Response to the COVID-19 lockdown

Our holding company responded to the President’s call to unite in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and its ripple effect, with a pledge of R320 million, in strong and continued support to the community. The focus areas for the financial contribution are multi-faceted in order to meet the very real and diverse needs over this time. 

• R50 million has been donated to the National Solidarity Fund which has a specific emphasis on both medical and humanitarian needs, including the provision of food and curbing the scourge of increased Gender-Based Violence.
• R200 million is being used to primarily support feeding schemes in our neighbouring communities, including Diepsloot and Cosmo City.

A relief fund of up to R70 million was also put in place to assist small businesses, including those within our supply chain.

In addition to giving our customers R22 million in premium relief, help is available to our customers, in several different ways, including:

• Single moms could qualify for a discount.
• Removing car hire from your policy.
• Reducing your premium by removing certain insured items during lockdown.
• If you’re retrenched, we’ll keep you insured if you have Cash Back Plus.

Globally, lockdowns have caused an increase in domestic violence and abuse and South Africa is not immune. The National GBV Command Centre is receiving triple the amount of calls from women who are trapped with their abusive partners at home during the national lockdown. As long-term advocates in the fight against women abuse, we supported the National GBV Command Centre in its efforts to help those who need it. One of the ways we’ve assisted the Command Centre is through the provision of debriefing services for social workers and supervisors. We have received heart-warming feedback from the staff about the benefit of these services, which are designed to help reduce secondary traumatic stress and burnout.

Are you at risk of abuse or do you know someone who is? Report it: GBV Command Centre: 0800 428 428 or *120*786#

We also launched a crowdfunding campaign to support nurses on the frontline of COVID-19, partnering with Gift of the Givers and Vula Mobile. The fundraising effort was kick-started with a R500 000 donation from 1st for Women. For more information, please visit: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/for-the-nurses

Contact our Nurse@First advice hotline, which has been enriched with COVID-19 advice. Because leaving home to get things checked isn’t as easy as it used to be.

Our Guardian Angels are ready and waiting to assist.

Remember to download the 1st for Women app and have our panic button in the palm of your hand. In an emergency you can also call our 24-hour Guardian Angels Assist on 0860 104 212.