Alexander Forbes Insurance in Empowerment Partnerships

April 1 - Recognizing the need for big businesses to support growing SME's in the South African market, despite the tough economic conditions, Alexander Forbes Insurance has announced the opening of its latest backed project - a panel shop in South Africa's international airport.

Earlier this month, Alexander Forbes, together with the Retail Motor Industry Organization, were present at the grand opening of Scratch Mobile, the first panel beating shop in an international airport complex.

The idea for the shop came from Nhlanhla Mbele and Nthuthuko Shezi who believed that such a service would be welcome by the millions of car owners who pass through the Oliver Tambo International Airport parking lot each year.

The two envisioned a shop that could "repair nicks and dents while clients were away on business, eliminating the inconvenience of being without a car, or having to arrange lifts to and from the repair shop".

Alexander Forbes Insurance and the Retail Motor Industry Organization, have been long time partners in the Adopt a Panel Shop venture and are firm believers in the social responsibility that big businesses have in the South African economy.

"This was the only way to redress the economic injustices of the past while creating the employment necessary for national development and economic growth," said Anton Ossip, Chief Executive Officer for Alexander Forbes Insurance.

Mbele and Shezi have been praised for their vision and determination to ensure that their idea got off the ground, and for their persistence despite the many obstacles that stood in their way.

"When the dark clouds and storms gathered, Mbele and Shezi didn't give up," recalled Gary Braude of Hyundai, the first manufacturer to provide industry approval to Scratch Mobile. "They truly learned to dance in the rain."