Africa’s insurance leaders and industry experts gathered at Sun City from 29 July to 1 August 2018 to impart knowledge, learn and network at the African Insurance Exchange 2018 (previously the Southern African Annual Insurance Conference).
The conference was driven by various talks and presentations where delegates had the opportunity to engage with some of the world’s greatest insurance leaders and industry experts.
Training and skills development in the insurance industry was a popular topic throughout the conference.
Masifunde Training Centre, an accredited training provider that offers training to learners who wish to achieve qualifications and skills in the financial services sector, came to the party when it hosted a coaching and mentoring session – Make that choice interactive mentorship session.
The session was aimed at bridging the gap between young and old industry players, with a key message to attract and attain young talent through mentorship.
“Masifunde encourages mentorship,” commented CEO of Masifunde, Kershan Pillay. ‘Every day we need to be involved in knowledge exchange.” 
2018 Insurance Apprentice Winner, Noxolo Dlamini
The sassy 2018 Insurance Apprentice winner, Noxolo Dlamini, facilitated the session.
Mentors
Ten mentees had to compete against each other for a chance to get mentored by these industry giants:
Daryl de Vos – President of the IISA
Lizelle van der Merwe – CEO of the FIA
Thokozile Mahlangu – CEO of the IISA
Viviene Pearson – CEO of SAIA
Kershan Pillay – CEO of Masifunde Training Centre.
The mentees got involved in the 5 Seconds Rule game. Two mentees went up to the stage and were asked a set of questions each. They had to list three items in a category before the five-second timer ran out, and the one with the most correct answers won.
Playing for our CEO, Lizelle, were two young women smart and full of energy, both eager for the great opportunity to be mentored by Lizelle. With a close call, Gail of AIG won the challenge.
Before walking away, winners of the challenge had an opportunity to ask their mentors one question. Lizelle was asked to offer advice on how best to prepare for a meeting. Lizelle advised that one needs to be a jack of all trades in the industry and be open minded to the full experience, which can sometimes be a challenge. In preparing for a meeting, she said, “go in with an open mind, listen and engage.”
Mentees go head-to-head in the 5 Seconds Rule game
Winners of the mentee challenge with the CEO of IISA, Thokozile Mahlangu
