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Battle Ahead for Strike Claimants

Cape Argus (Cape Town)
NEWS
May 17, 2006
Posted to the web May 17, 2006

By Patrick Whyte, Maurice De Jong & Natasha Prince

Hundreds of Capetonians whose property, shops or vehicles were vandalised by the aggressive security strikers may be in for an insurance battle when claiming for the damages from their insurance companies.

According to Jas Visser from Santam, most standard insurance policies in South Africa do not cover damage caused by strikers or rioters.

"Standard policies do not cover loss of, or damage to, property related to or caused by: Civil commotion, labour disturbances, riot, strike, lockout or public disorder or any act or activity which is calculated or directed to bring about any of the aforegoing," said Visser.

He also said insurance against riots or strikes could be obtained in addition to standard cover.

At 4pm yesterday Santam had received seven claims that were possibly connected with the strike, Visser said.

Outsurance offered a similar response, stating that their comprehensive insurance would cover strike damage but that lesser policies probably would not.

Meanwhile Cape Town's reputation as a top tourist destination also hangs in the balance if the strike violence continues.

Marriette Du Toit, head of Cape Town Tourism, strongly condemned the "unruly" behaviour of strikers which damaged the reputation of Cape Town as a safe and secure destination.

"We hope the parties involved will be able to resolve matters speedily to avoid any negative spin-off to our city's economy and tourism industry."

Du Toit said Cape Town Tourism had been in contact with law enforcement throughout the day, monitoring the strike action to inform the Visitors' Centre which advised tourists.

"We have also liaised with the City Sightseeing Buses to re-route as a precaution."

Meanwhile the Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID) condemned the "unacceptable, barbaric" behaviour of striking security officers.

Derek Bock, Chief Operations Officer for CCID said: "One would expect this behaviour in a country where there was no rule of law, not in modern day South Africa.

"The CCID furthermore calls on members of the public and or private businesses whose property was damaged to institute claims against South African Allied and Transport Workers Union (Satawu) as they had to ensure that this would not happen."

Albert Schuitmaker, CEO of the Cape Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry said the strike was damaging to the economy.

"In terms of production processes and retail outlets who had to stop their businesses and especially for those who are paid on an hourly rate, they lose the hours and they don't get paid," Schuitmaker said. "I don't think there are any winners."

He added that the strike undermined confidence in the economy and with another strike approaching tomorrow, the disruption caused was not instilling confidence in the economy and was making South Africa an "undesirable business destination."

Yesterday businesses and informal traders in the city were looted and vandalised.

Just before violent security guards reached Adderley Street, manager Virginia Smith closed the doors of the electronic equipment shop, Cash Crusaders.

"We were notified by our security that striking guards armed with steel pipes and baseball bats were on their way," said Smith.

One security guard smashed the window as the marches passed the store.

"Luckily it did not break otherwise they definitely would have come inside," Smith said.

The personnel were huddled inside and watched as the striking security guards demolished cars and shops.

Cash Crusaders closed between 11.30am and 2pm.

"We also heard gun shots," she said. "It was a real nightmare experience."

Rashaad Kasker works at clothing shop Necessities at the station. She said the shop had lost about R2 500 because of "stealing guards".

"Guards just stormed our shop and grabbed ponchos, track suits and scarves.The police just walked behind them and did nothing."

Mark Blaatjies, who sells newspapers at the station, said: "The strikers ripped off posters and grabbed my papers, we had to run."

Linda Serafin, who works in Jo-Lize Tuck Shop, said: "It was disgusting and sickening to think that human beings can go on like that."

Meanwhile PG Glass staff have been inundated with requests from Capetonians who wanted vehicle and store display windows replaced following the strike action.

PG Glass placed standby staff members on duty to accommodate the high volume of calls received throughout the day, said Matome Mahlami, a consultant for PG Glass, adding: "Many of the callers were traumatised".



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