By: TIH

Despite its transformation into an industry dominated by all the buzzwords that excite students (AI, data, digital innovation, personalised solutions and customer centric, omni-channel engagement), the insurance industry is facing a critical talent and skills shortage.

To attract a new generation of talent to the insurance industry and empower South African youth, TIH, the holding company of some of South Africa’s leading financial service providers, have launched a bursary programme with several universities.

“The insurance industry has a perception issue – one that can be overcome if students understand and are exposed to the advances made in the industry.  With our bursary programme, we hope to change the somewhat antiquated notions about the insurance industry, source our leaders and innovators of tomorrow and showcase that the insurance industry of today offers a wide range of exciting career paths,” says Nonkululeko Maninjwa, Head of Transformation at TIH.

The TIH bursary programme was open to full time students aged between 18 and 35 who are registered or accepted to study at the University of Limpopo, the University of the Western Cape, North West University and the University of Zululand, for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies.

“We received just under 1000 applications for this Bursary Programme.  After a gruelling review process, we selected 30 outstanding and deserving recipients.  These scholars, studying degrees including BSc. Actuarial Science, BSc Mathematical Science, BCom Accounting Science and BSc Computer Science are one step closer to achieving a future they have worked so hard to earn, and so rightly deserve.

“We are proud to play our part in helping these Bursary recipients achieve their academic potential and have no doubt that this will have a lasting impact on their careers, their communities and our country as a whole,” concludes Maninjwa.