Due to the technological advancements, catalysed by the COVID-19 Pandemic the need for InsureTech and the demand placed on the Information Sciences & Technology (IST) sector is the highest it has ever been. As a result of this, the IST programme is best suited and positioned to address some of the challenges that have been raised.
The IST sector is currently experiencing a “pressure pot” dynamic to perform because of a few factors, some of which are:
- The demand for the insurance sector to embrace the 4th Industrial Revolution increases
- The consumer demand increases for platform-based interactions
- Organisational demands for real time information and insights to ensure better service delivery and to enhance cyber security increases as we traverse the digital unknown
This internationally benchmarked Proramme is the first one of its kind for both the IIG and is aimed at covering the following
- Addressing the current needs of the Financial Services Industry and is aimed at gearing the IST professionals toward using technology as the solution to address our industry pain points
- Aims to cover the STI industry from a MACRO perspective (global & local view).
- Fast-tracking the immersion of IST graduates into the insurance industry, promoting quick tangible outputs.
- Creates a sustainable workforce and platforms for innovation, allowing the industry to scale through technology.
The soft launch and orientation was done on 28 May 2021 where there was 100% attendance by the learners (23 learners onsite & 2 online). The leaners Expert Preparations session was run successfully on 1 June 2021. All learners had to review the Insurance Industry and prepare questions that would support understanding of current challenges in the STI Industry. Learners are very excited to get time with such experienced experts and plan to capitalise on this session. Learners were split into groups of 5 and there is a captain/leader for each. We have a group of very high energetic and enthusiastic learners
The grand launch was then done on 08 June 2021 where attendance was great. Besides the IIG and GIFS speakers, there were speakers who are experts within the underwriting, claims, reinsurance, sales and risk management. It was a very eventful day where the learners were motivated and given the reason to give to the programme as much as they will learn in order to make a difference in the insurance industry through the use of IST.
The IST facilitator for the day was non other than Mr. Forest Hill.
Due to the current circumstances, the next course will be take place virtually, on the 6th July, which is titled building corporate athletes with seasoned industry specialists from OutSurance and Elite Risk Acceptances.
The list of the first cohort on the programme below:
| NAME | DESIGNATION AND COMPANY | |
| 1 | Andani Joyce Nemakanga | IT application and Infrastructure Support Graduate Sasria SOC LTD |
| 2 | Asif Mahomed Hoosen | MiWay Insurance |
| 3 | Brenden Draper | GENRIC Insurance |
| 4 | Danièlle Antoinette van der Merwe | Salvage Co-ordinator CIB Insurance |
| 5 | Geoff Brookstein | Tracker |
| 6 | Israel Lestshela Mphako | Get Smarter -UCT Partnership |
| 7 | Keokopile Motshidisi Mosia | Application Support Intern at Sasria SOC Limited |
| 8 | Lerato Mohlala | Systems Tech at The Insurance Institute of South Africa |
| 9 | Lord Mahlahle Kgasago | Field Service Engineer at Old Mutual Insure |
| 10 | Lubabalo Ndobe | Altron Systems Integration |
| 11 | Mahlatse Constance Nhlapo | IT Business Analyst – Business System Management department, Munich Reinsurance of Africa Ltd |
| 12 | Million Maringa | Data Manager & Support at Infiniti Africa |
| 13 | Mohamed Reza Abdul Gaffar | System Support Consultant – Nedbank Insurance |
| 14 | Mr Irshaad Mc Donald | BA (Discovery) |
| 15 | Nicholas Naidoo | Business Analyst, Nedbank Limited |
| 16 | Ntombifuthi Mkhonza | Intermediate Feature Analyst at Old Mutual Insure |
| 17 | Peter Rashaya | Database Administrator and Database Developer at SASRIA |
| 18 | Phumzile Nxumalo | IT Technical Consultant. Aon |
| 19 | Samkelo Mndaweni | System Analyst – Standard Bank Insurance Brokers |
| 20 | Senelisiwe Nqadini | Commission Specialist. Miway Insurance |
| 21 | Thabiso Edwell Dibakoane | Systems Specialist, GENRIC Insurance Company |
| 22 | Thandeka Khoza | Constantia Insurance Company Limited |
| 23 | Thapelo Mothemane | Old Mutual Insure |
| 24 | Tshilidzi Ratshilumela | Old mutual Insure |
| 25 | Vuyiswa Ogone Anita Mlelwana | Software Test Analyst at Digital Solution Foundry |
Article written by Bukosi Khumalo and Antonia Oakes
