii) or (iv) above.
NOTE: The reference to the term “public disorder” shall be deemed to include civil commotion, labour disturbances or lockouts.
For further information, please contact:
Colleen Cresswell, Account Director
OLEA launches new group website
OLEA has revamped its group website creating a seamless and efficient experience, tailored to clients’ needs. Enhancements include:
- Simplified navigation: quickly find what you’re looking for with our user-friendly and customer-focused design.
- Clear content organisation: browse effortlessly through well-structured categories designed to save you time.
- Easy connections across Africa: need to reach a specific country or team? Now, connecting with any African country in our network or specialised team is faster and easier than ever.
Explore the new features and see how we’ve made it easier for you to engage with us here.
OLEA participates in the first Congo Energy & Investment Forum
The growth of Africa’s energy sector is integral to the continent’s economic and environmental priorities. As a cornerstone of development, it drives both expanded energy access for communities and the industrialisation needed to strengthen economies. Recognising the importance of fostering investment and collaboration in this vital sector, OLEA recently participated in the first Congo Energy & Investment Forum, recently held in Brazzaville.
This landmark event gathered institutional stakeholders, investors, project developers, and energy companies, all united by a common objective: mobilising resources, expertise, and innovative solutions to accelerate investment in Africa’s energy industry.
As a leading Pan-African broker specialising in complex risk management, OLEA played an active role in discussions, contributing valuable insights on insurance’s strategic role in energy investment. Olivier Dubois, Chairman of OLEA Group, participated in a high-level panel focused on energy and investment, alongside fellow experts and decision-makers. He emphasised that insurance is not merely an auxiliary service, but a critical facet of energy project development. This is particularly applicable to projects that are capital-intensive and subject to a wide spectrum of risks, such as operational, financial, environmental, and political challenges.
A robust, well-adapted insurance framework is essential for fostering investor confidence, mitigating uncertainties, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of energy initiatives. OLEA’s expertise in this domain is deeply rooted in its comprehensive knowledge of African markets, and reinforced by its strong partnerships with leading global insurers and reinsurers. By designing tailored insurance solutions, OLEA supports a broad range of energy stakeholders — including large-scale oil and gas operations, solar power plants, gas infrastructure developments, and projects driving Africa’s green transition.
The forum also provided an opportunity for meaningful engagement with key government authorities. OLEA held discussions with Mr. Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua, Minister of Hydrocarbons of the Republic of the Congo, regarding the country’s evolving energy strategy and approaches to strengthening investor trust.
Among OLEA’s representatives in attendance was Boris Saint Maxent, Managing Director of the Congo subsidiary, who helped further reinforce the company’s commitment to fostering investment and strategic risk management in the region.
Through collaboration, strategic risk management, and forward-thinking insurance solutions, OLEA contributes to the sustainable and inclusive growth of Africa’s energy sector — paving the way for a more resilient future.