Santam issues Easter safety warning
s Namibians prepare for the Easter long weekend, motorists and homeowners are advised to exercise heightened vigilance to ensure a safe holiday season. Recent data from the Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund shows a shifting trend in road safety: while the total number of crashes rose from 37 in 2024 to 42 in 2025, total injuries saw a significant 24% decrease, dropping from 126 to 96 over the same period.
Franco Feris, Chief Executive Officer of Santam Namibia, said these improved injury statistics are a positive sign that road safety interventions are making an impact. However, he warned that the Easter period remains notorious for high traffic volumes on major routes like the B1 and B2, which inherently increases the risk of accidents.
“While it is encouraging to see injuries decline, fatigue and long-distance driving still elevate risk,” Feris said. “A safe holiday starts with responsible driving and proper preparation.”
Rising Risks of Housebreaking
Road safety is only one part of the risk equation. According to Namibian Police statistics, housebreaking remains a prevalent threat, particularly when homes are left unoccupied during long weekends. Between July and September 2025, 1,039 cases were reported in Windhoek alone. Furthermore, incidents of housebreaking and theft more than doubled across the 2024/25 period, climbing from 282 to 623 cases.
Feris said that securing property is just as critical as vehicle preparation. To assist holidaymakers, he shared a practical home safety checklist:
- Test Alarm Systems: Ensure your alarm is fully functional, as non-operational systems may affect insurance claims.
- Notify Security Providers: Inform your security company of your travel dates and provide an alternative contact.
- Arrange Check-ins: Have a trusted neighbour or friend monitor the premises.
- Prevent Damage: Turn off the main water supply to avoid burst pipes and unplug non-essential appliances to mitigate fire and surge risks.
- Review Coverage: Reassess the value of your household contents to ensure your policy reflects current replacement costs.
“Insurance is there to protect you, but policyholders also have a responsibility to take reasonable precautions,” Feris said. He concluded that solid preparation not only reduces the likelihood of loss but ensures a smoother claims process should the unexpected occur.
