PPS SUPPORTS ITS ACTUARIAL TRAINEES IN COMPLETING EXAMS WHILE EMPLOYED, PROVIDING A NATURAL PATH FOR LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT IN THE FIRST FEW YEARS.

Bertus Thomas

Group Executive: Actuarial Services, Executive Sponsor of the YLF

Getting a job is a significant challenge for young people in South Africa, with nearly half of the youth unemployed. Those employed, are encouraged to excel in their current roles and to continuously acquire new skills. Life happens, and should you lose your job, you will not only have experience but will have also developed additional skills that increase your employability. There is no excuse for any PPS employee to not continually develop themselves. PPS aims to accelerate leadership growth and equip individuals with the ability to manage complex roles and implement strategies through others, ultimately providing a career boost.

In my department, actuaries have ample opportunities for professional development, especially early on in their careers. PPS supports its actuarial trainees in completing exams while employed, providing a natural path for leadership development in the first few years. Actuaries are also required to meet continuous professional development standards, and PPS assists by offering opportunities such as attending international conferences. We also encourage self-driven development through reading, industry participation, and soft skill training.

The reasons we continue to invest heavily in our young talent as it is linked to our corporate values: it is the right thing to do; we encourage eternal curiosity; and we motivate our staff to take extreme ownership of their own development. South Africa spends 6.6% of its budget on education (way higher than the global average) and it shouldn’t go to waste. We carry this forward by supporting our young leaders, encouraging them to keep their passion, ask questions and share their challenges within this safe environment.

Our young employees are the ones bringing fresh ideas and solutions. In this way, our country and all who live here receives the return of our investment.

Youth leadership empowers individuals to take charge of their own lives and destiny while being productive and making a positive impact. Someone I know coined the “ME (Pty) Ltd.” concept – you are your own business. It emphasises personal growth, productivity, and self-investment. Individuals contribute to society’s overall progress and well-being by becoming the best versions of themselves.

As a Group Executive, it is a privilege (and very humbling) to witness the talent within our business and share my leadership journey to inspire young leaders to strive for excellence.