“I did not choose insurance, insurance chose me” the famous phrase that perfectly captures many of our journeys, and my story is no exception. Having pursued an LLB at one of the continent’s most prestigious institutions, I initially envisioned a future in the legal field. However, I soon realized that the courtroom was not my calling. I needed to pivot.
I was fortunate to land a graduate role in an insurance compliance division, which became my gateway into the world of insurance. That opportunity became the key that unlocked a world I never imagined existed. I had the privilege of engaging with various departmental leaders, each offering unique perspectives on how the industry operates. Through this exposure, it was reinsurance that captured my attention. Suddenly, the vastness of the globe felt like a small and interconnected sphere, one that could be studied, understood, and influenced through collaboration, insight, and structured risk thinking. What drew me in was the way reinsurance brought clarity to the complex issues we see in our everyday lives. Natural catastrophes, geopolitical shifts, and economic volatility were no longer distant headlines, but became interconnected risks that could be modelled, managed, and, most importantly, used to influence high-level decision-making.
The more I immersed myself in reinsurance, the more it revealed itself not just as a technical discipline, but as a powerful platform for strategic thinking, global awareness, and meaningful contribution. It challenged how I think, broadened my perspective, and grounded me in a purpose far greater than I had imagined when I first entered the industry. And so now, with clarity and conviction, I can truly say: “I did not choose insurance, but I chose to stay.”
I recently had the honour of hosting my best friend for dinner on his birthday, a seasoned HR leader in his organisation. As we reflected on our respective journeys, I shared my experience in the IIG Class of 2025 and asked him a question:
“Would you consider applying for the program next year?”
It was a simple question but one that offered insight into the internal dialogue many professionals in non-technical roles may quietly carry.
His response gave me pause:
“I do not believe such platforms are meant for us. Yes, we are in the insurance industry, but we do not possess the traditional technical knowledge that brokers, underwriters, and other mainstream players have. We play a support function, so our duties and responsibilities are universal and not industry specific. And I have always seen such platforms to be for people in technical roles”
- A valid perspective that might be held by many others in similar roles but one I would like to challenge.
Having had the privilege of being part of the IIG Class of 2025 and serving as Chairperson of my group, The Strategic Elites, I can say with absolute conviction that this perception is inaccurate, and may be informed by lack of exposure to what the programme is about.
The IIG Class is not reserved for traditional technical roles. It is designed for young professionals across the broader insurance ecosystem, those committed to personal growth, leadership development, and meaningful industry impact. This platform provides rare access to the inner workings of the industry, direct engagement with senior executives shaping its future, and the opportunity to refine one’s personal brand while contributing to the evolution of the profession. It is a space where insights deepen, networks strengthen, and leadership potential is unlocked, regardless of one’s background, function, or title.
To date, as The Class of 2025, we have undergone transformative professional and personal development workshops, engaged in leading industry events, and participated in impactful initiatives. The most notable challenge is the task that we were given by IIG President Wilmine Prinsloo to raise funds for Taking Care of Business (TCB a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering individuals from previously disadvantaged backgrounds. TCB equips aspiring entrepreneurs with practical skills across the business value chain, from financial literacy and brand development to sales acumen and operational capability, while addressing the systemic issue of unemployment in a way that creates long-term generational impact. Should you wish to contribute and play a part towards a cause that is actively changing lives, kindly get in touch with any IIG representative.
Working alongside an exceptional cohort of young, driven IIG Class of 2025 candidates and accomplished visionary leaders on the IIG Council, I have witnessed firsthand the depth of the programme’s commitment to personal growth, professional excellence, and industry wide transformation. This is more than a leadership journey, it is a platform that cultivates critical thinking, encourages authentic collaboration, and expands both networks and horizons. The IIG Class of is intentional about shaping well-rounded, future-fit leaders who are not only equipped to take up space in boardrooms but are also deeply invested in transforming the insurance industry to greater heights.
Compliance became my unexpected gateway into insurance, and reinsurance became my new home. The IIG Class of program is not built exclusively for traditional insurance roles. It is built for those with curiosity, a desire to grow, and the courage to lead – no matter where their professional journey began. Whether you sit in HR, finance, legal, operations, or compliance, your voice matters! The program has shown me that leadership is not limited to those in technical mainstream roles but lives in those who choose to show up, engage meaningfully, and intentionally shape the future of our industry. Therefore, if you have ever wondered whether a platform like this is “for you”, let me be the one to say, with certainty and experience: It absolutely is!
Bongani Bright Mngomezulu | Reinsurance Manager – ABSA Insurance Company
