A COVER discussion with Chandre Stemmers, President of the Insurance Institute of the Western Cape (IIWC)

In an industry often defined by compliance, complexity and constant change, relevance is no longer a given, it’s earned. And increasingly, it’s being shaped not by legacy structures, but by those willing to challenge them.

In a recent COVER discussion with Chandre Stemmers, President of the Insurance Institute of the Western Cape (IIWC), this shift came into sharp focus. Her message is clear: the role of industry bodies, and by extension, the professionals within them, is evolving rapidly.

At the centre of this evolution is the IIWC’s 2026 theme: “Igniting Impact.” More than a tagline, it reflects a conscious move from maintaining tradition to actively redefining value, both for members and for the broader insurance ecosystem.  

Beyond CPD: the new value equation - For years, professional bodies have leaned heavily on Continuing Professional Development (CPD) as their primary value proposition. But in today’s saturated digital landscape, where webinars are abundant and information is commoditised, that’s no longer enough.

As Stemmers highlighted in the discussion, the IIWC is rethinking its education offering, moving away from static, policy-driven content toward real-time, market-relevant insights.  

From global events impacting reinsurance markets to emerging risks shaping underwriting decisions, the focus is shifting toward helping members understand what’s happening now, and how to respond.

This reflects a broader industry reality: knowledge is expected, context is what creates value.

From theory to practice: closing the experience gap - One of the more compelling themes from the conversation is the move toward experiential learning.

Workshops hosted in real operational environments are designed to bridge a long-standing gap in the industry: the disconnect between technical knowledge and real-world application.

As discussed with COVER, this approach is not about reinventing the wheel, but about making learning more practical, relevant and engaging.

It also broadens participation, bringing in not just leadership, but operational and support staff who play a critical role in the insurance value chain.

The implication is clear: the industry must move from theoretical competence to applied capability.

The democratisation of industry participation - Accessibility emerged as another key theme in the COVER discussion.

There is a growing recognition that industry engagement cannot be limited to senior professionals. The IIWC is actively working to include those who have traditionally been excluded, particularly individuals in back-office roles who may struggle to attend daytime events.

Flexible formats, after-hours engagements and more inclusive programming are all part of a broader effort to democratise participation and foster a stronger sense of industry belonging.

This is particularly relevant when considering younger professionals. While progress has been made, under-35s still represent a relatively small portion of membership, highlighting the need for more intentional engagement strategies.  

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