It has been a great honour to be a part of the 2026 IIG Roots and Wings Programme.
Representing Absa Insurance Company on one of South Africa’s most prestigious mentorship initiatives within the financial service industry is something I do not take lightly.
When I joined a few months ago, I knew where I wanted to go but not exactly how to get there. My aspiration is a career in Commercial Insurance and Reinsurance, specialising in technical underwriting and risk management. I wanted practical exposure, real industry insight and guidance from people who have actually done the ground work.
The programme delivers all of that and more. I am gaining knowledge that goes beyond theory. Every session challenges me to think differently, to ask better questions and to show up with purpose. I’ve also built genuine friendships and connections across the financial service industry. Meeting peers from different companies reminds me that we are all learning, growing and pushing toward the same standard of excellence.
The biggest highlight of my journey thus far has been my mentorship with Mr Colin Blane.
With over 50 years in the industry, Mr Blane is a master of the field where I want to build my career in. Being paired with him has been one of the greatest privileges of my professional life so far.
He doesn’t just teach me technical concepts, he shows me what professionalism looks like in practice. The discipline, the integrity and the way you carry yourself with clients and colleagues are essential. He shares lessons from across his career, including the mistakes and the wins that shaped him.
Mr Blane also broadens my perspective. His own international experience made me intentional about taking my career across the boarders. Being alongside him gives me a clearer understanding of the work ethic and commitment it takes to operate at a high level.
I leave every session with more belief in myself. I have no doubt that by the end of this programme I will be a much better professional and most importantly a much better person than when I started.
Thank you to everyone at the Insurance Institute of Gauteng for creating this platform, to Absa for choosing me to fly our company’s colours on this programme and to Mr Blane for his time, wisdom and guidance.
Roots and Wings | Mentee – Insurance Institute of Gauteng
Private Insure Underwriter – Absa Insurance Company
