As the search for South Africa’s next insurance trailblazer continues, The Insurance Apprentice 2025 (#TIA2025) shines a spotlight on one of the industry’s most urgent challenges: attracting fresh talent into the profession.

Episode 3, sponsored by INSETA, takes a bold, creative turn – asking: Can insurance be sold as a dream career to South Africa’s youth?

A challenge with purpose

As the industry faces a growing skills gap, the Top 9 contestants were tasked with an ambitious mission: inspire 18- to 20-year-olds to see insurance as a purposeful, exciting, and impactful career.

But there was a twist – this week’s presentations couldn’t rely on boring slideshows or corporate jargon. Instead, contestants had to craft engaging, storytelling-driven pitches that highlighted two scarce skills roles in the insurance industry, while connecting meaningfully with a live youth audience.

Youth judging the pitch

In a powerful reversal of roles, this week’s panel of judges included 18-year-olds who gave real-time feedback during the presentations. Watching remotely, the professional judging panel — Simon Colman (Head Judge and CEO of The Liability Company), Nox Dlamini (Co-judge), and Gugu Mkhize (CEO of INSETA) — evaluated the contestants on:

• Audience engagement
• Creativity and innovation
• Relevance and relatability
• Ability to communicate the importance of the roles they showcased

With the pressure on and no second chances, contestants were forced to dig deep, push creative limits, and prove they could not only understand the industry but inspire others to be a part of it.

The people, places, and partners making it happen

While the cameras focus on the drama and competition, a lot goes on off-screen to make #TIA2025 the powerhouse it is. This week, contestants were treated to a welcome dinner hosted by Bryte Insurance — a moment to relax, connect, and gear up for the challenge ahead.

Filming took place at the stunning Old Mutual offices in Sandton, providing the perfect stage for this high-energy episode. And keeping everyone well-rested and ready to shine? That’s thanks to Standard Bank Insurance Brokers, who provided top-notch accommodation for both contestants and judges throughout the show.

Who inspired – and who said goodbye?

As the judges deliberated and youth reactions poured in, one thing became clear: this episode wasn’t just about communication – it was about connection. But for one contestant, the journey ends here. Who rose to the challenge, and who couldn’t spark that essential spark?

Don’t miss the action

The Insurance Apprentice 2025 airs every Thursday at 19:00 on SABC 3, with repeats on Fridays at 14:00. Full episodes are also available on the SABC+ app, the TIA website, Facebook, and YouTube.

🎬 Episode Guide

·         17 July: The Big Elimination – Who makes the Top 10? (Discovery Insure)

·         24 July: Insuring SMMEs – Big ideas for small business (Aon South Africa)

·         31 July: Inspiring the Youth – Selling insurance as a dream career (Inseta)

·         7 August: Eight Days of Anarchy – Can tech prevent future unrest? (Sasria SOC Ltd)

·         14 August: City Synergy – Insuring a fictional mega development (SAUMA)

·         21 August: Insurance for All – Products for every South African (Old Mutual Insure)

·         28 August: Embedded Insurance – Making it fair and transparent (FSCA)

·         4 September: The Grand Finale – One winner. One title… (Santam)

This season, headlined by Sasria SOC Ltd, is packed with high-stakes challenges, close to R500 000 in prizes for the ultimate winner, and interactive viewer competitions – including cash giveaways and a R175 000 INSETA bursary.

Viewer competitions – Watch and WIN!

Join the excitement and win your share of amazing prizes:

·         Vote for your favourite contestant via WhatsApp and win R50 000

·         Answer the weekly question – related to the week’s episode, via WhatsApp, and win R5 000

·         In Episode 4 Sasria is giving away R20 000 – make sure you watch the episode!

·         INSETA bursary giveaway: stand a chance to win a R175 000 bursary in this episode!

All competitions run via WhatsApp. To enter, simply WhatsApp +27110876353, say “Hi” and follow the prompts.

Why it matters

More than just a competition, #TIA2025 tackles real industry issues head-on. The week’s episode, for example, highlights the urgent need to develop future-fit insurance professionals – and to start by changing how the next generation sees the industry.

This season offers:

• Real-world challenges
• Over R500 000 in prizes
• Weekly cash giveaways
• Opportunities to shape the industry’s future

Watch it. Live it. Be inspired. Be part of the journey – Thursdays at 7 PM and Fridays at 2 PM on S3.

For more details, visit: www.theinsuranceapprentice.co.za

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