Online Reporter
Sharon Masocha
The Insurance Council of Zimbabwe (ICZ) has launched a national integrated call centre, using the number 591, designed to enhance emergency response and insurance mobilisation of emergency services across the country.
The service is set to transform how Zimbabweans access critical emergency services, providing a direct line to the police, ambulance services, insurers and Government entities.
Speaking at a press conference recently, ICZ chairperson Mr David Nyabadza, said the call centre is accessible by dialling 591 and the objective is to ensure rapid and coordinated responses to emergencies, ultimately saving valuable time and lives.
“Today marks a significant milestone in ICZ’s journey towards enhancing emergency response and public safety in Zimbabwe,” he said.
“It is with great pride and a deep sense of purpose that I stand before you today to introduce this groundbreaking initiative—591, Zimbabwe’s only of its kind national integrated call centre for emergency response and insurance mobilisation.
“This call centre, accessible by dialing 591, is directly integrated with critical emergency services the ZRP, ambulance services, insurers, and Government entities. This seamless integration will ensure rapid and coordinated responses to emergencies, saving precious time and, more importantly, lives.
“We are acutely aware that members of the public, particularly passengers in public service vehicles, are often uninformed about their insurance coverage and their rights in the event of an accident. This initiative will bridge that knowledge gap, fostering transparency, efficiency and crucial support for those affected.”
The call centre operates seven days a week from 8 am to 9 pm across the country and after that it will be on automated dial.
In addition, ICZ chief executive Mr Donald Muthe said that the council has invested in economic initiatives in line with non-life insurance business and social needs that have made heart-warming changes in the beneficiaries’ lives who are mostly the socially and economically disadvantaged.
“The CSR (corporate social responsiblity) strategy is also being aligned with the internationally adopted SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) and ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) Frameworks as well as our National Development Strategy 1, which is now moving to its second phrase,” he said.
