MPOFANA – Friday 10 April 2026:
In a bold step to address the root causes of recurring unrest, Sasria SOC Ltd, in partnership with uMgungundlovu District Municipality and the Mpofana Local Municipality, today launched a community-driven initiative aimed at reducing protest-related risk while unlocking economic opportunity.
The initiative follows years of heightened protest activity in Mpofana, which between 2019 and 2023 resulted in a significant volume of Sasria claims, particularly along key transport routes critical to South Africa’s logistics network. Recognising that insurance alone cannot resolve systemic challenges, Sasria commissioned a social risk assessment conducted by the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) to better understand the drivers of unrest.
The findings pointed to persistent socio-economic pressures, including unemployment and limited access to opportunities, as key contributors. In response, Sasria has shifted from a post-event to a preventative approach, investing directly in communities to mitigate risk before it escalates.
At the centre of this intervention is the launch of our Skills Development programmes, which will be conducted by various institutions, equipping 58 local beneficiaries with practical skills to support self-employment and long-term sustainability. The initiative is complemented by targeted programmes already underway, including a uniform drive benefiting 100 learners.
Nkateko Mayimele, Executive Manager: Claims at Sasria, speaking on behalf of Sasria, said: “True risk mitigation goes beyond settling claims, it’s about understanding and addressing the lived realities of communities. Mpofana has been identified as a hotspot, and through this initiative, we are investing in people as the first line of defence against instability. By equipping young people with skills and opportunities, we are reducing risk at its source while contributing to long-term economic resilience.”
The initiative builds on Sasria’s track record in KwaZulu-Natal, where similar interventions have led to thriving food gardens that support school feeding schemes and instil a culture of self-reliance among young people.
uMgungundlovu District Municipality, Mayor Cllr Mzi Zuma, highlighted: “This partnership with Sasria reflects a shared commitment to addressing the root causes of unrest in our communities. By investing in skills development and creating pathways for economic participation, we are empowering residents of Mpofana to take charge of their futures. This initiative not only restores hope, but also strengthens social cohesion and contributes meaningfully to long-term stability and inclusive growth within the district.”
Mpofana Local Municipality, Mayor Cllr Maureen Magubane, added: “This partnership represents a turning point for Mpofana. For too long, our communities have faced the consequences of unemployment and social instability. By working together with Sasria and our district partners, we are creating pathways for dignity, skills development, and local economic participation. This is about restoring hope and strengthening the social fabric of our municipality.”
The initiative is a strategic expression of Sasria’s mandate to protect the South African fiscus while advancing national stability. Aligned with the National Development Plan’s focus on job creation and inclusive growth, the programme demonstrates how public entities can collaborate with local government to deliver meaningful, measurable impact.
As Sasria continues to embed community resilience into its risk mitigation strategy, the initiative stands as a powerful example of how shared value can be created where reducing claims risk goes hand in hand with restoring dignity, rebuilding trust, and enabling communities to become active participants in safeguarding their own future.
ENDS…
For more information and media queries, contact: Andiswa Madolo
Email: andiswam@sasria.co.za
Phone: +27 11 214 0800
Mobile: +27 72 243 0978
