Insurance Sponsorship

Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon boosted by highly interactive and user-friendly online route map developed by mapIT

Participants in this year’s popular Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon can make use of a highly interactive and user-friendly online route map developed by mapIT, a leading enabler of technological mapping solutions.

The event, dubbed the ‘world’s most beautiful marathon’, will take place on 7 April and entrants can view the web map at http://twooceans.mapit.co.za/

“We are extremely proud to be able to provide this interactive route map for the fourth year running to such a well-loved and prestigious event,” says Carey Dodd, mapIT’s marketing manager. “Our updated online route map is designed to enhance the marathon experience for competitors, spectators and local residents.”

mapIT is the annual sponsor of the event’s online map, which displays the 56km ultra and 21km half marathon against an overlay of the route onto a detailed street map of Cape Town and the surrounding areas. The updated route map will feature various interactive tools and a simplified design and layout. Participants can make use of the detailed route profile to prepare for the race and plan their strategies, and those not competing can use the map to get directions.

“Having this cutting-edge technology available to our runners really enhances their race experience and enables them to be better prepared for their big day,” explains race director, Rowyn James

Working with their shareholders TomTom, mapIT have now also included real-time live traffic feeds. The live traffic updates are sent every two to three minutes and the alerts show up on the map when a user zooms in to suburb level or below. As a result, supporters and local residents are now able to get accurate information about traffic incidents, helping them to calculate the smartest route on race day.

Twitter has been integrated into the map, allowing users to ‘tweet’ and interact with friends and fellow competitors while using the site. Other major features include accurate street level zooming, automated routing function, and medical and water point locations.

“The online route map is an invaluable tool for everyone involved in the marathon, and we encourage participants to tap into this resource and gain that competitive edge for race day,” adds Dodd.

Also view:

Running / Jogging and Road Safety

Stay Safe on the Road During your Run

FIFA to insure players in efforts to ease concerns from top European Clubs

Media attention on Wayne Rooney during the 2010 World Cup Soccer match between England and Germany in a group 16 match played at the Freestate Stadium in Bloemfontein South Africa on 27 June 2010. Photo: Gerhard Steenkamp

FIFA president Sepp Blatter says the governing body will insure players on international duty in a move expected to satisfy Europe's top clubs.
Blatter tells UEFA's annual congress that the insurance policy will begin this year, after FIFA's national members approve it in May.

Blatter says FIFA will offer "total insurance coverage for the players, for the clubs and the (national) associations" for all international calendar matches.

FIFA follows UEFA which said in January it would pay for insurance at Euro 2012 after strong lobbying by the European Club Association.

The 200-member ECA campaigned after Bayern Munich lost Arjen Robben for six months after the Netherlands winger was injured at the 2010 World Cup.

[Info from Sport24]

Energy Drinks enjoy increasing popularity among young South Africans

Photo by Denese Lups /Phototalk

    Who is the target market for companies manufacturing sports drinks? Is it necessarily those who actively participate in sport? We have given attention to the benefits of energy drinks on the Arrive Alive website and have long believed that the targeted consumer is not necessarily only our sportsmen and women. A rather interesting study reveals that this is in fact true:

  • As the name implies, sports drinks are generally intended for active people, yet a high percentage of South African sports drink consumers in fact do not participate in sport activities at all.
  • There are currently 8.5 million (25%) sports drink consumers in South Africa (adult population +15 years) according to the latest AMPS 2011A data i.e. people who had personally consumed in the past 7 days. The number of sports drink consumers had increased from 7.8 million (24% of adults) in 2009 to 8.5 million (25% of adults) in 2011.
  • By taking a closer look at the lifestyle and sport interests of South African sports drink consumers, the report shows that there is a strong interest in sports especially for Soccer (51%), Cricket (23%) and Rugby (20%). But, when it comes to an active participation in sport activities, the percentages are very low. While 89% of sports drink consumers stated that they are interested in sports, only 53% had been actively involved in sport activities in the past 12 months.
  • The most popular sports that consumers had participated in the past 12 months were Soccer (18%), Billiards/Pool/Snooker (10%), Walking/Hiking (9%), Swimming (7%) and Jogging/Running (7%).

Energy Drinks enjoy increasing popularity among young South Africans (Source: AMPS 2011A, Adults 15+ years):

  • In line with the international trend, energy drinks are enjoying increasing popularity among South Africans, just over 6 million South African adults (15+ years) had consumed an energy drink in the past 7 days.
  • Energy drinks definitely appeal to the younger consumer segments. Approximately 72% of its drinkers are between the ages of 15 and 39 years old, more than 4.4 million consumers, with males comprising 52% of the market.
  • Results of the Analytix BI report highlight a trend of increasing energy drink consumption in the past 7 days. Between 2009 and 2011, the proportion of consumers that were classified as “Medium” consumers of energy drinks (drank 3-5 cans/bottles in the past 7 days) had increased from 18% to 20% and the proportion of “Light” energy drink consumers (drank 1-2 cans/bottles in the past 7 days) had subsequently declined from 77% in 2009 to 75% in 2011.

[Information with credit to Analytix BI]

ABOUT ANALYTIX BI:

Analytix Business Intelligence is a Proudly South African market research company that conducts integrated quantitative and qualitative research to deliver holistic consumer-centric insights, customer value propositions and marketing strategy. Our strength in quantitative surveys and analysis is enriched by significant expertise in gaining qualitative insights from ethnographic-style, in-home research to provide a 360-degree understanding of the consumer. We ensure you have the right information-based foundation to create successful marketing and communication strategies. In addition to a comprehensive desk research service, we have more than 50 affordable, pre-packaged consumer intelligence reports that are created by expert analysts - saving your valuable time and resources.

On Driver Tiredness , Fatigue and Drowsiness also view:

IMPERIAL and Active Education to take to the field with 27,000 learners

Diversified industrial services and retail group IMPERIAL Holdings and its Ukhamba Community Development Trust have partnered with school sports coaching specialist Active Education to present 35 schools in Soweto and Orange Farm with the opportunity to develop basic physical skills in a fun and  healthy environment under the guidance of expert coaches.

The partnership will be launched today (14 March 2012) at 12:00 at a small sports event held at King Zwelithini Primary School in Emndeni, Soweto. The session will showcase physical education lessons, skills training and friendly matches among the learners. Among the guests will be Gauteng MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Lebogang Maile, principals from the various schools as well as IMPERIAL executives.

“IMPERIAL I-Active programme has the potential to introduce 27,000 learners to the wonders of sports participation in a fun, creative and structured manner through the medium of physical education,” says Active Education founder Bruce Smuts.

Active Education takes a holistic approach to physical education, providing extra curricular and age group team coaching as well as organising sports days, tournaments and festivals.

The primary and high school programmes they will be bringing to Soweto will offer the schools a choice of coaching in 16 different disciplines, including cricket, rugby, swimming and even skateboarding.

“Our programme, which is run in conjunction with the Gauteng Department of Education, is all about maximum participation, education, building confidence and self-worth and, of course, skills transfer,” he adds.

Tak Hiemstra, IMPERIAL executive director for strategic development, shares why this initiative scored with the company, “We believe that the abundance of sporting opportunities in South Africa can help our children develop physically and mentally. IMPERIAL is proud to partner with Active Education to help develop the talent that will take advantage of such opportunities in years to come.”

Smuts adds, “The lessons are age specific and so is the equipment we use. We chose our coaches not only for their personal sporting abilities but also their responsibility, consistence and an affinity for working with junior and senior students.”

Coaches are recruited from local communities and trained by Active Education which also manages its own large-scale talent identification programme. Active Education is the logical and justifiably proud partner for the Supersport ‘Let’s Play’ initiative.

ENDS

About IMPERIAL Holdings

IMPERIAL is a diversified industrial services and retail group with activities spanning  logistics, car rental and tourism, distributorships, automotive retail and related financial services. IMPERIAL operates in South Africa, Africa, Europe and Australia.

IMPERIAL is a major road user in southern Africa with its sheer size and geographic footprint putting the group in a great position to make a difference:

  • 460 million kilometres were travelled by its southern African transport fleet last year.
  • There are 5,500 trucks in the logistics fleet and additional access to almost as many sub-contractors vehicles.
  • 96,453 new and 54,746 used cars were sold in South Africa last year through IMPERIAL.
  • One in every three car rental transactions in South Africa is made through IMPERIAL.
  • IMPERIAL operates 600 vessels on the waterways of Europe with over 1 million tonnes combined load capacity, and transports in excess of 53 million tonnes per annum in Europe.

IMPERIAL is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, and is run on a decentralised management structure that actively encourages entrepreneurship, innovation and industry best practice. The company employs 40,000 people, who are responsible for the growth and continued success of the group that began as a motor dealer in downtown Johannesburg in 1948.

About Active Education

Founded in 1998 by Bruce Smuts, Active Education specialises in school sports coaching. It trains coaches to run physical education lessons, provide extracurricular and age-group team coaching as well as organising sports days, tournaments and festivals.

120 full-time coaches work in over one hundred government and private schools in Johannesburg and Durban.

The Kids in Action programme uses positive teaching methods, creativity, specialised sporting equipment and exercises to equip children aged three to seven with general sporting competency: flexibility, agility and ball skills.

Life skills, like persistence, courage, cooperation, decision-making, self-worth, goal setting and confidence, are built into the lessons that we’ve designed.

Kids in Action coaches are specifically selected for their ability to communicate with young children; the bond that develops between a child and their coach is integral to a successful coaching process.www.activeeducationsa.com

Imperial employees benefit through the Ukhamba trust payout

Fifteen thousand current and former IMPERIAL employees received an average of R23 000 per employee through the Ukhamba empowerment scheme at the end of 2011.

A total of R350 million was distributed in terms of the Ukhamba schemewhich was launched in 2004 as an empowerment vehicle for IMPERIAL’s previously disadvantaged employees.  Employees paid a nominal fee for participation.

This payout is only part of the value which members hold in the scheme.  Ukhamba owns 10,1% of Imperial, as well as 31% of Distribution and Warehousing Network (Dawn), a listed company operating in the building supplies industry, as well as a few smaller investments.

Thembisa Dingaan, Chairman of Ukhamba Holdings said, “Ukhamba is now ready to share the wealth that has been generated over the years, with its shareholders and the members of the trust, many of whom are employees of IMPERIAL Holdings.”

On 5 March 2004 all previously disadvantaged IMPERIAL employees received units based on their respective length of service.  Even those who have left the company have retained these units and will continue to receive future payouts.

Hubert Brody, CEO of Imperial said, “IMPERIAL is delighted  that  the trust could make the payout and that long serving previously disadvantaged staff are now able to benefit.“

Four years ago, Ukhamba paid out an amount of R51m to employees of IMPERIAL in terms of a previous black empowerment scheme.  Participating employees contributed to that scheme, and made a very rewarding return on their investment.

About IMPERIAL Holdings

IMPERIAL is a diversified industrial services and retail group with activities spanning  logistics, car rental and tourism, distributorships, automotive retail and related financial services. IMPERIAL operates in South Africa, Africa, Europe and Australia.

IMPERIAL is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, and is run on a decentralised management structure that actively encourages entrepreneurship, innovation and best practice. The company employs 34 500 people, who are responsible for the growth and continued success of the group that began as a motor dealer in downtown Johannesburg in 1948.

About Ukhamba Trust

Ukhamba Holdings is an empowerment company held as to 47% by the Ukhamba Trust, a trust established for the benefit of approximately 15 000 previously disadvantaged employees of the Imperial Group during March 2004, 6% by the Ukhamba Community Development Trust and 47% by Imperial Holdings   Ukhamba owns 10,1% of Imperial, as well as 31% of Distribution and Warehousing Network (Dawn), a listed company operating in the building supplies industry, as well as a few smaller investments.

Vote of confidence in OUTsurance Pointsmen with announcement of Privatised Pointsmen Project tender


We take great pleasure in announcing that the tender for the Privatised Pointsmen Project (JMPD / OUTsurance / 702) has been finalised and awarded to Traffic Freeflow.

Traffic Freeflow is an independent company which pioneered the concept of privatised pointsmen, funded by corporate sponsorship, and has successfully managed the “Pointsmen Project” operation since 2005.

The Privatised Pointsmen Project has grown from a small team of just 21 pointsmen and women in Johannesburg 6 years ago, to a staff compliment of 180, and a sponsor-count of 34, the bulk of which operate within the JMPD footprint, and the remainder in Tshwane and Cape Town.

Amidst a frenzy of media reports and concerned motorist comments, the pointsmen were withdrawn for 4 days in November 2011, to enable certain legislative requirements to be met, and the Tender process to be formulated by the City.

Colleen Bekker, Managing Director of Traffic Freeflow says:

“Over the years we have had our detractors, saying that we were operating illegally or that we had not observed municipal procurement protocol – the fact that we have complied 100% with the Tender/Bid process as stipulated by the City Of Joburg, and were awarded the tender, speaks for itself and we believe, effectively deals with these unfounded criticisms once and for all.”

“The Traffic Freeflow management team worked exceptionally hard during December and early January to formulate our tender submission, while all the Pointsmen, Operations Managers and Admin staff continued to work tirelessly to deliver only the best service at all times, despite the uncertainty of their future. The new terms of agreement will see us forge closer ties through a structured collaboration with the City of Johannesburg and the JMPD. ”

The agreement with the City Of Joburg commences on 01 March 2012 and runs for a three-year period.

Colleen Bekker says further, “We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our partners, particularly our lead sponsor OUTsurance, our media partner Talk Radio 702, the City Of Joburg, the JMPD as well as all the staff of Traffic Freeflow for their continued support, hard work and dedication.”

Willem Roos, CEO of OUTsurance Holdings applauded the award, “This is fantastic news. OUTsurance are exceptionally proud of our involvement in this project, and look forward to working closely with the City of Johannesburg and the JMPD going forward to take this to even greater heights.”

Cricket South Africa launches MiWay T20 Cricket Challenge

CSA on Monday announced MiWay Insurance as the title sponsor of the Miway T20 Challenge at the official launch of South Africa’s most popular domestic competition.

CSA CEO Gerald Majola said he was delight to welcome MiWay to the South African cricket family. “The initial sponsorship period is for this season only,” he commented, “but we will be aiming to sign a long-term deal with this particular product during the off-season.

“The MiWay T20 Challenge always attracts huge public interest and support and has a habit of going right down to the wire as the franchises battle for the prize of competing in the Nokia Champions’ League at the start of next season.

“All six our franchises have qualified for the Champions’ League in its brief history which shows just how competitive the MiWay T20 Challenge is going to be. And there are still places up for grabs in the Proteas’ squad to be selected for the ICC World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka later this year.”

The quality of this year’s competition is reflected by the outstanding internationals on display such as Paul Collingwood (England), Brad Hogg (Australia) and Chris Gayle (West Indies). In addition those Proteas not involved in the Test series against New Zealand will be available for the majority of matches. This includes the likes of Albie Morkel, Faf du Plessis, Colin Ingram, Richard Levi, Johan Botha, Wayne Parnell and Rusty Theron.

There are also outstanding T20 specialists such as Loots Bosman, Roelof van der Merwe, Makhaya Ntini, Charl Langeveldt and Herschelle Gibbs.

MiWay CEO Renḗ Otto commented: “We are very excited about this sponsorship opportunity – we think it’s an ideal match for MiWay as T20 offers a fun, unconventional approach to cricket, much like our brand does in the short-term insurance space.

“We love the challenge of taking on and challenging the status quo, and look forward to a thrilling T20 series!”

FRANCHISE SQUADS

Nashua Mobile Cape Cobras: Alistair Gray, Andrew Puttick, Charl Langeveldt, Dane Piedt, Dane Vilas, Francois Plaatjies, Herschelle Gibbs, Johann Louw, Justin Kemp, Mohammed Vallie,, Owais Shah, Qaasim Adams, Rory Kleinveldt, Stiaan van Zyl, Brad Hogg.

CSA contracted players: Dale Steyn, Graeme Smith, Jacques Kallis, JP Duminy, Mark Boucher, Robin Peterson, Vernon Philander.

NZ Tour players: Justin Ontong, Richard Levi.

Sunfoil Dolphins: Kyle Abbott, Ahmed Amla, Cameron Delport, Cody Chetty, Dane Paterson, Daryn Smit, David Miller, Imraan Khan, Keshav Maharaj, Mathew Hulett, Mthokozisi Shezi, Robbie Frylinck, Vaughn van Jaarsveld, Chris Gayle, 2nd overseas pro (still to be confirmed).

CSA contracted players: Hashim Amla, Imran Tahir, Loots Bosman.

Chevrolet Knights: Morne van Wyk, Aubrey Swanepoel, Dean Elgar (subject to fitness), Dillon du Preez, Jandre Coetzee, Johannes van der Wath, Malusi Siboto, Michael Erlank, Obus Pienaar, Quinton Friend, Reeza Hendricks, Rilee Rossouw, Ryan Bailey, Shadley van Wyk, Werner Coetsee.

CSA contracted player: Ryan McLaren.

Bizhub Highveld Lions: Aaron Phangiso, Chris Morris, Cliffe Deacon, Eddie Leie, Ethan O’Reilly, Gulam Bodi, Jean Symes, Jonathan Vandiar, Neil McKenzie, Quinton de Kock, Thami Tsolekile, Temba Bavuma, Zander de Bruyn, Dirk Nannes, Sohail Tanveer.

CSA contracted player: Alviro Petersen.

Nashua Titans: Martin van Jaarsveld, Alfonso Thomas, CJ de Villiers, David Wiese, Eden Links, Ethy Mbhalati, Farhaan Behardien, Hardus Viljoen, Heino Kuhn, Henry Davids, Mangaliso Mosehle, Paul Harris, Roelof van der Merwe, Rowan Richards, Shaun von Berg.

CSA contracted players: AB de Villiers, Albie Morkel, Morne Morkel.

NZ Tour players: Faf du Plessis, Jacques Rudolph, Marchant de Lange.

Chevrolet Warriors: Andrew Birch, Arno Jacobs, Atti Dyili, Basheer Walters, Craig Thyssen, David White, Davy Jacobs, Gurshwin Rabie, Jon-Jon Smuts, Justin Kreusch, Kelly Smuts, Lyall Meyer, Makhaya Ntini, Nicky Boje, Simon Harmer.

CSA contracted players: Ashwell Prince, Colin Ingram, Johan Botha, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Rusty Theron, Wayne Parnell.

FIXTURES (matches in bold will be televised live on SuperSport)

)

MiWay T20 Challenge 2011 / 2012
DATE HOME TEAM vs AWAY TEAM STADIUM VENUE
FEBRUARY 2012
Wed 15 D/N Chevrolet Warriors Nashua Mobile Cape Cobras AXXESS St George's Cricket Stadium Port Elizabeth
Fri 17 D/N Chevrolet Warriors Nashua Titans Buffalo Park Cricket Stadium East London
Fri 17 D/N Chevrolet Knights Nashua Mobile Cape Cobras De Beers Diamond Oval Kimberley
Fri 17 D/N bizhub Highveld Lions TNA Impi Senwes Park Potchefstroom
Sun 19 Day Sunfoil Dolphins TNA Impi Pietermaritzburg Oval Pietermaritzburg
Sun 19 Day Nashua Titans Chevrolet Knights SuperSport Park Centurion
Wed 22 D/N Nashua Mobile Cape Cobras TNA Impi Boland Park Paarl
Wed 22 D/N Chevrolet Warriors bizhub Highveld Lions AXXESS St George's Cricket Stadium Port Elizabeth
Wed 22 D/N Chevrolet Knights Sunfoil Dolphins Chevrolet Park Bloemfontein
Fri 24 D/N Sunfoil Dolphins Nashua Titans Sahara Stadium Kingsmead Durban
Fri 24 D/N TNA Impi Chevrolet Knights Sahara Willowmoore Park Benoni
Fri 24 D/N bizhub Highveld Lions Nashua Mobile Cape Cobras Bidvest Wanderers Stadium Johannesburg
Sun 26 Day Nashua Mobile Cape Cobras Sunfoil Dolphins Boland Park Paarl
Sun 26 Day Chevrolet Knights bizhub Highveld Lions Chevrolet Park Bloemfontein
Sun 26 Day Nashua Titans TNA Impi SuperSport Park Centurion
Wed 29 D/N TNA Impi Chevrolet Warriors Sahara Willowmoore Park Benoni
Wed 29 D/N Chevrolet Knights Nashua Titans Chevrolet Park Bloemfontein
March 2012
Fri 02 D/N TNA Impi Nashua Mobile Cape Cobras Sahara Willowmoore Park Benoni
Fri 02 D/N Sunfoil Dolphins Chevrolet Warriors Sahara Stadium Kingsmead Durban
Fri 02 D/N Nashua Titans bizhub Highveld Lions SuperSport Park Centurion
Sun 04 Day Nashua Mobile Cape Cobras Nashua Titans Sahara Park Newlands Cape Town
Sun 04 Day Chevrolet Warriors TNA Impi Buffalo Park Cricket Stadium East London
Sun 04 Day Sunfoil Dolphins bizhub Highveld Lions Sahara Stadium Kingsmead Durban
Wed 07 D/N TNA Impi Sunfoil Dolphins Sahara Willowmoore Park Benoni
Wed 07 D/N bizhub Highveld Lions Chevrolet Knights Senwes Park Potchefstroom
Fri 09 D/N Nashua Mobile Cape Cobras bizhub Highveld Lions Sahara Park Newlands Cape Town
Fri 09 D/N Chevrolet Warriors Chevrolet Knights AXXESS St George's Cricket Stadium Port Elizabeth
Fri 09 D/N Nashua Titans Sunfoil Dolphins SuperSport Park Centurion
Sun 11 Day Nashua Mobile Cape Cobras Chevrolet Knights Boland Park Paarl
Sun 11 Day Chevrolet Warriors Sunfoil Dolphins Buffalo Park Cricket Stadium East London
Sun 11 Day bizhub Highveld Lions Nashua Titans Bidvest Wanderers Stadium Johannesburg
Wed 14 D/N Sunfoil Dolphins Chevrolet Knights Sahara Stadium Kingsmead Durban
Wed 14 D/N bizhub Highveld Lions Chevrolet Warriors Bidvest Wanderers Stadium Johannesburg
Wed 14 D/N TNA Impi Nashua Titans Sahara Willowmoore Park Benoni
Fri 16 D/N Nashua Mobile Cape Cobras Chevrolet Warriors Sahara Park Newlands Cape Town
Fri 16 D/N Chevrolet Knights TNA Impi de Beers Diamond Oval Kimberley
Fri 16 D/N bizhub Highveld Lions Sunfoil Dolphins Bidvest Wanderers Stadium Johannesburg
Sun 18 Day Chevrolet Knights Chevrolet Warriors de Beers Diamond Oval Kimberley
Sun 18 Day Nashua Titans Nashua Mobile Cape Cobras SuperSport Park Centurion
Wed 21 Day 12:00 Sunfoil Dolphins Nashua Mobile Cape Cobras Sahara Stadium Kingsmead Durban
Wed 21 Day TNA Impi bizhub Highveld Lions Sahara Willowmoore Park Benoni
Wed 21 Day 15:30 Nashua Titans Chevrolet Warriors SuperSport Park Centurion
Sun 25 Day 2nd Place Qualifier 3rd Place Qualifier T. B. C T. B. C
Mon 26 D/N Reserve Day (If Necessary)
Fri 30 D/N 1st Place Qualifier 2nd/3rd Place Qualifier T. B. C T. B. C
Sat 31 Day Reserve Day (If Necessary)

CIB Insurance Administrators (CIB) to sponsor Vodacom Super Rugby from 2012


The South African Rugby Union (SARU) today welcomed CIB Insurance Administrators (CIB) into their sponsorship family after CIB secured a new three year partnership deal as an associate sponsor for Vodacom Super Rugby.

Vodacom Super Rugby is the largest rugby union competition in the Southern Hemisphere, consisting of a total of 15 teams – five each from South Africa, New Zealand and Australia. It attracts the best players from these three rugby superpowers and dates back to 1993, when the inaugural Super 10 started.

CIB’s associate sponsorship will run from 2012 to 2014.

“We are excited to add CIB to our sponsorship family and look forward to a mutually beneficial relationship with a partner that is enthusiastic about rugby and the sustainability of the game,” said Andy Marinos, General Manager: Commercial and Marketing of SARU.

“So, to attract such a sponsor in a tough economic climate is not only testimony to the lure of rugby as a sport and Vodacom Super Rugby as one of the top sporting competitions in South Africa, but also for the return on investment that CIB see in associating with SARU and its brands.”

Marinos said CIB was one of three associate sponsors to Vodacom Super Rugby and formed an integral part of SARU’s plans of improving the quality of rugby to the fans each year.

“Without sponsors, sport will struggle and we’re fortunate that we have so many South African companies passionate about growing rugby,” he said.

Frans Nel, head of marketing at CIB, says that although CIB has been involved with Vodacom Super Rugby over the past four years, the new sponsorship agreement for the 2012 season is at a significantly enhanced level.

“The association of our brand and that of Vodacom Super Rugby is a natural one that serves CIB and our strategy in a manner that makes sense for many reasons. Our involvement with the competition over the last few years has generated fantastic results with regards to brand awareness and recall amongst our target audience. We believe this new sponsorship deal will take our brand exposure to even greater heights,” said Nel.

“The sponsorship of Vodacom Super Rugby represents a renewed and passionate commitment by us to the future of the sport in South Africa with a particular emphasis on the ever growing support which Super Rugby is enjoying year on year. We look forward to a long and prosperous partnership.”

Discovery Insure’s tips for travelling safely over the holidays

Formula 1 racing car designer and Special Engineering Advisor to Discovery Insure, Rory Byrne(right), with MC Sasha Martinengo(left)

It is holiday time once again and many families are packing up their cars and heading to the coast for a well-deserved break. When preparing for a long journey, most people focus on what clothes to pack, the itinerary of the holiday, making food for the trip and determining the quickest route, but they don’t focus enough on getting to their destination safely.

Here are some tips to help you have a safe and enjoyable journey this festive season:

Long distance driving

For many people, holidays mean driving long distances to get to their destinations. It is important to get a minimum of six hours sleep so you can function properly behind the wheel.

Long distance driving can cause back and neck pain. To avoid any pain, don’t slump over the wheel. Sit with a straight back and let your spine rest against the curve of the chair, with your arms at a slight bend when touching the wheel. When stopping along the way, don’t lock your kids or pets unattended in the car, as the heat that builds up inside the car can cause a heat stroke.

Driving at night

Try to plan your trips so that you do as little night time driving as possible. Research tells us that 40% of all traffic collisions happen at night because poor light reduces your ability to see the road, road signs, pedestrians and other vehicles or cyclists. Take extra care during this time.

Always drive with your headlights on for improved visibility – parking lights are not strong enough for driving at night. In fact, it is illegal to drive without your headlights or tail lights on at night. However, you should turn your headlights from high beam (brights) to low beam when approaching an oncoming vehicle or when travelling behind another vehicle, as the light can be blinding to the other driver.

Tyres

You also need to ensure that your tyres are in good condition. Your tyres will deflate with wear and tear associated with driving, that is why it is recommended that you check your tyre pressure before your trip to make sure that they are pumped up to the recommended pressure. Make sure you’re using a reliable gauge and a reputable garage.

Rainy weather

Rainy weather increases your chance of having an accident by four times! In wet weather, always slow down and increase your following distance. Stay towards the middle lanes, as water tends to pool in the outer lanes. Avoid harsh braking if possible, as this can cause skidding or hydroplaning. Your tyres may lose contact with the road, so rather slow down by taking your foot off the accelerator.

Music and driving

Music can be an unsafe distraction while driving if you listen to it at high volume. No matter what type of music you’re listening to, or if it’s through earphones, listening to loud music while driving is dangerous. It not only encourages you to drive faster, but it can reduce your ability to hear police, ambulance or fire engine sirens, warning hooters, barking dogs, cyclist bells or even strange engine noises.

Essential spares

A few emergency spares can be very useful in case of a breakdown. A spare tyre should always be kept in the boot and replaced if used on the car. Jumper leads can help you when your battery is dead, while a bottle of engine oil can help to stop your engine from seizing. Lastly, a reflective triangle is essential for your car (as required by law) as a safety warning sign to stop your car being rear-ended when broken down.

Towing

If your car breaks down or you are in a collision, it is very important that you use the approved and accredited emergency towing company contracted by your insurance company. If you do not make use of the contracted emergency towing provider, you may be liable for the cost of towing and storage fees incurred.

We wish you a safe and relaxing journey!

[Message from Themba Baloyi, Discovery Insure]

Discovery Medicopter and ER24 evacuate an injured motorist

Big Smiles as our best pointsmen and women are announced and rewarded!

- (L-R) Emsely Mukwevho; John Robbie; Lydia Petja; Aki Anastasiou; Pheladi Gwangwa; Moses Moipolai; Vuyokazi

When the traffic lights are out and you are sitting in congested traffic there is no better site than a OUTsurance pointsmen passing by in his scooter to the intersection! Everyone who has been stuck in traffic appreciates the efforts of these men and women who control these interesections with professionalism and their big friendly smiles!

But who are the best of the best?

“The 702 OUTsurance pointsmen and women have made a significant difference in the lives of Joburg’s motorists,” said 702 trafficologist, Aki Anastasiou. “Many of these pointsmen and women go beyond the call of duty and these awards aim to recognise their contribution.”

702 listeners have been asked to nominate their favourite pointspeople since February 2011 and each month, a winner has been selected. The winners have each received a R5 000 Builders Warehouse voucher, and the successful nominator received a R1 000 Builders Warehouse voucher for their efforts.

“We were specifically looking for those special stories where a pointsman has saved the day for a motorist. Being late for a big meeting or missing a flight or perhaps missing a special family moment are all real consequences of traffic congestion and we know that the pointsmen have been saviours many many times, ” said OUTsurance’s Peter Cronje. “We’ve received wonderful nominations and, rewarding the best of these each month has been awesome.”

The overall winner, Moses Moipolai, had one of the best stories. Moses was the May 2011 winner and he was a knight in shining armour for Kamogelo Motshidi, who nominated him.

Kamogelo was driving to her first day at her first job, when her car broke down in an intersection on the Old Potch Road. “All the other motorists were hooting and throwing their hands in the air, and as a new driver I was thrown into a total panic,” she said.

Fortunately for her, Moses was on duty at the nearest intersection. With a smile on his face, he approached her and offered to help move the car out of the road, to help ease the congestion.

“Since then, every day that I drive past Moses we hoot or wave at him and without fail he smiles back at us. He is a shining example of great service,” said Kamogelo.

Moses wins R40 000 in Builders Warehouse vouchers.

Emsely Mukwevho was named the runner up in the annual competition and he wins R25 000 in Builders Warehouse vouchers. Emsely was September’s winner, for impressing sales rep, Craig La Vita. Craig had noticed his cool-headedness even in some difficult situations and appreciated his unwavering professionalism.

Third place was shared between Lydia Petja and Vuyokazi Xhalabile who man the intersection at Main and Botha Avenue in Irene. They were June’s winners, nominated by Sian Watts who noticed the remarkable effect the pointsmen had on easing congestion in the area in general. Sian was particularly struck by the friendliness of Lydia and Vuyokazi at this important intersection. The pair will share R15 000 in Builders Warehouse vouchers.

“The 702 OUTsurance pointsman project has had a busy year,” said Talk Radio 702 station manager, Pheladi Gwangwa. “We’ve strengthened our operations in Joburg, we started recognising the pointsmen and women through the OUTshine awards, we launched in Tshwane and all pointsmen have been trained by JMPD to be peace officers.”

“It’s fitting to end the year with this celebration of the great work that the pointsmen and women are doing.”

For more information on the OUTshine awards, or the 702 OUTsurance Pointsman project, visitwww.702.co.za.