Santam Namibia CEO,Outlines how to protect homes over Easter travels

By Staff Reporter

As Namibians prepare for the Easter long weekend, holidaymakers and motorists should be extra vigilant. This vigilance ensures their safety and that of other road users.

Last year, the Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund reported an increase in accidents. The total number of crashes rose from 37 in 2024 to 42 in 2025.

While this reflects a 13.5% increase, there has been a notable decrease in injuries. The fund reported 126 in 2024 and 96 in 2025. This reflects a 24% improvement in the country.  The Easter weekend is notoriously known for higher traffic volumes on busy routes. These routes include the B1 through Windhoek and the B2 toward the coast. This increase raises the probability for road accidents.

Mr Franco Feris, Chief Executive Officer at Santam Namibia Limited, comments on this. He says the improved statistics are a positive sign. Road safety interventions are making an impact. “While it’s encouraging to see injuries decline, Easter remains one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Increased traffic volumes, fatigue and long-distance driving still elevate risk. A safe holiday starts with responsible driving and proper preparation,” says Mr Feris.

However, road travel is only one part of the risk equation during long weekends. The Namibian Police 2025 statistics reported 1 039 housebreaking cases in Windhoek. These cases occurred over the period July to September 2025. Housebreaking is a common crime experienced by households. Additionally, over the 2024/25 period, housebreaking and theft incidents more than doubled, climbing from 282 to 623 cases.

“Even as road safety shows slight improvement, homes left unoccupied over long weekends remain a major risk that we cannot ignore. As such, taking proactive steps to secure your property is just as important as preparing your vehicle,” Feris adds.

To help Namibians travel with peace of mind this Easter, Mr Feris shares the following home safety checklist:

1. Test your alarm system:

Ensure it is fully functional, as non-operational alarms can affect your insurance cover.

2. Notify your security company:

Inform them of your travel dates and provide an alternative contact person.

3. Arrange regular check-ins:

Ask a trusted neighbour, friend or family member to keep an eye on your home.

4. Prevent avoidable damage:

Turn off the main water supply to prevent burst pipe damage. Unplug electrical appliances (except essential ones like the fridge) to reduce fire and surge risk. Switch off the geyser to save electricity.

5. Review your insurance cover:

Reassess the value of your household contents to ensure you are adequately covered.

“Insurance is there to protect you when the unexpected happens. However, policyholders also have a responsibility. They must take reasonable precautions to safeguard their property,” says Feris.

“Taking these simple steps not only reduces the likelihood of loss. It can also make the claims process far smoother should you need to claim. Solid preparation gives you peace of mind. It ensures that if something does go wrong, you’re in the strongest possible position to recover quickly,” he concludes.

ENDS…