COVER Magazine

Join Tony from Cover as he speaks with Kgolagano Zaza Leola, the Head of Collections at Credit Guarantee Insurance Corporation. In this insightful conversation, Kgolagano shares her experiences and expertise, discussing the economy's current pulse, the challenges SMEs face, and the essential skills needed in the credit insurance industry. Kgolagano also provides a personal glimpse into her career journey, her passion for helping businesses navigate difficult times, and future aspirations for both her and the company. Learn about the misconceptions around credit guarantee insurance and the impactful role this corporation plays in supporting businesses across South Africa.

Join Tony from Cover as he interviews Nicola, a 2025 Certified FPI Financial Planner of the Year & Wealth Manager at Private Client Holdings. Nicola shares her excitement about the recognition, her motivation for entering the contest, the rigorous process involved, and her journey in financial planning. They discuss the importance of continuous learning, holistic financial planning, and the profession’s evolving nature. Nicola also reveals her passion for education and how her diverse background has enriched her career. Tune in for valuable insights into the standards and challenges faced by today's top financial planners.

In this episode of the Cover Mindshift Series, Tony interviews Omar Gemei, the head of Global Placement and Bowing at Marsh for India, Middle East, and Africa. Omar discusses the recent 4% decline in commercial insurance market rates as reported in the Q2 Marsh Global Insurance Index, attributing the decline to increased competition and higher market capacity. He highlights the specific trends in the South African market, noting even greater rate reductions for large, risk-managed clients due to competition between local and London wholesale markets. Additionally, Omar touches on the resilience of the EA region's casualty market compared to the US. He also explains the growing role of alternative risk financing through self-insurance and captive insurance, particularly among sophisticated, multinational companies. The discussion extends to the dynamic cyber insurance market, where increased competition and better understanding of risks have led to declining rates in South Africa. Omar addresses concerns about the industry's capacity to underwrite cyber risks, emphasizing the significant learning and experience gained over recent years.

n this interview, Tony from Cover speaks with Elke Brink, a wealth advisor at PSG Consult. Elke discusses her unexpected path to a career in finance, her educational journey, and the impact of earning her CFP designation. She shares insights on building client trust, particularly as a young female advisor, and the importance of continuous learning in the ever-changing financial landscape. Elke emphasizes the significance of starting early to build a client book and maintaining a holistic understanding of financial planning. The discussion also touches on the benefits of working with a reputable brand like PSG Wealth.

In this episode of the Mind Shift series, Tony interviews Jan-Hendrik, head of underwriting at Western National Insurance, about the challenges and importance of agricultural insurance. They discuss the current state of insurance penetration in the farming community, the evolving risks due to operational changes like diversification into processing and manufacturing, and the significance of full disclosure. The conversation emphasizes the crucial role of brokers in helping farmers understand and mitigate risks, ensuring comprehensive coverage and compliance with regulations. Specific issues such as non-disclosure, joint ventures, and the integration of new infrastructure like solar panels and cold storage are also covered.

Join Tony from Cover as he engages in a comprehensive discussion with Gavin Horne, a seasoned senior underwriter at R&SA, about the importance of risk surveys in the insurance industry. Throughout their conversation, Gavin sheds light on the intricacies of conducting risk surveys, the critical role they play in assessing and pricing insurance, and the responsibilities of insurers, brokers, and clients in this process. Gain valuable insights into how thorough risk assessments lead to better-informed underwriting decisions, improved insurance terms, and enhanced client relationships. Don't miss this in-depth exploration of one of the most vital aspects of modern insurance.

In this episode, Tony from Cover interviews Jeanette Marais, Group CEO of Momentum, discussing the company's exceptional financial results and strategic initiatives. Jeanette highlights the diversified success of Momentum's nine businesses, with notable achievements despite minor setbacks in Africa. The conversation touches on the company's impact strategy, emphasis on collaboration across business units, and efforts to grow its advice footprint. Jeanette also talks about the turnaround in the short-term insurance segment and shares insights into the future of the industry amid economic and political uncertainties. The interview underscores the importance of financial advice and Momentum's commitment to client-focused strategies.