Zimnat Assists Families Of Deceased Miners
Zimnat,one of the leading players in the Zimbabwean life assurance and short-term insurance industries since 1946, has donated funeral services worth $10 000 for the burial of 10 of the miners killed in the Battlefields mining disaster.
The group has made the donation through Mashonaland West Province Minister of State, Mary Mliswa to assist the families of 10 of the miners who lost their lives in the disaster.
The funeral services will be provided by FSG Zimbabwe, which is a subsidiary of Zimnat Life Assurance.
Zimnat Life Assurance is one of the Zimnat group’s four business units. The others are Zimnat General Insurance, Zimnat Asset Management and Zimnat Microfinance.
The group is also associated with Sanlam, which is the largest non-banking financial institution on the continent.
The deceased miners were among at least 32 trapped in a shaft at Baxter and Cricket mine when the shaft was flooded as a result of heavy rain.
Eight of the miners were rescued after four days of rescue efforts. The bodies of the 24 who lost their lives in the flooded shaft have been recovered.
“This is indeed a sad and tragic incident. We at Zimnat felt we should do something to help those who lost relatives in this national disaster,” said Zimnat group chief executive Mustafa Sachak.
“While nothing can replace their relatives, we hope that our donation of funeral services will help make their lives a little easier. It is a gesture of solidarity with them in their time of grief,” he said.
FSG Zimbabwe is a funeral services company that offers a unique combination of funeral assurance and funeral services.
It combines Hospital Cash Back Cover, Total and Permanent Disability Cover and Funeral Services in one product. All the insured benefits are underwritten by Zimnat Life Assurance Company.
Source: Insurance24
Zimbabwe Economic Outlook – First Quarter 2019
The USD8.16 billion 2019 Budget presented by Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube set the tone for the economic outlook of Zimbabwe for the year 2019. Themed “Austerity for Prosperity” the budget aimed at introducing tough reforms, possibly with the intention of demonstrating to international financiers that the Zimbabwean government is serious about its economic transformation aspirations. Austerity is a way to reduce budget deficit by reducing government spending or increasing taxes, or both. Although the economy would perform better with a host of revenue raising measures, the budget aimed more at expenditure management.
Amid many questions about the Zimbabwe currency crisis, the 2019 Budget proclaimed that Zimbabwe would continue using the multi-currency system with the US Dollar as the currency of reference. This came after the Reserve Bank Governor Dr John Mangudya had earlier ordered a separation of Nostro foreign currency accounts from the real-time gross settlement (RTGS) deposits in a bid to preserve the value for those who export and bring foreign currency into the country. The government also maintained that the exchange rate between the bond notes and US Dollar is 1:1. However, in the informal sector the exchange rate is trading at a minimum of 1:3, and in some instances rising to 1:5. The trading of the US dollar at a premium has created increased inflationary pressures on the economy. Trading Economics put the current inflation rate at 49.09%, which is the highest in ten years, with the rate expected to increase to 98% by the end of the year.
Many businesses have adopted a three tier pricing system with increases in bond notes and RTGS prices of various consumer goods and commodities. This led to a rise in salary increment demands by the civil service, with doctors demanding to be paid in US dollars. This means that the fiscal framework that the government was aiming at is likely to remain the same as government expenditure is expected to increase because of an increased wage bill due to salary increment pressures. Because of these likely variations, the finance minister has had to adjust the projected growth rate of the economy from 6.3% previously indicated in the Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP) to 4%.
Due to shortages in foreign currency and inefficiencies in foreign currency allocations by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, local manufacturers have struggled to import unprocessed raw materials. However, a Foreign Currency Allocation Committee was appointed by the finance ministry to ensure efficient management of foreign currency inflows and outflows. The government also suspended sections of Statutory Instrument 122 of 2017 to increase flow of consumer goods into the market to cater for shortages that the market experienced. Apart from lack of raw materials, these shortages were created by inability of manufacturers to cope with demand of goods after a spate of panic and speculative buying. Because of the increase in the inflow of foreign goods, Zimbabwe’s trade deficit widened and is continuing to widen after Zimstat reported that Zimbabwe’s trade deficit was $2,4 billion as at December 2018.
The success of the austerity measures is hinged on unanimity by all stakeholders that the measures are the only way to steer the economy to success. There is also a strong push by economic and religious players for political players to begin renewed engagement as a measure to create a more stable and predictable economic future for Zimbabwe. Whilst the government tries to create a stable environment, the private sector has to take responsibility to innovate and grab business opportunities that arise in this environment.
Written by Taurai Museka
For more details send an email to customercare@zimnat.co.zw or call us on +24-2707582/3/5/6
Zimnat Offers USD Products
Insurance is a means of protection from financial loss, it is a form of risk management, primarily used to hedge against the risk of a contingent or uncertain loss. This means that whatever value you insure your asset for should be sufficient to enable you to replace it or at the very least purchase an asset of the same level as the one you had. However, the current economic conditions have presented challenges such as inflation and price speculation. In light of this, Zimnat then introduced the option to insure ones assets in US dollars in an effort to make life better for its clients.
In the event of a loss where one has paid their premiums in US dollars the Insurance Company has various options to restore you to your former position. The options include repairing damaged assets, replacing the damaged asset or giving the client cash in lieu of the damages (which will be in US dollars).
Basing values in US dollars hedges against fluctuations in the sum insured. The fact that the US dollar is a relatively stable currency means that the premium one pays will not fluctuate and one can plan for their future payments.
Zimnat General Insurance offers all its short term insurance in US dollar denominations however will continue to offer policies denominated in RTGS value for those who have no access to hard currency. However, where premiums have been paid from an RTGS account, the sums insured will need to be regularly monitored to mitigate against the adverse effects of inflationary pressures in the business environment that lead to underinsurance.
Zimnat, which is one of the country’s leading insurance and financial services companies, has been a leading voice in protecting the assets of those who insure with them. This is in line with its purpose of making life better.
Call 086 7700 4952 or email directbusiness@zimnat.co.zw to find out more or purchase a US dollars policy.
2019 Suppliers Registration Invitation
The Zimnat Group is inviting all current and prospective suppliers of the following goods and services to submit their credentials for consideration and subsequent inclusion on its 2019 suppliers’ database.
Required Services and Goods
- Office Stationery
- Groceries & Cleaning Materials
- Office Furniture & Equipment Supply & Repairs
- Shop Fitting & Office Partitioning
- Exhibition Stand Designs
- Sanitary Disposal & Services
- Cleaning Services
- Locksmith Services
- Pest Control And Fumigation Services
- Protective Clothing, Footwear & Corporate Wear
- Printing & Designing
- Computer Networking, Hardware Consumables
- Hardware, Electrical Accessories & Engineering Services
- Telecommunication Installation & Repairs
- Motor Vehicles Supplies, Spares & Accessories
- Motor Vehicle Servicing, Repairs & Panel Beaters
- Motor Bikes Supply, Spares & Accessories
- Towing Services
- Fuel & Lubricants
- Logistics, Shipping & Clearing Services
- Travel Agency Services
- Hotel, Accommodation, Conferencing & Catering
- Building Maintenance, Carpentry, Plumbing, Painting Services
- Security Services – Biometric, CCTV, Guards, CIT
- Borehole Drilling & Maintenance
- Welding & Steel Fabrications
- Air Conditioner Supplies & Maintenance
- Firefighting Equipment & Servicing
- Supply, Service & Maintenance Of Generators
- PA Systems , Videography & Photography
- Advertising, Branding & Promotion Materials (T Shirts, Banners, Sign Posts)
- Branded Promotional Materials & Corporate Gifts
- Outsourced Courier & Messenger Services
- Drugs & Medical Supplies
- Advertising & Creative Services, Including Digital Advertising & Video Production (Ad Agencies)
- Media Booking Services
- Suppliers of Risk Diagnosis Tools
- Insurance & Risk Management
- Outsourced Assessment Services (Pre & Post Loss Claims assessments)
- Valuation & Survey Services (Motor & Non-motor)
- Recruitment Services
- Electronics
- Software Development & Licencing
- Supplies of Data recovery and management
- Garden landscaping and Florist services
- Car Rental Services
Interested suppliers should submit the following for consideration:
- An Introductory Letter
- Company Profile
- Certified VAT Registration Certificate
- Certified CR14
- Certified CR6
- Current Tax Clearance Certificate (ITF263)
- Payment Terms
- Certified Certificate of Incorporation
- At least three traceable references
The submissions should be sealed, clearly stating the category being applied for
NB: By submitting the above documents, it does not automatically mean you will be added to our Suppliers Database. There will be a review and an evaluation process that must take place first.
Interested Companies should send their documents to:
The Procurement Committee
Zimnat Group
Zimnat House,
Corner Third Street & Nelson Mandela Avenue,
Harare,
Zimbabwe
Closing Date is 22 February 2019
Zimnat Assists Hatcliffe Centre
Zimnat handed over bed linen, an examination bed and a storage container, together worth more than $7 000, to St Christopher’s Children with Disability Centre in Hatcliffe, which provides services for children with disabilities.
The storage container is for storing equipment and various materials used at the centre.
St Christopher’s Children with Disability Centre’s major focus areas include various types of therapy, such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy, aimed at improving or restoring children’s lost functions or compensating for them through the provision of various aids.
It also offers activities to help children with disabilities cope with daily living and improve their quality of life as well as that of their families. It offers too support and counselling to the children and their families.
Zimnat group marketing executive Angela Mpala said Zimnat, which aims to make life better for others, was happy to be able to partner St Christopher’s Centre in making life better for disabled children.
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“St Christopher’s Centre is providing much needed assistance to children with disabilities. Apart from the various forms of therapy it offers, its efforts to combat and eliminate discrimination against children with disabilities and their families is very much in line with our own motto of making life better for others,” she said.
“We fully identify with their goal of working towards a society in which children with disabilities participate fully and enjoy the fundamental rights that we are all entitled to.
“The different forms of therapy provided at St Christopher’s Centre are important in helping children with disabilities overcome the challenges they face as a result of their disabilities.
“We are happy to be able to partner the centre and support its work through the donation of bed linen, an examination bed and a storage container, all of which the centre identified as among its major needs,” Ms Mpala said.
Zimnat Marathon Raises $7 000 For Cebisani Ndlovu’s Surgery
Zimnat’s first charity marathon, which was held at Barclays Sports Club in Harare on November 10, managed to raise almost the whole amount originally quoted for 30-year-old Bulawayo resident Cebisani Ndlovu’s spinal cord surgery.
When Mr Ndlovu approached Zimnat for assistance, the amount needed at that time for the surgery at Mater Dei Hospital in Bulawayo was $7 500. The marathon raised almost $7 000.
Mr Ndlovu, who holds a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.) Honours degree in Risk Management and Insurance, has difficulty walking, even with the aid of crutches, which he first started using in Form One.
Moved by his plight, Zimnat decided to hold a charity marathon to raise as much of the money as possible. Hundreds of people were touched by Zimnat’s plea to assist Mr Ndlovu, as evidenced by the turnout for the run, with 740 people taking part in the half-marathon or runs over shorter distances and others donating towards the cause.
Participants also had an opportunity to talk to Mr Ndlovu and have pictures taken with him, as he came to witness the marathon.
The races, which started at 5.30 am, were pegged at 5km, 10km and 21km, with the majority of people taking part in the 5km run. Altogether, $6 810 dollars were raised.
Zimnat has paid out $550 of this amount for a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan, which will facilitate an updated quotation for the surgery required.
“The response to our plea for members of the public to take part in this marathon to help Mr Ndlovu was overwhelming,” commented Zimnat group marketing executive Angela Mpala.
“Zimnat is driven by a passion to empower companies and clients to reach their full potential and to making life better for others. We would like to thank all those who participated in the marathon or made donations towards this cause for helping us to make life better for Mr Ndlovu,” she said.
The Zimnat Group, which is comprised of Zimnat Life Assurance, Zimnat General Insurance, Zimnat Asset Management and Zimnat Financial Services, is associated with Sanlam, the biggest non-banking financial services group on the continent.
Pinktober: Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Taking place annually throughout the month of October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month aims to raise awareness about the disease and raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure.
While the general public are often aware of the conditions much more action needs to be taken to support the public in reducing their risks and support early detection and treatment.
About breast cancer
Breast cancer is the second most common cancer globally, accounting for 1.7 million new diagnoses in 2012, a 20% increase in 2008 figures. Of even greater concern is that breast cancer has become the leading cause of mortality amongst women globally. While breast cancer incidence is higher in high-income countries (HICs) we have seen the fastest rise in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where survival rates are the lowest.
Yet we have the tools to take action to dramatically reduce breast cancer risks, and as a result the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) amongst others has called for urgent global action to tackle this rapidly rising burden.
Symptoms
Many of the symptoms of breast cancer are invisible and not noticeable without a professional screening like a mammogram or ultrasound. But some symptoms can be caught early just by looking out for certain changes in your breasts and being proactive about your breast health.
The most common symptom of breast cancer is a new lump or mass. A painless, hard mass that has irregular edges is more likely to be cancer, but breast cancers can be tender, soft, or rounded. They can even be painful. For this reason, it is important to have any new breast mass, lump, or breast change checked by a health care professional experienced in diagnosing breast diseases.
Other possible symptoms of breast cancer include:
- Swelling of all or part of a breast (even if no distinct lump is felt)
- Skin irritation or dimpling (sometimes looking like an orange peel)
- Breast or nipple pain
- Nipple retraction (turning inward)
- Redness, scaliness, or thickening of the nipple or breast skin
- Nipple discharge (other than breast milk)
How often should I check my breasts?
It doesn’t matter when you check your breasts, as long as you check them regularly. This could be every month, or every couple of months. You could check while you’re in the bath or shower, after the gym or before bed.
When you get to know your breasts, you might notice they change with age, or at different times of the month. For example, your breasts might feel tender and lumpy around the time of your period. You may also experience normal changes during pregnancy, when your breasts may get bigger and feel tender or sore.
Zimnat Customer Service Week 2018
What is Customer Service Week?
Customer Service Week (CSW) is an international event celebrated world-wide (Zimbabwe included) every year during the first full week of October. The event is devoted to recognizing the importance of customer service and honouring people who serve and support customers with the highest degree of care and professionalism. It is also an event where corporates take the opportunity to appreciate their existing customers. This year’s theme is "Excellence Happens Here." It will run from the 2nd – 5th of October 2018.
Who celebrates Customer Service Week?
Each year, thousands of companies in Zimbabwe and around the world celebrate Customer Service Week. They represent leading financial institutions, healthcare, insurance, manufacturing, retailing, hospitality, communications, not-for-profit, and educational organizations, as well as government agencies, and others.
Why should you celebrate?
Customer Service Week provides a unique opportunity for service and support professionals around the globe to join in a celebration of the important role that customer service plays in every organization. It helps to raise companywide awareness of the importance of customer service, thank other departments for their support as well as to remind customers of our commitment to customer satisfaction.
Celebrating customer services week the Zimnat way
The Zimnat Group is driven by a vision to empower company and clients to reach their full potential and a purpose to Making Life Better for its customers.
In support of this vision and purpose, one of the key strategic thrusts for the group is Customer Experience i.e. always striving to wow the customer through delivering an exceptional customer experience.
Zimnat Launches Innovative Billboard Campaign
Zimnat has launched an innovative advertising campaign to let people know some of the ways in which it can make their life better, through the customer friendly insurance and finance services it offers.
Billboards have now been added to the campaign, which has already been promoted through television and the print media. The emphasis is on how Zimnat “makes life better” in different ways. Journalists were taken today to see some of them in Harare.
Some executions speak to the ease and speed with which insurance claims are lodged and processed as well as how Zimnat can help one recover should an unfortunate event befall one.
However, there is also a corporate social responsibility element to one of its billboards along Borrowdale Road, which shows the chalk outline of a body and, using texting shorthand, carries the warning message “pll ovr, dnt txt n drv”.
The other billboards use similarly dramatic executions. Two of the billboards, one by Coke Corner and another on Robert Mugabe Road, have a large head and shoulders image emerging from the billboard of a man who looks frustrated and as if he is about to blow his top. The billboard message reads: “We pay claims quickly to save you the stress.” This billboard is certain to grab the attention of those who pass by it.
Another billboard, at the intersection of Lomagundi Road and Sam Nujoma Street, shows a man who looks worried and seems to be pulling out the billboard in frustration over the claim forms he has to fill in. The corner of the billboard has been physically pulled off. The message reads: “Is this what your claims process looks like? Rather insure with us.”
Perhaps the most dramatic is a billboard on Julius Nyerere Way at Joina City, which has an actual car incorporated in it. “Don’t get stuck. Let us make your life better,” the billboard reads.
Zimnat provides wealth creation, income protection and risk management solutions through its four business units. These are General Insurance, Life Assurance, Asset Management and Microfinance.
The company offers businesses and individuals a variety of products to give them peace of mind. These include motor insurance, home insurance, life assurance, travel insurance, funeral cover, health and accident insurance, pension schemes, unit trusts and private wealth management.
Zimnat is associated with Sanlam, one of the largest financial services groups in South Africa and the biggest non-banking financial services group in Africa.
“Our aim is to make life better for others. This advertising campaign is intended to increase awareness of the many ways in which we can do this,” commented Zimnat Group Marketing Executive Angela Mpala.
Zimnat Assists GMB Explosion Victims
Representatives of the Zimnat Group last week visited survivors of the explosion at the Grain Marketing Board’s Lion’s Den depot and relatives of those who lost their lives in the explosion. They donated, on Zimnat’s behalf, $500 to each family.
At least four GMB employees lost their lives in the explosion, while three were seriously injured.
The total amount donated by Zimnat to the affected families was $3 000. The group also gave them Zimnat branded T-shirts.
Zimnat national sales manager Nunurai Mataringe, who led the delegation that visited the bereaved families and survivors, said the GMB is a client of Zimnat’s General Insurance Division, which provides short‑term insurance.
“Although Zimnat only provides the GMB with short-term insurance, the Group as a whole felt moved to do something to assist those affected by the blast,” he said
“This was a tragic event affecting one of our clients and its employees. We wanted to do something to assist the bereaved and injured, even though they were not covered by our life or funeral policies.
“This sad event does, of course, bring home the importance of having life and funeral insurance. Our insurance policies are intended to make life better for those covered by them. However, our wish to make life better is not limited to the insurance, asset management and microfinance services we provide.
“That is why we felt inspired to visit and make donations to those affected by the GMB blast. It was so unexpected and so devastating that it is difficult to imagine its effect on those so suddenly bereaved and injured. Our hearts go out to them,” he said.
“While nothing can take away the pain of the loss they experienced, we hope that our donation will assist them, if only in a small way, in coping with the financial burdens they are faced with as a result of this blast.”