When IIG president Jabulile Mtimkulu asked me to host the awards ceremony at the IIG Presidential Golf Day, my immediate response was simple: “Jabu, I know absolutely nothing about golf.”
Without missing a beat, her response was equally simple: “Google and YouTube are your friends.”
It was a light-hearted exchange, but it carried an important lesson. Opportunities do not always arrive when we feel fully prepared. Sometimes they arrive before we feel ready and in those moments, resourcefulness becomes one of our greatest assets. Whether in our careers, leadership roles or personal development journeys, the ability to learn quickly, adapt, and embrace unfamiliar territory is often what separates growth from stagnation.
As a complete newcomer to golf, the day came with a few unexpected lessons. Chief among them: book your golf cart in advance. Unfortunately, that memo reached me a little too late, which meant Pearl, Kholofelo, Mampoetsi and I enjoyed what I will diplomatically describe as a pleasant hike around parts of the course. While unintended, it certainly added to the experience and perhaps offered a deeper appreciation for just how much ground golfers actually cover.
Being new to golf also meant I spent a large part of the day asking questions. Thankfully, fellow council members Nande and Bukhosi were kind enough to patiently endure my curiosity and explain the finer details of the game – from concepts like Par 3s to how various scoring formats work. What started as casual lessons on the side of the fairway ended up helping me tremendously later in the evening during the prize-giving ceremony, where I at least sounded like I knew what I was talking about. Jokes aside, what became immediately clear is that the true value of the day had very little to do with understanding scorecards, Stableford formats or longest drives. It was about people.
Set against the beautiful backdrop of Copperleaf, the Presidential Golf Day brought together professionals from across our industry – insurers, brokers, partners, service providers and leaders – for something increasingly rare in today’s fast-paced world: genuine connection.
The insurance industry is often defined by technical expertise, strategic decision-making and performance metrics. These are, of course, essential. But events like this are a powerful reminder that industries are ultimately built on relationships.
One of the standout highlights for me was the incredible energy brought by the IIG Class of 2026. Positioned at their activation point, they brought infectious enthusiasm to the course, enthusiastically cheering participants on with chants of “Spin the wheel!“
Their presence added a vibrant energy to the day and perfectly reflected the spirit of engagement, fun and community that makes the IIG special.
Throughout the day, conversations unfolded naturally between long-standing colleagues reconnecting, new relationships forming and professionals from different parts of the market sharing insights in a more relaxed environment. There is something uniquely valuable about taking conversations out of boardrooms and into spaces where people can connect more authentically.
By the time the evening prize-giving began, the energy had shifted from competition to celebration.
As host for the evening, I had the privilege of helping bring that energy together.
Standing in front of a room full of respected industry professionals, I was reminded of the importance of confidence, preparation and being willing to say yes to opportunities that stretch us. Hosting is not simply about speaking into a microphone – it is about reading a room, creating momentum, acknowledging contributions and helping shape an experience people will remember.
Later that evening, I asked a few people in the audience for feedback. One of them was Daniel Weston. His response was simple, but profound:
“Nothing beats enthusiasm.”
And that was it. Not technical expertise. Not perfection. Not having all the answers. Enthusiasm.
Looking back on the day, that sentiment perfectly captured my experience. I arrived knowing very little about golf. I asked countless questions. I walked more of the course than I intended to. I relied on Google, YouTube and the kindness of others to help me learn. Yet despite my lack of golfing knowledge, I embraced the opportunity with enthusiasm and curiosity. Perhaps that is the real lesson.
Opportunities will often arrive before we feel fully ready. In those moments, resourcefulness helps us prepare but enthusiasm gives us the confidence to step forward.
I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to the IIG Council for creating platforms like these – not only for industry connection, but for professional growth and visibility. As someone who has personally benefited from initiatives such as Roots & Wings and now has the privilege of serving as a Council Ambassador, I have experienced first-hand the Institute’s commitment to developing people and strengthening our industry community.
And finally, I must confess after watching Dodge Sadiki confidently walk away with what felt like half the prize table, I found myself seriously reconsidering my relationship with golf. Perhaps there is something to this game after all.
My biggest takeaway? You do not need to understand golf to appreciate what the game creates: connection, conversation, community – and occasionally, the inspiration to take up a new hobby.
A sincere thank you to the organisers, sponsors, volunteers and every participant who made the day such a memorable success.
By John Beetha,
Council Ambassador: Finance & Stakeholder – Insurance Institute of Gauteng
Management Accountant – Santam
