Earlier this year, the Douw Steyn Family Trust, on behalf of  Douw Steyn and his family, along with the South African companies he founded – Telesure Investment Holdings (TIH), incorporating Auto & General Insurance, 1st for Women Insurance, Dialdirect Insurance, Budget Insurance, 1Life and hippo.co.za; as well as Steyn City Properties and the Saxon Hotel, announced a R320 million fund that has been set up in response to the President’s call to unite in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic and its ripple effect

The focus areas for the financial contribution are multi-faceted in order to meet the very real and diverse needs over this time.

R50 million has been donated to the National Solidarity Fund, set up by the President and which has a specific emphasis on both medical and humanitarian needs, including the provision of food and curbing the scourge of increased Gender-Based Violence.

R70 million has been put in place by TIH to assist small businesses, including those within its supply chain, which are not able to earn an income during the lockdown period. 

A further R200 million, has been earmarked to primarily support feeding schemes in the TIH and Steyn City Properties neighbouring communities, including Diepsloot, via non-governmental organisations and non-profit organisations.

The Diepsloot Youth Programme (DYP) is proud to announce that it has been selected as one of the non-profit organisations that will be assisting TIH with food relief in the Diepsloot community.

Speaking on behalf of the companies that have contributed towards the fund, Tom Creamer, CEO of TIH said: “During these unprecedented times, we have a responsibility to provide assistance to the vulnerable in our communities; lend a helping hand to small businesses, including those in our value chain that have been impacted and disrupted by the pandemic; offer peace of mind to our customers; and ensuring the safety and livelihood of our employees.”

Food parcel distribution has already commenced and by mid-May, 17 500 food parcels will have been distributed.  These food parcels will feed a family of 4 for up to 6 weeks. 

“We stand together, united in our quest to respond appropriately and responsibly to help South Africans triumph over this pandemic,” concludes Creamer.