The Insurance Institute of South Africa | Empowering Tomorrow’s Insurance Leaders

Business, and its leaders, have a particular responsibility to prioritize a focus on the youth of our country and Youth Month provides an opportunity to do just that.

There is consensus from thought leaders that a focus on the following key areas is needed to foster a stronger, more innovative, and resilient future workforce:

1. Empowerment through Education and Skills Development

Training Programs: Implement or support vocational training and skill development programs that align with industry needs.
Internships and Apprenticeships: Offer opportunities for hands-on experience in your business, providing young people with practical skills and insights into the industry.

2. Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Startup Support: Create initiatives to support young entrepreneurs, such as funding opportunities, mentorship programs, and incubators.
Innovation Challenges: Host competitions or hackathons to encourage creative solutions to industry problems, rewarding innovative ideas.

3. Job Creation and Employment Opportunities

Youth Employment Initiatives: Focus on creating job opportunities specifically for young people, with fair wages and growth prospects.
Career Fairs and Workshops: Organize events where young people can meet potential employers, learn about different career paths, and attend workshops on resume writing, interview skills, etc.

4. Mental Health and Well-being

Support Programs: Implement programs that focus on the mental health and well-being of young people, providing resources and support.
Work-life Balance: Promote a healthy work-life balance within your company culture, setting an example for young employees.

5. Community Engagement and Social Responsibility

Volunteering: Encourage young people to engage in community service and social responsibility projects.
Role Models: Highlight successful young leaders and entrepreneurs within the community to inspire and motivate others.

6. Digital Literacy and Access

Technology Access: Provide access to technology and internet resources, especially in underprivileged areas.
Digital Skills Training: Offer training in digital literacy and advanced IT skills to prepare young people for the modern workforce.

7. Celebrating Achievements

Awards and Recognition: Celebrate the achievements of young people in various fields, from academics to sports, arts, and community service.
Storytelling: Share success stories of young individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities or industries.

By focusing on these areas, business leaders can contribute to the holistic development of young people, helping them to become well-rounded, empowered, and successful individuals.

Enters the IISA Youth Accelerator Programme

In celebration of Youth Month, the Insurance Institute of South Africa (IISA) proudly unveils the second cohort of our Youth Accelerator Program. This initiative underscores our commitment to advancing the insurance profession by consistently delivering high-quality programs that foster skills development in the industry.

At IISA, we recognize that the future of our industry hinges on the talent we cultivate today. Our Youth Accelerator Program represents a transformative journey designed to bridge the skills gap and address the critical issue of youth unemployment in South Africa. We firmly believe in the power of education and opportunity to effect positive change and drive innovation within the industry.

During this Youth Month, we proudly introduce 15 exceptional young individuals selected for the second cohort of our Youth Accelerator Program. These learners embody the bright future of our industry, chosen for their exceptional potential, resilience, and dedication to making a positive impact in their communities and the broader insurance landscape.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Sasria and Absa Life for their generous sponsorship, which has made this program possible. Additionally, we thank GIFS for their invaluable support in facilitating this initiative. Their collaboration is pivotal in equipping these young leaders with the necessary tools for success.

The program's tagline, "Empowering Tomorrow's Industry Leaders Today," encapsulates our vision. We are committed to nurturing young talent and equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in the ever-evolving insurance landscape. By focusing on holistic development, real-world application, innovation, and sustainability, we are preparing our learners to tackle the challenges of the future.

The IISA Youth Accelerator Program is designed to bridge the skills gap within the insurance sector. Through hands-on learning experiences and real-world exposure, our goal is to cultivate well-rounded professionals who are prepared to make meaningful contributions to the industry. This initiative also addresses the pressing issue of youth unemployment by providing young people with a pathway to stable, fulfilling careers.

Creating meaningful impact starts with taking small steps, but together, as an industry, we can achieve profound results. We invite our industry partners to join us in this innovative journey. Your support and collaboration are essential in expanding this program and reaching more young talents. If you or your organization are interested in partnering with IISA, please contact Tumisang Moduke, IISA Chief Revenue Officer, at tumisang@iisa.co.za.

The launch of the second cohort of the IISA Youth Accelerator Program during Youth Month marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to advance the insurance profession.