As part of its new five-year strategy, the insurer is investing heavily in predictive data tools to anticipate unrest before it spirals out of control.

With the country facing persistent economic difficulties and frequent outbreaks of violence, Sasria says this technology will help protect businesses, communities, and the wider economy from costly disruptions.

Sasria is known for insuring against risks that most private companies refuse to cover, such as riots, civil commotion, strikes, and terrorism. Speaking to Africa in Business, Sasria’s Executive Manager for Stakeholder Management, Muzi Dladla, said their role is to step in where private insurers cannot.

“Our job is to carry risks that are too big for the private sector. That includes everything from public disorder to terrorism,” Dladla explained. “We provide cover for businesses of all sizes, government institutions, and individuals.”

Following the violent unrest in July 2021, which left parts of the country reeling from extensive damage, Sasria has expanded its capabilities. The insurer is now using artificial intelligence, machine learning, and behavioural analysis to track potential flashpoints.

“We realised after 2021 that we need more than just insurance payouts. We need to predict and prevent where possible,” said Dladla. “We’re working with psychologists to understand public behaviour, using data models to map out risk hotspots, and monitoring social media and community reports in real time.”

By analysing language patterns, sentiment trends, and movement routes, Sasria can issue early warnings to affected areas, co-ordinate with police and security services, and advise businesses on preventive action, sometimes up to ten days in advance.

Dladla pointed out that these tools help authorities respond more quickly, and with less disruption to people’s constitutional right to protest. “We’re not trying to stop protests, but we want to prevent situations from turning violent,” he said. “We know protest routes, we monitor nearby police capacity, and we even involve community leaders to defuse tension before it escalates.”

Sasria’s ultimate goal is to reduce the burden on the government’s finances by limiting damage before it happens. “By intervening early, the state doesn’t need to keep vast sums of money aside for disaster relief. The money can go towards development instead of repairs,” Dladla explained.

The insurer has already proven its value, having paid out R32 billion ($1.7 billion) after the 2021 riots, helping businesses get back on their feet and supporting the economy during a critical period.

Sasria is also sharing its expertise globally. In May, the company hosted the first international meeting of special risk insurers, drawing participation from countries in Africa and beyond.

--ChannelAfrica--