Abdul Vally, CEO of Coface South Africa, says overcoming economic stagnation will depend on sustained structural reforms, credible policy execution, and business confidence, with trade credit insurance playing a key role in enabling companies to invest and grow despite uncertainty.
Mpumi Tyikwe, CEO of Sasria, says the insurer’s strong financial recovery and capital growth position it to expand its mandate, strengthen resilience, and better address emerging risks such as climate-related events and socio-economic shocks.
Allianz Trade has appointed Luke Morawitz as Country Manager for South Africa, effective 1 February 2026, while he retains his role as Head of Credit. A 14-year veteran of the business, Morawitz succeeds into the leadership role reporting to Luca Burrafato, Head of MMEA.
The Allianz Risk Barometer 2026 highlights cyber incidents as the top global risk for a fifth year, with AI surging to second place amid rapid adoption, while geopolitical tensions, regulation, and business interruption continue reshaping the global risk landscape.
As festive foot traffic surges, slip-and-fall risks rise, highlighting recent case law on liability in malls. A key judgment confirms that cleaning contractors aren’t liable for hazards they aren’t contracted to monitor, placing primary responsibility on mall owners and managing agents.
ASI Financial Services says improving financial literacy is key to breaking cycles of poverty in South Africa, highlighting the importance of savings, insurance, retirement planning and using employee benefits effectively to build long-term financial resilience.
Howard Freese, Certified Financial Planner® at Old Mutual Personal Finance, warns that lifestyle inflation and instant gratification prevent wealth creation, stressing that income growth only improves financial security when paired with disciplined saving, investing, and strategic financial planning.
Sean Hanlon, Co-founder of BrightRock, reflects on the company’s 15-year journey, highlighting its success in redefining life insurance through needs-based solutions, driven by innovation, strong belief in its purpose, and a commitment to adapting to customers’ evolving needs.
The Franc Wealth Index finds financial wellbeing in South Africa depends more on consistent habits like saving, budgeting and investing than income, with debt management and emergency savings identified as the most critical factors driving long-term financial stability and confidence.
Abdul Vally, CEO of Coface South Africa, says overcoming economic stagnation will depend on sustained structural reforms, credible policy execution, and business confidence, with trade credit insurance playing a key role in enabling companies to invest and grow despite uncertainty.
Mark Lacey and Alex Monk of Schroders say geopolitical tensions have exposed a structural global energy supply-demand imbalance, signalling a long-term investment cycle where energy equities may outperform as sustained demand growth and constrained supply drive higher prices and opportunities.
Phuti Senyatsi, Portfolio Manager at Sanlam Alternative Investments, says impact-driven financing is enabling Wetility to scale its clean energy solutions while creating inclusive employment, demonstrating how SMME investment can drive both economic growth and meaningful social impact in South Africa.
Jason Veitch, Head of Travel, Accident and Health at Santam Travel Insurance, says trip cancellation insurance protects travellers from financial loss on non-refundable bookings, providing critical cover when unforeseen events force cancellations, but requires careful understanding of inclusions, exclusions, and timely purchase.
Sophie Maggs, Head of Underwriting at Crawford Dougall, says limited participation of local insurers in major infrastructure projects is often due to how lender requirements are interpreted, highlighting the need for clearer alignment and collaboration to unlock local market capacity.
Thabo Twalo, Chief Underwriting Officer at Santam, says mixed-use property developments are driving strong growth in South Africa, offering security and convenience, but require specialised insurance understanding due to complex ownership structures and rising risks like climate-related damage.
Rudolf Britz, Chief Actuary at Momentum Insure, says businesses should avoid cutting insurance during economic pressure, as strong risk management and adequate cover are critical to resilience, enabling companies to withstand shocks, protect cash flow, and position themselves for long-term growth.
Thabo Twalo, Chief Underwriting Officer at Santam, says small maintenance oversights on farms can quickly escalate into major losses, emphasising that proactive upkeep and early intervention are critical to preventing costly damage and insurance claims.
Mamoeti Nosi, Product Head: Events at iTOO Special Risks, says comprehensive event insurance is essential for managing the complex risks of large-scale events like the Comrades Marathon, ensuring organisers can deliver safe, resilient and successful experiences despite unforeseen challenges.
The African Insurance Awards (AIA) 2026 will take place on 7 June 2026 in Cairo, celebrating excellence and innovation across the industry. Nominations are open until 13 April 2026 across categories including CEO, Insurance Company, Innovation, and InsurTech of the Year.
Webber Wentzel partners, say South Africa’s Draft National AI Policy marks a major shift toward formal AI regulation, urging organisations to strengthen governance, engage in public consultation, and prepare for a multi-regulatory, sector-specific compliance environment.
Lumetrade by Lumepay introduces institutional-grade digital asset infrastructure in Africa, enabling faster, transparent, and compliant cross-border transactions, addressing costly inefficiencies in traditional banking systems and positioning digital assets as a viable rail for value transfer across the continent.
Marriott Investment Managers says integrating AI into its investment process enhances analytical depth and efficiency, allowing analysts to focus on judgement and decision-making, while maintaining a disciplined, long-term dividend-focused philosophy supported by strong governance.
Andre Symes, CEO of Genasys, says the appointment of Hugh Hessing and Gavin Routledge strengthens the company’s leadership, bringing deep industry and strategic expertise to support its growth as a mid-market challenger in insurance technology.
Personalisation is evolving but remains underutilised. Andrew Solomon, Client Strategy Director at Achievement Awards Group, explores its challenges—data complexity, AI integration, and resource constraints. Despite these hurdles, businesses can start small, refine strategies, and gradually enhance customer engagement through tailored experiences.
Complaints are an inevitable aspect of running a business. Handling these customer grievances effectively is crucial, not only for maintaining a good relationship with the complaining customer but also for safeguarding your business’s reputation - especially in an era where social media can amplify an individual’s voice
Janeesha Ragubeer, Area Manager at Business Partners Limited, foresees a promising season ahead for South African small businesses, offering her insights on three actionable strategies to help them flourish this spring.
