The Insurance Institute of South Africa (IISA) is proud to announce that its CEO, Thokozile Mahlangu, has been named the winner in the Women in Financial Services category at the prestigious 10th Annual Woman of Stature Awards South Africa.

The awards ceremony, held at the Indaba Hotel, Spa & Conference Centre, in Fourways, Johannesburg, celebrated exceptional women who are breaking barriers and driving change across various industries.

Mahlangu’s recognition in the Women in Financial Services category highlights her unwavering commitment to advancing the insurance sector and empowering professionals within the industry. Under her leadership, IISA has championed numerous skills development programmes and initiatives aimed at professionalising the sector and fostering growth and inclusivity in the local insurance landscape.

“This award is not just a personal milestone; it is a testament to the collective efforts of the IISA team and the strides we are making to transform the insurance sector. I am deeply honoured to be recognised among such phenomenal women who are shaping the future of South Africa,” says Mahlangu.

The Woman of Stature Awards, now in its 10th year, is a renowned platform that recognises and empowers South African women who excel in their fields while making meaningful contributions to their communities.

With over 700 nominations this year, the awards honoured 134 women across 14 categories, including education, media, engineering and financial services. The awards are more than a celebration – they are a movement dedicated to fostering mentorship, leadership and sustainability through initiatives like the Woman Rise Programme.

“At IISA, we believe that empowering individuals through education and skills development is key to building a resilient and inclusive insurance industry. This recognition inspires us to continue driving impactful initiatives that uplift professionals and communities alike,” says Mahlangu.

Mahlangu has overseen IISA’s efforts to launch several impactful programmes to address skills gaps and promote professional growth in the insurance sector. For example, IISA’s Youth Accelerator Programme (YAP) saw its first cohort of learners graduating earlier this year. IISA also encourages Continuous Professional Development (CPD) by offering workshops, seminars and online courses to ensure that industry practitioners remain up to date with the latest trends and regulations.

Additionally, IISA collaborates with other organisations to raise awareness about the importance of insurance as a tool for economic resilience, particularly for small and medium enterprises (SMMEs) and offers programmes aimed at equipping mid-to-senior-level professionals with strategic leadership skills to navigate the evolving industry landscape. These programmes director training, executive development, and technical insurance workshops.

“Being honoured at the Women of Stature Awards inspires me to dig deeper and work even harder to highlight the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in the industry. IISA will remain steadfastly committed to driving transformation and innovation in the insurance sector, ensuring that it continues to serve as a cornerstone of South Africa’s economic growth,” concludes Mahlangu.

IISA is a professional membership body committed to advancing knowledge, professionalism and ethical conduct in the insurance industry.