Gloria Cilliers

Brokers rethink skills training as talent pressures and growth ambitions collide

As talent pressures and growth ambitions converge, brokers are reimagining how skills development supports attraction, retention, and growth.

Protecting Your Business' Supply Chain from Cyber Threats

Businesses that rely on digital supply chains are at risk of having a compromised operations due to digital outages or cyber threats.

Why loss adjusters are key to claims service excellence

In a post-pandemic hard market, where economic uncertainty mounts and severe weather losses continue to soar, the value of fast, efficient claims service has never been more important. "The frequency and ferocity of severe weather events will continue to increase and a hard property market is adding pressure on capacity," says David Repinski, CEO of [...]

2025 Cybersecurity and Claims Trends Decoded: What Cyber Trends to Look Out for in 2026

Read our expert cybersecurity and claims predictions and trends about what's to come in 2026.

The ROI of DEI

Skip to main content Canadian Underwriter's 2025 National Brokerage DEI Survey, made possible by Sovereign Insurance, reveals how inclusion delivers measurable business outcomes. Now in its fourth year, the research garnered responses from 227 Canadian brokers.

Are your clients ready for today's equipment breakdown risks?

Unpredictable weather and new threats on Canadian businesses need sharper strategies, smarter coverage, and stronger advice.

How Insurers Can Solve Compliance Gaps in Document Sourcing

Insurers use centralized document platforms to cut compliance risk, simplify workflows, and boost operational integrity as regulations and claims grow more complex. Learn more.

Tools Every SIU Needs Against Fraud | ISB Global Services

Discover the essential tools SIU needs to fight insurance fraud. Streamline investigations with fast, accurate, and secure data in one place. Learn more.

Paid How do I help my commercial clients find the right building for their needs and protect...

Navigating the evolving risks of commercial properties means brokers require a proactive approach to helping clients select the right building and adequately safeguard their investment. Jason Ostapeic, Unica Insurance's Senior Risk Control Consultant, discusses hidden exposures and risk control strategies...

AI Is Changing the Nature of Cyber Insurance and Digital Risks Against Small Businesses

Cyber insurance is a necessity in the age of AI as it is changing the nature of digital risks through AI phishing, deepfakes and data poisoning.

Romance scams cost Canadian consumers $50million+ a year

Romance scammers will go to any lengths to defraud unsuspecting people. Here's the warning signs of a romance scam.

Paid How to help your client navigate a minor collision claim

Navigating a minor collision can be a stressful experience for drivers, but having the right guidance from a broker can make all the difference. Minor collisions are a lot more common than many people realize, says Steve Sanderson, Founder and...

How can digital verification enhance insurers' claims experience?

Claims management is a core pillar of the insurance industry. It represents the moment when insurers deliver on their promise to be there for their customers. But today, insurers face a multitude of challenges that are placing extraordinary pressure on their claims handling processes, including an unprecedented surge in claim volumes, rising fraud, strained resources, [...]

Safeguarding Small Retailers

A simple guide to navigating business insurance

Paid How can expert fleet risk analysis help reduce complex exposures for my construction clients?

Fleet operations in the construction industry face mounting challenges - from driver shortages and seasonal employment, to the increasing complexity of fleet safety. These dynamics pose significant exposures if they're not proactively managed, says Jason Ostapeic, Unica Insurance's Senior Commercial...

'Tis the Season for Cyber Scams: How to Spot and Stop Holiday Shopping Fraud

Most Thanksgiving and Christmas shopping is done online and consumers need to watch out for online shopping and cyber scams.

Donna Ince | Definity

Donna Ince speaks of significant shifts she's seen in gender representation over her decades-long career in the P&C industry.

Kristin Coulombe | Navacord

Kristin Coulombe of Navacord has observed positive advancements for women in the P&C industry, but the pace of change remains gradual.

Julie Skelton | Insurance Brokers Association of B.C.

IBABC executive director Julie Skelton says "the last five to 10 years have shown real progress [for women]."

Lorie Phair | Canadian Broker Network

More work is required to support women's careers in the P&C insurance industry, says Lorie Phair, president of Canadian Broker Network (CBN).

Are H-1B visas worth the hassle?

Immigration lawyer cites challenges, benefits and legal considerations for employers BY Gloria Cilliers 29 May 2023 H-1B visas have a bad rep. The lottery-based application is up to random chance.

Ownership critical to independence: broker exec

Print this page Share Brokers are justified in thinking independence is shrinking due to increased consolidation in the P&C industry, according to Lorie Phair, president of the Canadian Broker Network (CBN), Canada's largest network of independent brokers. To think ownership does not influence a brokerage's decision-making would be "naïve," she adds.

Paid How digital health ecosystems promise a new era for group benefits insurers

With increased strain on the Canadian healthcare system and the rise in demand for virtual healthcare post-pandemic, more group benefits insurers than ever are recognizing the value of digital health ecosystems. "Today, group benefits insurers are rethinking traditional business models...

Paid Why is travel insurance the next big opportunity for brokers?

It's a new era for travel insurance. Despite economic uncertainty, Canadians plan to spend over $14 billion on vacations this year, according to new data from Allianz Global Assistance, a leading travel insurance provider. Post-pandemic, travellers have become more risk-aware...

Brenda Rose, FCA Insurance Brokers

Brenda Rose, Executive Vice President, Partner, FCA Insurance Brokers "One challenge every leader faces, but I believe still often falls more heavily on women, is being able to commit to extra responsibilities while juggling personal responsibilities, such as caring for...

Paid HOW PROACTIVE ARE YOUR CLIENTS' CYBER RISK STRATEGIES?

With cybersecurity spending expected to exceed US$1 trillion, it's clear more businesses than ever before are realizing the need to invest in their cyber defenses. "Yet throwing money at a problem is never the lone answer," says Kevin Auger, department...

In Good Company

With Mike George and fellow industry veterans at the helm, new insurance start-up Tokio Marine Canada sets its sights on filling the solutions-driven gap with a single mission: to be a good company.

How independent brokers can compete with the 'big boys'

Of the list of things keeping independent brokers up at night, none is more daunting than finding ways to compete with an "overwhelming amount of consolidators swallowing the industry," say members of Canada's largest network of independent brokers.

Brokers bemoan lack of seasoned underwriters

A major shortage of seasoned commercial underwriting staff is impacting broker relationships and productivity, some brokerages have reported. For an industry already struggling with a country-wide talent crunch exacerbated by the pandemic, renewed M&A activity and a hard market, brokers are feeling the effects of "cookie-cutter underwriting" more so than ever before, they say.

Ready. Set. Recruit. | Canadian Insurance

CITB May Edition

In our Big Education Issue, we find out what's new in CE, offer you a Marketing Masterclass, ask specialist brokers how to carve out a niche market, go back to basics on customer service and ask how the industry overcomes the big talent crunch.

An Education Beyond Competency | Canadian Insurance

As a young girl growing up in South Africa, these words inspired me to do better at school. To study harder at university. And, throughout my career, I've always carried these words with me when I take on courses for my own professional development.

What's New in CE | Canadian Insurance

Zurich Insurance is banking on that. The insurer recently introduced gamification into a new CE course called Winning Titan, through which brokers play an interactive game to put together a compliant, multinational program for a fictitious company called Titan, which has "operations" in Europe, the U.S., Canada and India.

Exclusive: Three new Insurance CEOs

Gloria Cilliers on April 26, 2017 I was very proud to help build RSA Canada into a strong business. One of the advantages of an international business is getting insight from other countries on, for example, customer trends and best practice sharing.

Canadian Insurance

Gloria Cilliers on April 26, 2017 From humble beginnings, Michelle Tremblay, managing director of St. Clair Insurance Brokers in Windsor, grew a struggling $7M brokerage to almost $30M in only three years. Here's how... Working in insurance was never on my radar growing up.

In Insurance We Trust | Canadian Insurance

When it comes to trust, the insurance industry hasn't always had the fairest of reputations. In fact, according to a 2014 Ernst & Young (EY) survey, insurers are less trusted than banks, supermarkets, car manufacturers and online shopping sites. Only half of Canadian consumers, 56 percent to be exact, trust P&C insurance companies.

April CITB edition

In this issue, we talk to three new insurance CEOs about their first few months at the helm, delve into the CCIR’s new market conduct requirements, find out how brokers can “sniff out” fraud and look into the new defence against cyberattacks.

Canadian Insurance

Gloria Cilliers, Editor on April 10, 2017 Terrorist attacks increased 14 percent worldwide (up to 4,151 from 3,633 in 2015) and 174 percent (up to 96 from 35 in 2015) in Western countries in 2016, creating an increasingly volatile operating environment for international business, according to a new report from Aon.

Canadian Insurance

Gloria Cilliers, Editor on April 3, 2017 The majority of InsurTech companies are not aimed at disrupting the insurance industry, but are rather enabling insurance companies to add value and improve their bottom line.

Canadian Insurance

Gloria Cilliers, Editor on April 4, 2017 Insurance companies that leverage cognitive computing, or Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) can close the gap in meeting changing customer expectations in a competitive InsurTech age.

Canadian Insurance

Gloria Cilliers, Editor on April 6, 2017 Brokers concerned about competing with direct insurance channels and disruptors need not be hindered by small teams and limited budgets if they're driven to succeed in a changing marketplace. Insurance Jack is proof of that, InsurTechQC conference delegates heard in Quebec City on Monday.

The extra mile | Canadian Insurance

"My father taught me that using reciprocity is key to being successful in business, at least in our business", Robert continues. "If you insure a car dealership, you should be buying your car from that dealership and refer your friends to them. They may appreciate that and refer their friends to you.

Light at the Centre of Newton's Cradle

Gloria Cilliers on March 20, 2017 While Canadian CEOs are optimistic about their companies' growth in the next year, their outlook on global economic growth remains bleak. Only one in three are confident in global GDP growth, but 100 percent say they're confident about their organization's revenue growth prospects over the next three years.

Brokers take note, Direct is down: Aviva Canada at BrokerForum

Gloria Cilliers, Editor. on March 3, 2017 While Aviva Canada's broker and agent channels saw an increase in the number of new auto insurance shoppers last year compared to 2015, the number of new shoppers choosing its direct channel fell 4%, a senior member of the insurer told brokers on Wednesday.

Canadian Insurance

Gloria Cilliers, Editor on March 16, 2017 A new Toronto-based InsurTech company has set its sights on disrupting P&C insurance sales in Canada. Tuque will "leverage advanced technology and innovative products to bring a disruptive approach to personal and commercial insurance" and introduce "innovative products" to the market, the company's president Shaun Bagchi told Canadian Insurance Top Broker.

RSA Group reports record-high 2016 results

Gloria Cilliers, Editor on February 23, 2017 RSA Group announced record-high results for 2016, driven by strategic restructuring, improved underwriting and customer retention activities over the last three years.

Brokers, lead the way | Canadian Insurance

Some would argue that, in a world of limitless choice and disruptive competition, virtual service and new distribution channels, the broker is more relevant than ever. It's up to you to break through the noise and add value to a customer bombarded with endless information, sometimes complicated technology and perhaps too much choice.

IBAO suspends partnership with Aviva Canada | Canadian Insurance

As an association serving the interests of over 12,000 independent property & casualty insurance brokers in Ontario, the IBAO must represent the views of its membership. The association received overwhelming support to take affirmative action following the latest direct-to-consumer offering leveraging the Aviva brand - their partnership with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment.

Canadian Insurance

Gloria Cilliers on February 3, 2017 Nine of the 13 catastrophic events that hit Canada in 2016 involved hail, according to CatIQ. Reviewing the cat losses of 2016 during CatIQ's Canadian Catastrophe Conference on February 2 nd in Toronto, Carolyn Rennie, managing director of CatIQ, said that, while wildfires topped the list of insured losses for the year (Canada's costliest cat year in history), significant damage was caused by severe storms and hail.

Canadian Insurance

Gloria Cilliers on February 13, 2017 If the growing interest among students in the Insurance Institute's Career Connections initiatives is any indication, the P&C insurance sector could see an increase in the influx of millennials into the industry over the next few years.

Canadian Insurance

Gloria Cilliers on February 3, 2017 Terrorism risk is evolving from a focus on property damage and business interruption, towards a focus on business interruption and physical security, CatIQ Catastrophe Conference delegates heard in Toronto on Thursday.

A reason to celebrate

Profile on Mike George, president and CEO of Trisura insurance, Canada.

Be the Cream of the Crop | Canadian Insurance

We do this roundup every December, and for the past couple of years, insurers have spoken about their different strategies and various priority areas. But this year, a very clear, overarching theme has emerged: Be the "cream of the crop"... or face an uncertain future. Some brokers may perceive this as "all doom and gloom."

Canadian Insurance

Gloria Cilliers on February 6, 2017 Municipalities can benefit from hiring internal insurance claims expertise to better manage catastrophes going forward, CatIQ Claims Conference delegates heard in Toronto on February 2 nd.

Canadian Insurance

Gloria Cilliers on January 13, 2017 Of all the trends to watch this year, disruptors that will find their way into the P&C insurance landscape offer the biggest opportunity for brokers in both the commercial and personal lines, according to Philip Cook, CEO of Omega Insurance Holdings.

Canadian Insurance

Gloria Cilliers on January 20, 2017 The insurance industry expects to see a 'nimbler, more forward-looking and principles-based regulator' that is not as involved in approving auto insurance rates, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC).

Front, Centre and on the Spot

Putting top execs from Canada's top insurance companies on the spot about their plans for 2017...

Canadian Insurance

Gloria Cilliers on December 8, 2016 Suboptimal market positioning/profitability has been one of the main catalysts of continued M&A (mergers and acquisitions) in the P&C insurance industry and might lead to an absence of mid-size players in the market, according to Georges Pigeon, Partner, Deal Advisory with KPMG.

Canadian Insurance

Gloria Cilliers on December 21, 2016 Economical will enter the third of four phases in the insurer's demutualization process in early 2017, when two committees, one representing mutual policyholders and one representing non-mutual policyholders, are formed to negotiate the terms of demutualization benefits allocation.

Canadian Insurance

Gloria Cilliers on December 9, 2016 Insurance companies need to "think ahead more" in order to stay ahead of the curve, according to Neville Henderson, OSFI's Assistant Superintendent, Insurance Division. Speaking at KPMG's 25th Annual Insurance Conference held in downtown Toronto on Tuesday, Henderson said insurers need to focus their efforts more on the long-term.

Canadian Insurance

Gloria Cilliers on December 8, 2016 One of the key differences to emerge from KPGM's latest insurance survey, compared to previous years, is that technology is "no longer seen {by the P&C industry] as a threat, but rather, as an opportunity".Mary Trussel, KPGM's global insurance change lead partner, told Canadian Insurance Top Broker that survey respondents are seeing technology as the lever to streamline operational process, enhance customer service and take cost out of their business.

Business As Usual

Editorial: November issue

Ample opportunities in changing Canadian demographic

Gloria Cilliers on November 25, 2016 Canada's demographic has changed drastically, creating ample new opportunities for the P&C insurance industry.This was CEO of Ipsos Public Affairs Darrel Bricker's key message at the annual Canadian Insurance Top Broker Summit, held on 14 November at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in downtown Toronto.

Canadian Insurance

Gloria Cilliers on November 25, 2016 The insurance industry is losing customers by infrequent contact and poor customer satisfaction/issue resolution, and more needs to be done to understand and contact customers.

Canadian Insurance

Gloria Cilliers on November 30, 2016 The new Chubb Canada is in a stronger position to offer greater opportunities for brokers following the acquisition of Chubb Corp. by Ace Ltd., according to its chief operating officer Andy Hollenberg.

Canadian Insurance

Gloria Cilliers on November 24, 2016 According to an IBAO member survey done this year, 94% of participants reported that a Canadian Accredited Insurance Broker (CAIB) designation increased competence on the job, while 93% reported that CAIB increased their confidence and abilities.

Canadian Insurance

Gloria Cilliers on December 7, 2016 Technology will remain a key driver in the "winning formula" for the insurance industry, according to KPMG's experts. Speaking at KPMG's 25th Annual Insurance Conference, held in downtown Toronto on Wednesday, Gary Reader, global insurance leader, Jeremy Anderson, chair: global financial services U.K., and Mark Smith, national practice leader financial services, encouraged insurers to respond to new technologies and digital disruptors with agility and speed.

Canadian Insurance

Gloria Cilliers on November 25, 2016 Millennials have changed the traditional sales model that most businesses, including those in the insurance industry, rely on, and the insurance industry needs to invest more in the new model, says Susan Kates, professor at Centennial College, experiental learning coordinator and CMO, Kates Consulting.

Canadian Insurance

Gloria Cilliers on November 2, 2016 Aon Risk Solutions will be the exclusive broker for Invictus Games Toronto 2017. Kate Park, vice-president Casualty Broking for Aon, confirmed on Tuesday that Aon has secured the insurance brokerage and risk management services contract for the event, which is set to take place in Toronto, Canada from September 23 to 30, 2017.

Canadian Insurance

Gloria Cilliers on October 19, 2016 How do brokers keep up with emerging innovation impacting the industry? They need to start thinking differently.This was the key message from Jim Harris, an expert on disruptive innovation and collaborative leadership, at the opening of this year's IBAO Convention in downtown Toronto on October 19th.

Canadian Insurance

Gloria Cilliers on October 21, 2016 The future looks bright for brokers, if they come together and own the change that is affecting the industry. That was the view from several speakers during last week's annual Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario (IBAO) Convention, held in downtown Toronto.

Brand Storytelling for B2B

How B2B companies can leverage authentic storytelling to connect with audiences.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Revamp Project of the Representative Magazines Let's Talk (Avon) & Just For You (Justine).

Campaign Creative Direction

Creative direction for a national insurance awareness campaign.

Justine Tissue Oil 360 restage

The biggest event in 43 years for Justine, the restage of its top-seller Tissue Oil, was handled with 360 strategy including print advertising, digital, field support incentives, resulting in record-breaking sales (most Tissue Oil sold in history). Brochure hit killer claims for strong sales messaging and created the feel of luxury efficacious oil (product shot in 27litres of Tissue Oil) to target existing and new customers.

Avon Foundation event with Representatives

Using real Avon Representatives for our #IRecommendAvon campaign, the foundation event started with a survey resulting in the 3/4 claim followed by a Rep search for the Cover girls. Strong real testimonials was the focus in the brochure Lead to drive the event, supported by demo offer and samples in the Rep magazine Let's Talk.

Justine Tissue Oil Mattifying Cream Launch

For the launch of Justine brand's first ever Tissue Oil mattifying cream, I developed the copy theme and key messaging of "our expert recommends" to tie into the newness and killer claims, using the in-house expert. I also conceptualised the visual direction of this brochure lead and worked with the senior art director and senior copywriter to roll out and concept digital&social media link to the campaign with #askourexpert event.

Ignite your senses - Avon Fragrance event

The concept of "ignite your senses" was developed in the artwork of olfactives exploding from the bottles while copy speaks to the senses to enhance customer experience

Avon Lipstick Mania launch

Design, art direction and copy directed to engage existing and new customers to buy into Avon's Lip Mania event.

Avon Fragrance Wardrobe event

This concept was developed into a brochure store aimed at getting customers to build a fragrance wardrobe with a range of Avon fragrances. The team was directed to develop a store with an engaging editorial design and strong emotional copy.

Avon Foundation event

The foundation event called for a strong call to action and customer engagement in copy that speaks to the products, with education and benefits as main claims.

Trusted Beauty for every woman - Justine heritage lead

To engage existing and new customers, Justine Consultants feature on the cover and in this brochure lead tying in with Justine's rich heritage and trusted beauty products for every type of woman.

Women's Month brochure lead

The theme for women's month was developed by involving quotes from Avon Representatives, linking into confident, strong women to strengthen customer engagement.

Justine Mother's Day event

The concept of "Let her beauty shine" was developed for the Mother's Day event linking into strong visuals of a spotlight shining on the hero products in the brochure lead, resulting in strong emotional customer engagement.

Avon Fragrance Notes

The concept of playing on fragrance notes was developed into engaging copy that speaks to "notes to a best friend" about Avon's fragrances in this brochure store.

Avon lipstick launch

Copy was concepted for the launch of Avon's new Ultra Color Indulgence Lipstick, that played on the "indulgence theme" as a strong call to action and further engaged customers with testimonials. The "indulgence" call to action theme tied into the brochure lead to engage customers throughout.

Avon Mesmerize fragrance launch

The launch of a new female fragrance called for copy speaking to the brand and to make a strong emotional connection with customers already associating with the existing male fragrance.

Avon Mother's Day fashion store

Copy was briefed to aim at strong customer engagement through emotion but to also highlight product benefits.

Avon Fragrance personalities

The copy in this fragrance store was aimed at highlighting the personalities of each fragrance for strong emotional customer engagement.

Avon July brochure fashion store

Customers are drawn in with emotionally engaging copy in the fashion and jewellery stores.

Avon Valentine's event

The Valentine's copy theme of "Love is" was developed to talk to each product in the multi-category brochure store to emotionally engage customers.

Travel: Hidden Gems of the Prairies

Discovering lesser-known destinations across the Canadian prairies.

Blade Runner Too Run Down

Blade Runner Oscar Pistorius is said to be too traumatised to train during his murder case of girlfriend model Reeva Steenkamp.

"I'm there for them"

The doctor who amputated blade runner Oscar Pistorius' legs pledges his support for the family...

Prince of caring

He may be known as the "party boy" by British media, but up close and personal, Prince Harry's humble manner makes one forget he's a Royal...

We've told the kids I'm going to Jesus

Exclusive interview with rugby player Joost van der Westhuizen after his MND diagnosis

A truce for the kids, for us

Exclusive interview with rugby player Joost van der Westhuizen's estranged wife, Amor Vittone

Steroids in schools - it's serious

Investigation into rampant steroids in South Africa's schools

Praying for a miracle

Famous radio host Darren Scott and model wife Sarah Kate prays for a miracle when their baby boy is diagnosed with a rare form of cancer...

Now we can dare to hope

Famous radio host Darren Scott celebrate baby's good news: he is cancer free...

So loved, so cruelly taken

Wiehan was their miracle child, born through IVF – then at five months he was brutally murdered along with his trusted day mother...

"I just want to know why"

A mother tries to forgive her beloved stepson for brutally murdering her son...

Grisly end to a love triangle

Exclusive: A love triangle. A husband's body in croc-infested waters. And his pretty wife in a stinking Zambian jail...

Bolt from the blue

Seven school kids are inexplicably hit by lightning at the same time...

Festive joy for Pippie

Guess who's the lucky girl who's getting more than 50 teddies and loads of other presents for Christmas? Pippie, of course. In her festive Christmas dress, three-year-old burn victim Pippie Kruger looks like a fairy princess lying on the couch and observing everything with alert sea-blue eyes.

Stop the slaughter

The brutal killing of baby seals sees Namibia facing growing anger and tourist boycotts...

Sick of sleeping

Sleep apnoea is robbing Calli of his his family, his work, and his life...

"Die onmoontlike dryf my" ("The impossible drives me")

Interview with South African olympic swim star Roland Schoeman before his 5th Olympics

Ons Nr 1 Juanita (Our No 1 Juanita)

Exclusive interview with South Africa's top Afrikaans singer Juanita du Plessis...

As mense lag is ek tevrede (When people laugh, I'm happy)

Famous South African comedian and film-maker Leon Schuster loves it when people laugh. It's his happy place...

Op-Ed: The Future of Local Journalism

Why local journalism matters more than ever in the digital age.

SA river adventurer killed by croc in DRC

PRETORIA - A young South African adventurer was killed by a crocodile during a white-water expedition in the Democratic Republic of Congo that was the first of its kind in the world. Hendri Coetzee (35) of Centurion, who was described yesterday by his parents as a "big adventurer" was attacked on the Lukaga River in Katanga province on Tuesday.

Paralysed Linden murder victim mourned

Johannesburg - For almost three years he pushed his "very positive friend" in a wheelchair from classroom to classroom and helped him study. But Johnny Boswell, 20, lost his best friend when Kobus Engelbrecht, 21, was strangled, allegedly by his own father.

Increase in crime after World Cup

Johannesburg - In the week following the 2010 Soccer World Cup, violent crime increased sharply, with a farm attack, home robbery and two murders on July 11, a murder on the 13th and two murders and three home robberies on July 15.

Youth Festival 'helped free Egypt'

Pretoria - The controversial world youth festival held by the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) late last year may have cost R100 million but it "helped to free Egypt". NYDA chairperson and ANC Youth League vice-chairperson, Andile Lungisa, made this claim in Midrand on Tuesday after Cosatu demanded an audit of the 17th World Festival of Youth and Students.

Vavi's 'brave' stance

COSATU boss Zwelinzima Vavi was yesterday described as "brave" following his harsh criticism of "corruption and greed" in the government. Political commentator Professor Adam Habib, deputy vice-chancellor of the University of Johannesburg (UJ) added: "Ironically enough, Vavi's pronouncements are good for the ANC's image, because he is in the ANC, but ANC leaders do not see this," Habib said.

Australia still safer, says SA expat after murders

Pretoria - The South African woman whose husband and parents were murdered in Adelaide on Friday, says Australia is still safer than her country of birth. "This kind of crime doesn't happen here every day," 38-year-old Rika Mombers, formerly of Amanzimtoti, told her family in South Africa.

ANCYL 'hijacks' R1bn youth agency

Johannesburg - The presidency is investigating the "hijacking" of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) by the ANC Youth League. Most of the core positions in the , which had received about R1bn from the state, are currently held by Youth League members who receive enormous salaries.

Son (36) buried dentist in garden

JOHANNESBURG - The son of a dentist who admitted to burying his father's body in his garden in Houghton a few months ago sat in a camping chair calmly drinking Coke as he watched his father's body being exhumed on Saturday.

Girl in all night vigil over dead dad

Johannesburg - A 6-year-old girl from Vereeniging spent more than ten hours watching over her father's body after he was murdered by robbers. Christo Mouton, 54, an accountant and head of Child Welfare in Vereeniging, was shot in the heart in their house in Three Rivers just before 22:00 on Tuesday.

Shattered Monay can't stop crying

Johannesburg - The murdered accountant whose 6-year-old daughter spent hours waiting next to his body, was wounded in the same house seven years ago. The robber who was arrested at the time was released last year after serving a prison sentence for attempted murder.

Cop moves into police station

Johannesburg - The commanding officer of an East Rand police station has moved lock, stock and barrel into his office. Senior Superintendent David Matlahola has been living in his office at Ratanda police station near Heidelberg since the police stopped paying him (with taxpayers' money) approximately R8 000 per month to stay in a guest house.

'King of bling' in court

Pretoria - A suspected Gauteng crime boss known as the "king of bling", appeared the Germiston Regional Court on Wednesday, charged with armed robbery. William (Mashobane) Mbatha, 36, was on the Gauteng police's list of most wanted criminals. Apparently he enjoyed showing off his wealth, allegedly earned by armed robberies in particular.

Zim weapons ship waits for OK

Erika Gibson and Gloria Edwards Durban - South Africa approved a transit permit this week for the shipment of tons of weapons and ammunition destined for Zimbabwe. A Chinese ship with almost three million rounds of ammunitions for small arms and AK-47s, about 3 500 mortars and mortar launchers, as well as 1 500 rockets for rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) arrived in Durban Harbour on Monday shortly before the permit was issued.

Juju hurt us, says ANC

JOHANNESBURG - The ANC has admitted that ANC youth leader Julius Malema's racially oriented utterances hurt the party at the ballot box. ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe said yesterday that Malema's remarks in the run-up to the elections, like the one that whites are criminals, alienated minority voters from the ANC and possibly contributed to its diminished support in minority areas.

Seven patients pay ultimate price

Johannesburg - At least seven patients, including three babies, died in state hospitals in Gauteng and Mpumalanga, since hundreds of striking hospital workers started paralysing service delivery countrywide on Wednesday. Some of the babies died because they were left without food for an entire day.