10 February 2025
The South African Insurance Association (SAIA)
A Fully Funded Initiative to Foster Skills Transfer and Leadership Development in the Insurance Industry
The South African Insurance Association (SAIA) is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the Retiree Repurposing Programme (RRP) 2025, an initiative developed in collaboration with the Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority (INSETA), Financial Intermediaries Association (FIA), and the Insurance Institute of South Africa (IISA).
This fully funded 12-month mentorship programme, sponsored by INSETA, has been established to address the persistent skills shortage in South Africa’s non-life insurance industry by facilitating structured mentorship and knowledge transfer between experienced retirees and emerging professionals.
Addressing Critical Industry Skills Gaps
The non-life insurance sector is currently facing a shortage of expertise in key areas, including marine, engineering, agricultural crop insurance, and non-motor loss adjusting. Through this structured mentorship programme, the Retiree Repurposing Programme seeks to address these challenges by leveraging the wealth of knowledge and leadership experience of semi-retired and recently retired professionals.
Programme Objectives and Key Features
The programme is designed to foster professional development through:
• Technical skills transfer: Sharing industry knowledge and best practices (i.e., hands-on approach for a deeper understanding on technical aspects).
• Leadership development: Equipping mentees with essential leadership capabilities (i.e., leadership and management experts procured in addition to the mentor’s guidance on technical matters).
• Soft skills enhancement: Supporting holistic professional growth (i.e., an online system procured offering over 100 soft skills to mentees in addition to the above mentioned).
The initiative is fully funded by INSETA, ensuring that there are no costs to participating companies or individuals.
Eligibility Requirements
Mentor Applicants (Retirees):
• Semi-retired or retired within the last three years
• Extensive technical expertise in any field of insurance or reinsurance
• Proven technical and leadership experience
• Availability to meet (in person or virtually) at least twice per month with their assigned mentee
Mentee Applicants (Junior to Middle Managers):
• A minimum of five years’ experience in the non-life insurance industry
• Currently employed at a junior or middle management level
• Affiliation with a SAIA, FIA, or SAUMA member company
• Strong commitment to professional growth and leadership development
Important Dates
• Application Deadline: 28 February 2025
• Programme Commencement: April 2025
Application Process
Eligible individuals are encouraged to click HERE to register for this transformative opportunity that aims to shape the future of South Africa’s insurance sector.
Registration Link: https://my.togetherplatform.com/loginorganizationId=YyOe2sycxoGp2YnfBUTm&isRegistration=true&programId=gpotw3hOisGjxOugepgF
About the Partners
The Retiree Repurposing Programme is a joint initiative led by SAIA, INSETA, FIA, and IISA, reflecting their shared commitment to addressing industry challenges through innovation, collaboration, and professional development.
