PROTEST MARCH TO SANTAM OFFICES CALLED OFF LAST MINUTE

A protest march organised by motor body repairers (MBR) to Santam’s offices was called off at the very last minute.

The protest was organised by MBR industry members but called off after the Black Business Council (BBC) intervened.

The MBR associations have given the BBC two weeks to negotiate with Santam. If the outcome of those negotiations isn’t successful, it’s believed the planned marches to Santam’s offices in Sandton, Cape Town and Durban.

One of the reasons for the protest march is the “entirely improper appointment” of Filum Ho as a senior procurement consultant. Ho is also one of Santam’s biggest suppliers.

The MBR associations feel that Ho’s appointment represents a conflict of interest and is anti-competitive. The associations also feel that Ho’s appointment will harm the sustainability of autobody repairers in South Africa.

Rumours were doing the rounds that Ho had resigned from his position at Santam, and on Thursday the insurer confirmed it.

“Mr Ho advised the company that he did not wish to become a distraction to Santam’s overhaul and how it handles motor repair claims and relationships with MBRs.”

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