Very few institutions can say they have supported an industry for 115 years. The Insurance Institute of Gauteng (IIG) is one of them, and that is something all of us in this industry should be proud of.
As we celebrate this milestone, I have been reflecting on what the IIG has meant to our industry. For many people, the IIG is where their insurance journey started to make sense. For others, especially in recent years, it is where that journey began. They came through its programmes, attended its events, built relationships and, over time, went on to lead businesses across our industry.
Having served as President, and now as Past President, I have seen first-hand what this Institute can do for a young person who simply needed someone to open a door, or industry players looking for opportunities to collaborate for the good of our clients, and one of the most exciting ones for me, industry leaders wanting to give back to the next generation.
That, to me, is what makes the IIG special. Its greatest contribution is not the number of CPD certificates issued or events hosted, important as those are. It is the people, and the careers and opportunities that have followed. Everything the IIG does rests on four pillars: Education, Networking, Transformation and Affiliation.
Many of the people now leading some of South Africa’s most respected insurance businesses were, at some point, part of the IIG journey. That is a legacy worth celebrating.
Last week, the IIG brought together the businesses that have collaborated with, supported and sponsored the Institute, and helped shape it into what it is today. It was an afternoon to remember.
Our President, Jabu Mtimkulu, reflected on a phenomenal year.
Our Deputy President, Tyrelle Correa, shared some exciting initiatives planned for next year. We also formally introduced our Vice President, Shaazia Khan, to our sponsors and the wider industry. Seeing that leadership pipeline in one room was a reminder that the Institute is in good hands.
The past five years in a few numbers
- More than 35,000 CPD hours delivered
- More than 15,000 cumulative attendees at our in-person events and webinars
- More than 300 delegates through our education and mentorship programmes
- More than 100 delegates travelled to and exposed to the global insurance market, engaging with dozens global businesses in many parts of the insurance value chain
- A pathway that runs from high school graduates to the most senior members of the industry
- Funds raised for charity, because giving back to our communities has always been part of who we are
Behind each of these numbers is someone real. A young broker sitting across the table from a global underwriter for the first time. A school leaver discovering that a career in insurance even exists. A professional finding a mentor who changed the direction of their career.
The IIG has been fortunate to build strong relationships, locally and across the globe, with insurers, brokers, service providers and many other partners.
Those relationships have been critical to our success and, more importantly, to our ability to keep creating opportunities for the next generation of insurance professionals.
So, to everyone who has contributed to the IIG over the past 115 years, and particularly to our members, industry partners and sponsors who continue to stand with us: thank you. Your support keeps the IIG relevant and allows it to keep developing the people and leaders our industry needs.
115 years is an incredible achievement. But the most exciting part is knowing that the story is still being written.
Here’s to the IIG, to the people who have shaped it, and to the next 115 years.
Past President & Exco Head: Marketing – Insurance Institute of Gauteng
Managing Director – Corporate – OLEA Insurance Solutions Africa
