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Industry Update - April 2020

As another hard, yet necessary, announcement hits South Africans we start wondering if the changes that have been taking place during March and April 2020 will make us or break us.

The entertainment industry in South Africa is an intimate industry, where everyone knows everyone. At KEU we were at the forefront of some of the implications when the first announcement was made to ban all large gatherings and the devastating affect it had on our insureds.

Where possible we immediately proceeded to endorse Event Liability and similar policies to postpone dates for events. Where that was not possible we refunded premiums for events that could not take place.

As premium finance companies would not allow payment holidays we proceeded to reduce the current equipment and drone All Risk cover to Fire and Theft to assist with the financial burden for some of our freelancers, DJ’s, hiring companies etc. In some unfortunate cases we had to cancel policies and in return refunded the premiums. We assisted our Film clients by keeping them insured during the hiatus period for no additional or very limited premiums.

In terms of claims, for our fortunate insured's who had Event Cancellation policies in place prior to the Covid-19 exclusion, we are currently assisting in finalising interim reports and claim payments for events that were cancelled or postponed.

In these trying times it does get difficult sometimes to stay positive. However it is times like these that define us, shape us and make us the supernovas which we are.

Specialising in entertainment insurance, it is absolutely heart-breaking to have to cancel policies for industry leaders who have been operating for years. This is not the end. Just like the Banksia seed we sometimes need a disaster like a fire in order for us to survive and grow.

The Entertainment Industry is currently working on very interesting and creative ideas during lockdown and KEU will be ready to assist with underwriting solutions.

Remember if you can dream it we can insure it. By securing our safety, Lock down has only limited our traveling ability (and perhaps some bad habits) but it could never stop us from evolving and dreaming.

Should you require any further assistance with your current policies, or want some additional information on future policies please contact our underwriters on either email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (083-454-6080 ) or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (083-234-2242)

Event Liability - What Does it Mean?

With the implementation of the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act 2 of 2010, event planners, conference organisers and business owners face a tough regulatory environment. And with greater uncertainty and personal risk in virtually all dimensions of their business, it emphasises the importance of expert risk management and specialist underwriting.

Denise Hattingh, owner and key individual at KEU Underwriting Managers, says one of the biggest changes in the life of an event organiser was the implementation of the Act. "The Act not only protects participants, spectators and their belongings, but also ensures that the planning, management and enforcement of safety is handled by competent people. More importantly, the Act keeps role players accountable," she says.

The most significant implication of the Act is that the event organiser, the sponsor and the venue owners are all deemed responsible for an event. Hattingh adds that the Act makes the sponsor of the event liable for damages, even if they are not the organiser. "Liability and cancellation cover are the most important covers to have. Massive cost implications result from a cancelled event and this obviously applies to liability too," she says.

The Company We Keep

For years of stellar performance, KEU has been delivering tailor-made insurance solutions to the film, television, events and entertainment industries. KEU is proud to present the movies and events we have insured.

Potentially costly headache averted at surfing competition

In 2007, two teenagers hid away underneath some scaffolding at a surfing competition. The wind picked up and an advertising board which was not properly fastened fell onto the scaffolding, resulting in head injuries for the youngsters.

Luckily the event organiser had taken out KEU event liability cover for the festival and this potentially tragic and costly accident was covered with no fuss.

Hole in One

A talented (and slightly lucky) golfer attended a local schools fundraising golf day at Paarl Golf Club on 4 November 2011. He walked away with a lot more than pride when he struck a hole in one, entitling him to a brand new vehicle worth R105,000.

The event organiser was happy to hand over the prize, knowing that if KEU prize indemnity cover had not been taken out, there would not have been much fund-raising at all after handing over this prize.

More than just disappointment

During a 2008 International Airshow hosted in Johannesburg a bad weather spell resulted in the cancellation of the event. Of course, expenses still had to be settled, regardless of the reduced income.

It could have been a financial nightmare, but luckily the event organiser had taken out event cancellation insurance and KEU saved the day.