The Insurance Institute of Gauteng (IIG) offers members the opportunity to learn, meet, communicate, build relationships and network at all levels with people in the industry through various educational programmes. The IIG “Class Of” programme in particular, is a one-year programme aimed at developing and retaining young talent within the insurance industry through exposure, experience and leadership development.
This programme is designed to give a select group of young insurance professionals currently working in the industry access to a wide range of companies, the opportunity to meet and gain knowledge from experienced professionals in the industry and the chance to develop personal, professional and leadership skills through interaction with captains of industry and facilitated by professional life coaches.
Following my own momentous journey as part of the Insurance Institute of Gauteng (IIG) Class of 2023, I was given the incredible honour of being on the IIG Council in 2024 for Impact & Transformation. Having fully experienced what the programme had done for me, I could not have imagined a greater opportunity to share the knowledge, skills and tools I had obtained in order to create a positive lasting impact on the next generation of leaders.
From their interviews to meeting them on the Class Launch Day in February, we as the Council knew that we had put together an amazing group of people with infinite potential. And thus, the journey began. 20-plus hopefuls were split into two Tribes; Imbumba and Simunye, with the clear task of learning, developing and embarking on journey that would transform them into leaders.
Partnering with Linda Coetzee and Associates saw the Tribes go through the actual class and module learning where they were given the theoretical and practical tools through a wide range of topics like Tribal Leadership, Personal Branding, Change Management, Emotional Intelligence, Conflict Management, Managing Anxiety and Stress and so many more. Through these sessions, they were also addressed by industry professionals who imparted valuable teachings; ‘Growing Under Pressure’ – Ellen Gower-Mzolo, ‘Knowing Your Why’ – Tebogo Raphathelo and networking with impactful industry players like 2024 Insurance Apprentice winner, Temwa Nyirenda. Along with in-person lessons, the Class were also required to complete and pass online insurance learning courses, further expanding their industry participant knowledge.
Every year the IIG curates a unique Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiative for the new “Class Of” to drive and execute. While the primary focus of the CSI is to raise funds, each initiative is intended to closely align with the IIG’s vision and contribution to the insurance market and the communities it serves. The initiative chosen this year was in partnership with MiDesk Global to foster education one desk at a time by providing underprivileged learners with access to transformable wheelie school bags. These revolutionary bags convert into a desk and chair and has a solar light giving learners the ability to work and learn under any circumstance.
Fully embracing the motto for the year, #LinkUp, the Class of 2024 welcomed the fundraising challenge of R150,000 with open arms. They were placed out of their comfort zones to leverage their professional relationships to secure corporate sponsorships as well as holding events to raise further funds. From stalls at Golf Days and Nights, to Games Nights, Padel Days and Sports Tournaments, the Class dedicated countless hours of energy and efforts to ensure that they not only reached their target but went above and beyond and raised nearly four times the amount.
Their efforts paid off by the end of the year, when on 15 November 2024, the class, along with IIG President, Council and various sponsors, the MiDesk handover took place at the NOSA Learning Centre in Winterveld where 200 desks were given to learners. The tribes also prepared meals and spent time playing and engaging with the children at the centre, creating a lasting impact for the Class.
Following the handover, the Class had the opportunity to enjoy the IIG Annual Gala Dinner where they were able to link up with industry professionals at the largest insurance event of the year.
And after all that had been experienced throughout the year, the Class had one last challenge to concur – their final presentations. The due day came and saw them display their learnings, vulnerabilities, and gave them the chance to share their stories and the full extent of transformation that they had experienced through the programme. The top five speakers were selected, and the tribe Peer Awards were given out to those individuals who were recognised for their dedication to their tribes.
On 28 November, both the IIG Class of, and Roots and Wings mentees celebrated their graduation, with the Top Impact Student, Future Leader and Top Student awards presented to the Class. It was incredible to celebrate the dedication, growth and resilience that we had witnessed throughout the year. Their hard work had truly paid off. I am truly moved by the commitment they have showed, and I could not be prouder to have been involved in their journey.
“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” – Henry Ford.
Article written by Simon Hlongwane | IIG Impact & Transformation
