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.
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.
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.
Nicola Langridge, Wealth Manager at Private Client Holdings, says in times of market uncertainty, financial success depends less on reacting to noise and more on having a trusted adviser, clear goals, and a disciplined plan that enables confident, long-term decision-making.
Therèse Havenga, Head of Business Transformation at Momentum Savings, says lasting financial success depends not on fleeting motivation but on consistent discipline and skill, supported by habits, systems and accountability that drive sustainable progress toward long-term goals.
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.
Mark Phillips, Head of Portfolio Management and Analytics at PPS Investments, says rising inflation driven by higher fuel and utility costs may delay rate cuts, with central banks likely to remain cautious and potentially hike rates if inflation pressures persist.
Reza Hendrickse, Portfolio Manager at PPS Investments, says the global outlook has weakened due to the Middle East conflict and oil shock, increasing stagflation risks and delaying rate cuts, while South Africa’s improving economic trajectory now faces renewed inflation and external pressures.
Izak Odendaal, Investment Strategist at Old Mutual Wealth, says despite repeated global crises and market volatility, long-term investors are best served by staying invested, as markets recover quickly and missing key rebound periods can significantly reduce overall returns.
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.
Dipesh Radia, Chief Commercial Officer at Momentum Insure, says insurance policies can become outdated through gradual life changes, urging policyholders to regularly review cover to ensure it accurately reflects evolving assets, lifestyles, and risk profiles.
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.
