When I was 19, I took my first industry role as a council member in a small institute, for two main reasons. Firstly it was to pursue my passion for connecting, and secondly probably more powerful for me, was to follow our grandmother’s principles to always do something that benefits other people in some way; talk about hitting 2 birds with one stone. What I had no idea of was that this young journey would some years later lead me to the IIG council, and down the road the privilege of being the President.
Under the theme, #LinkUp, the year 2024 from a career, life and development perspective was the toughest and at the same time most rewarding and exciting year yet. 2024 a lot of new and awesome starts, one of which was leading one of the world’s largest insurance institutes. We had several great achievements last year and some of the notable highlights are:
- Corporate membership has now surpassed 100, with a 15% increase in membership fees income and a 7.9% growth in investments year on year.
- A remarkable achievement of over 6,000 cumulative CPD hours issued across all our educational programs, engaging individuals from 637 companies.
- Throughout the year, sold out events in record time, and we welcomed about 7,000 attendees and participants in our events and programs, both locally and internationally.
- We also experienced a significant 33% growth in followers across all our social media platforms.
- Through our CSI initiative run by the IIG Class of 2024, raised approximately R600,000 that went to 200 young beneficiaries in communities in need.
The common theme on all the above IIG accomplishments and a few others not listed is connectedness. My enthusiasm about connecting and #LinkingUp started at a young age and picking it as a theme was no coincidence. The idea was always about connecting, the only question was about how to capture it, so it sends the right message, but also easy to remember, hence #LinkUp. We were happy to see that it was well received locally, and had the Insurance Institute of London President also quoting it in his speech during our visit in London.
Last year reminded me of what I already knew; life is about collaboration, networks, and synergies. As an aside, one of the biggest hidden lessons, as I reflected on the year is that nothing great in the world has been accomplished without passion – Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel. We belong to an amazing industry and the most exciting part is knowing that I am not the only person passionate about it, there are many of us out there.
This would not be an article written by Bukhosi Khumalo without confirmation that I never get tired of mentioning that I attribute my greatest achievements to the people around me. To my wife and family, council, sponsors, partners, work colleagues, and the industry at large, the support made this all possible, and I am grateful. #LinkingUp is a lifelong journey because at a personal level I have seen and experienced its power and results. In my year as President, my wish was to invite the entire industry from the starters to the most experienced, to experience it with us, not because people do not know that already, but to highlight and amplify its influence through practical examples and experiences.
Whilst you will not see me as often this year, I have two more years to serve as an Exco Member on council behind the scenes, to help shape the future of the IIG serving under the next presidents, a role that I consider a privilege and honor. So, to all of you, thank you for your support and can confirm that the IIG will continue to grow from strength to strength as we constantly create a platform for professionals to Engage, Connect and Grow.
A small reminder from Helen Keller – “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much”.
Bukhosi Khumalo | Executive Head of Business Risk Solutions – OLEA
