Momentum's new policy sparks mixed reactions on Twitter
Following days of outrage, insurance company Momentum has changed its policies to pay out death benefits in the case of a violent crime, despite the medical history of the person.
This comes after the widow of hijacking victim Nathan Ganas was denied a life cover payout of R2.4m. Momentum took the initial decision on the grounds that the deceased had not disclosed a pre-existing medical condition.
The decision sparked a backlash on social media, with many threatening to cancel their policies with the insurer. The new solution will apply to all existing and future Momentum clients.
Momentum is also identifying previous clients who were subject to the same claim as the Ganas family.
The new development drew mixed reactions on Twitter, with many acknowledging the role of social media in pushing the case.
You see what YOU did with this #Momentum thing...LETS TRY THAT with these political parties now...I DARE YOU
— Your favourite drink (@AngelineDikoko) November 21, 2018
#Momentum think we are fools, They were forced to payout that money because they were losing money and integrity... We no fools at all.. No one must join thugs like momentum...
— Bucksy Matlala (@BucksyMatlala) November 21, 2018
We've seen the power of social media the past 2 days. If we can stand up for #BoKaap like we did against #momentum, an entire community can hold on to their heritage. @BokaapY @Sage_Of_Absurd
— Sadiyya Absalom 🇿🇦 (@SadiaAbsalom) November 21, 2018
Finally #Momentum is doing the right thing
— Vho-Rasikhanya (@LJRasi) November 20, 2018
#Momentum thought it was too big to fail! What an absolute embarrassment
— AfricanMosadi 🇿🇦 (@RheeMilly) November 21, 2018
This is great....🎊🎉🎈🍾🥂
— King Mbuso (@King__Mbuso) November 21, 2018
Now how do we stop them from scamming others in the future? Those that might not be exposed to the power of social media? And those that might not be so vocal? #Momentum @momentum_za https://t.co/EfPDUdqqBt
#momentum senior management are twits & have a lot to answer for. If they had done the right thing in the first place instead of dig heels in, they could have made a confidential settlement with the family. Now they have back claims, brand damage, client losses
— Matthew Buckland (@matthewbuckland) November 21, 2018
Don't ever underestimate the power of social media. #Momentum has agreed to pay the Ganas family their lump sum after refusing to...
— NOLENCE MASHEGO ™ (@NolenceMashego) November 21, 2018
Talk of shooting oneself in the foot. Change of heart won't change public perception. A lot of business damage has been done here. 🏃♂️🏃♀️🏃♂️ #Momentum
— Piletji™Sebola (@PiletjiSebola) November 20, 2018
What this #momentum saga did was show us how we stand up for one another when we need to. Despite our differences we are a compassionate, hopeful, loving and resilient bunch of people all desiring to lend a hand in creating a perfect future for ourselves!
— GAVIN RAJAH (@GAVINRAJAH) November 20, 2018