Tandiwe Cimela, Executive of ELITE Risk Acceptances, says sustainable business success is built on consistency, accountability and sound judgement, emphasising that while technology enhances efficiency, strong leadership and disciplined decision-making remain essential to long-term resilience.
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.
John Gilchrist, Chief Investment Officer at PSG Asset Management, says market volatility driven by geopolitical shocks reinforces the importance of disciplined, long-term investing, with well-diversified, stress-tested portfolios better positioned to manage risk and capture opportunities.
Keith Peter, Advice Manager at Old Mutual Personal Finance, says the upcoming COFI Bill presents a major opportunity for IFAs, encouraging early preparation to leverage its flexible, outcomes-based framework, strengthen client-centric practices, and build competitive advantage through improved governance and partnerships.
Zanele Zungu, Advisory Associate at Citadel, says the first 90 days after a career transition are critical, urging individuals to stabilise finances, avoid emotional spending, adjust lifestyles, and protect retirement savings to prevent long-term financial setbacks.
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.
Craig Mockford, CEO of Prescient Fund Services, says the Prescient Freedom Paddle reflects a commitment to consistent, purpose-driven impact, supporting ocean conservation and funding life-changing surgeries while reinforcing the importance of long-term sustainability and community support.
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.
Tandiwe Cimela, Executive of ELITE Risk Acceptances, says sustainable business success is built on consistency, accountability and sound judgement, emphasising that while technology enhances efficiency, strong leadership and disciplined decision-making remain essential to long-term resilience.
Sam Nkosi, Chief Information Officer at Santam, says the company’s full migration of its core insurance platform to the cloud enhances resilience, scalability and innovation, enabling faster service, improved reliability and better long-term customer outcomes.
Xolani Nxanga, Managing Executive for Microinsurance at Guardrisk, says microinsurance cell captives are expanding access to affordable insurance by lowering capital requirements and enabling businesses to offer simple, cost-effective cover to underserved markets.
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.
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.
