As spring blossoms across South Africa, the new season ushers in an anticipated increase in the number of public events, festivals and gatherings that will likely attract tens of thousands of people across the country.
This seasonal trend highlights the importance of event insurance, which is a vital safeguard for organisers, protecting against unforeseen circumstances that could lead to financial losses. There are various products under event insurance which includes event liability, event contingency and ticket refunds, which are essential considerations given the unpredictable nature of public events.
“Even the best-planned and meticulously organised events can encounter unexpected challenges, from adverse weather conditions to logistical issues and unforeseen accidents. Event contingency insurance helps mitigate financial risks associated with cancellations, postponements and other disruptions,” says Mamoeti Nosi, Product Head: Events at iTOO Special Risks,
Having a ticket refund policy in place isa critical aspect of event management, especially in the face of cancellations or significant disruptions. Event organisers can have event contingency insurance to cover for ticket refunds, which is essential for maintaining customer trust.
“Covering the risk of ticket refunds ensures that organisers are not left bearing the full brunt of this financial loss. In the event of a cancellation, having this covering place allows organisers to offer swift and reliable refunds to ticket holders, maintaining goodwill and trust with the public.”
“Offering refunds in the event of a cancellation helps maintain the trust and loyalty of your audience. It shows that you value their investment and are committed to fair practices. Without insurance, the financial burden of refunding tickets can be overwhelming, particularly for large events. Insurance ensures that organisers have the necessary funds to cover refunds without jeopardising their financial stability,” says Nosi.

“On the other hand, handling refunds efficiently and transparently can significantly impact your reputation. Positive customer experiences, even in the face of cancellations, can enhance your brand’s image and encourage future attendance.”
She adds that in many jurisdictions, including South Africa, there are legal requirements for refunding tickets in the event of cancellations. Insurance helps to ensure that organisers comply with these regulations, avoiding potential legal issues.
Yet, despite the clear benefits, many event organisers often neglect to secure adequate liability coverage. This oversight can stem from a variety of reasons, including cost concerns, lack of awareness or underestimating the risks involved.
However, the financial implications of not having event insurance can be devastating, says Jaime Zenha, Speciality Event Underwriter at iTOO Special Risks.
“In the event of a cancellation or significant disruption, organisers without insurance may find themselves unable to refund ticket holders, leading to a loss of customer trust and potential legal battles,” he says.
“The financial burden of covering these costs out-of-pocket can be overwhelming, particularly for smaller events or organisations with limited resources. Additionally, the absence of liability coverage can leave organisers vulnerable to lawsuits and claims arising from accidents or injuries, further compounding their financial woes.”

Zenha cautions that by neglecting event coverage, event organisers risk not only their financial stability but also their reputation and future business prospects. Organisers need to recognise the importance of event insurance and take proactive steps to secure comprehensive coverage.
While the cost of event insurance can vary depending on the size, location and nature of the event, Zenha stresses that it is generally a small price to pay compared to the potential financial fallout from an uninsured claim. The premiums for such insurance are typically calculated based on factors like the number of attendees, the type of activities planned and the overall risk profile of the event.
He adds that event insurance is an essential component of responsible event planning. It ensures that organisers are prepared for the unexpected and can deliver successful events without the looming threat of financial disaster.
“As we embrace the energy and excitement of spring, we encourage all event organisers to prioritise event insurance. By doing so, they can ensure that their events are not only memorable but also secure and well-protected against the unexpected,” Zenha concludes.
Drones, or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) as they are formally known, have expanded dramatically beyond surveillance, especially across the African continent.
Both commercial and non-commercial purposes are becoming increasingly recognised across the continent, especially in medical supply delivery.
Kopano Tholo, drone expert at ITOO Special Risks, says that drones are proving to be an efficient method of providing logistical services and delivering supplies in remote rural areas where road infrastructure is poor.
“Drones became the turnkey solution for various problems, such as lack of resources and infrastructure, in several African countries, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Countries like Rwanda and Ghana used drones very effectively to deliver vaccines and medical samples to areas that were inaccessible by road,” he says.
The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) launched Project BloodWing in 2019, intending to deliver blood to people in remote areas of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape. Other countries adopted this approach: Rwanda became the first African country to regulate the use of UAVs for pharmaceutical deliveries after the pandemic, followed by Ghana.