Gardening 101

Gardening Edition Mix & Mingle, proudly sponsored by Camargue.

Guest speaker Claire Reid, Founder and CEO of Reel Gardening, shared some tips on the ins and outs of gardening.

REEL GARDENING GURU

In 2002, at the age of 16, Claire Reid found herself sitting in her vegetable garden with a tape measure between her knees and centimeter marks drawn on her fingers. She knew that she wanted to grow vegetables. However, she soon became frustrated by the wastage of seed and fertiliser and her inability to get the seed to stay in the soil at the correct depth and distance apart.

She asked her nanny, Meggi, to help her with this overwhelming task by holding the seed packet and passing her the seeds while explaining the instructions on the back of the packaging. Meggi was unable to instruct Claire on how to plant the seed as the instructions were only in English and contained mathematical language that Meggi was not able to understand. It was at this point that Claire decided she needed to create a way to both plant and keep the seeds and nutrients in the soil at the correct depth and distance apart, a form of planting that needed no mathematical or English education to understand, a form of planting that was simple, effective and easy to do in a short period of time. And Reel Gardening was the solution.

Reel Gardening was designed to be handmade by previously unemployed mothers to be able to make a positive social impact.

Reel Gardening created their very own seed tape, a really unique and easy way of creating and managing home gardens.

During the Virtual Mix ‘n Mingle the ladies found out more on how to use this really great design. Reel Gardening supplied Checkers with their “Little Garden” promotion, so you know how simple it is! Do you know what to plant when? Well Claire has made it so simple – visit the online store https://reelgardening.co.za/ and look how simple it is!

For any companies out there, Claire has wonderful social impact projects (https://reelgardening.co.za/social-impact/) that corporates can get involved in! We as GWII will most certainly add Reel Life NPC into our supporting charity box!

LUCKY DRAWS

During the course of the Mix & Mingle Virtual Gardening Edition, some ladies won a few lucky draw prizes. Thank you to our prize sponsors:

•Camargue – sponsored three windowsill gardens from Reel Gardening;

•CIA Building Insurance Specialists – sponsored two Karykase Yuppie Gift picnic baskets, each worth R1 100; and

•Chubb – sponsored a hamper filled with goodies to the value of R500.

Thank you, Camargue, for sponsoring our first virtual Mix & Mingle Gardening Edition. And thank you Claire, you are an inspiration to us all – no wonder you keep the likes of Richard Brandson in your company.

And to all the ladies who attended the session, we hope you found some useful tips to help you grow your own gardens.

Happy planting.

GWII Year End: Retro in Lumo

OUTDOOR DRIVE-IN ROADHOUSE EXPERIENCE

Hosted at The Roadhouse Restaurant Drive-In, at the Kyalami Equestrian Park, the theme of the event was centred around an outdoor drive-in roadhouse experience.

On arrival, guests were provided with face masks, sponsored by Genasys. The guests were then treated to welcome drinks sponsored by One Financial.

Welcoming members, GWII President, Catherine Pienaar, reflected on the year that was, and what GWII members can expect in 2021.

With a photo booth, sponsored by Genasys, the ladies then snapped away and captured the fun, while listening to lively music.

LUCKY DRAWS

Having indulged in a delicious dinner, it was then time for prize giving. A few lucky ladies walked away with prizes donated by sponsors. We would like to thank the sponsors who contributed to the prizes.

•Allianz sponsored four bottles of Moet & Chandon Champagne

•Auto & General sponsored a Takealot voucher to the value of R1000

•CIA Building Insurance Specialists sponsored four Le Creuset gifts

•Chubb sponsored a Milex Nutriblender valued at R1000

•Crawford & Company sponsored a massive Prosecco Hamper filled with glasses, two bottles of bubbly and some other yummies value at R1200

•Discovery Insure sponsored two picnic backpack bags filled with goods

•Emerald sponsored a hamper filled with a Crabtree & Evelyn Hand Collection cream and a pack of playing cards and dominoes

•HIC Underwriting Managers sponsored two Swarovski pens valued at R500 each

•Hollard Insure sponsored two Yuppiechef vouchers valued at R1000 each

•Innovation Group sponsored four Body Shop hampers

•King Price sponsored a beautiful pamper hamper filled with towels, branded goodies, shampoo and snacks

•Lloyd Warwick International sponsored a make-up hamper

•MUA Insurance sponsored three diffusers

•One Insurance sponsored a Silver Filigree Heart and Round Cubic Charm valued at R900

•Paton Personnel sponsored a midweek night's stay for two, at Hornbill Lodge and Legends valued at R1000

•Santam sponsored two travel mug sets

A night at the movies, of course, is not complete without some popcorn, candy floss and slush puppies, so thank you Swiss Re Corporate Solutions for the yummie treats!

Thank you MUA Insurance, for sponsoring our photographer for the night!

A CHARITABLE CAUSE

As customary, members were asked to bring along a R100 cash donation for the nominated charity, which was You and Me versus MND, in memory of Kevin Jordan.

We would like to thank each one of you for your donation.

THANK YOU

GWII would like to thank main sponsor Camargue, and co-sponsors Chubb, Emerald, Genasys, Guy Carpenter, Leppard, Marsh, MUA Insurance, One Financial, Praesidio Risk Managers, Sintelum and Swiss Re Corporate Solutions, without them this would not have been possible.

And lastly, to all GWII members thank you for attending this event. Until our next event, we wish you have a wonderful and safe festive season, and a blessed 2021.

GWII: Golf Day 2020

Getting together with the ladies for a round of golf is a great way to mix exercise and friendly competition. Whether you choose to play for prizes or just for fun, these games add an interesting twist to your day on the links.

Starting play

On arrival players were supplied with golf shirts, sponsored by Clyde & Co, welcome goody bags filled with pitch repairers, golf balls and water sponsored by Auto & General, white caps sponsored by Everinghams, and golf balls sponsored by GuardRisk. To adhere to Covid-19 protocol, players were supplied with masks, sponsored by Camargue.

The players were also treated to a goody bag, sponsored by Constantia, filled with a sleeve of Gary Player golf balls, a golf cap, golf towel and golf pencil.

Lathered in sunscreen, sponsored by Digicall, the players enjoyed a selection of light refreshments, before heading out onto the greens.

GWII always supports a charity and for this event members were asked to arrive in a golf shirt which they were willing to donate to charity.

Relaxed ending

What a fun day! As players came off the field, they were asked to putt (where the putt was 25 meters) and if a person got the putt in the hole, they would win R25 000 in cash from SHA Risk Specialists.

Frozen popsicles, sponsored by iTOO and a gin bar, sponsored by Camargue, was a hit after a warm day in the sun. The day ended off with a cocktail and prize giving session, followed by scrumptious eats and treats, including hot canapes and a dessert station.

Awarded efforts

Category winners included all the 4-ball groups. Prizes were also given for nearest the pin and the longest drive. Thank you to all our prize sponsors:

WINNERS

Winners - Discovery sponsored four advanced driving course vouchers to the value of R2160 each

2nd place - Hollard sponsored four Takealot vouchers to the value of R1000 each

3rd place - Digicall sponsored four hamper prizes worth R2400 each

4th place - King Price sponsored Sorbet Vouchers to the value of R300 and a goodie bag

5th - African Frontier Risks gave away four cash prizes to the value of R500 each

6th - Auto & General sponsored four goodie hampers

7th - Genasys sponsored a bottle of perfume for each player

8th - GWII sponsored four Takealot Vouchers to the value of R500 each

9th - iTOO sponsored a set of Crystal glasses for each player

10th – Oaktree sponsored hampers filled with photo frames, hip flasks, torches and multi-tools

LUCKY DRAW PRIZES

Closest to the pin won a R1000 Takealot voucher, sponsored by FAnews, and the longest drive (Tammy Kumleben) won a R2 500 cash prize sponsored by King Price. Deborah Viney won the Wickhams Retreat three-night mid-week break valued at R3 600.

Kevin Janse van Rensburg and Liana Potgieter also walked away with Takealot vouchers to the value of R500 each, sponsored by Hollard.

Following a lucky draw, a grand prize for the evening saw Toni Egglestone walk away with a CamiRocks Fine Jewellery range voucher, sponsored by Fulgeo Diamonds, to the value of R10 000.

Two more lucky draw winners, Corne Coertze and Sanelisiwe Mpofu, each won an Emerald Hamper filled with Crabtree & Evelyn Hand Collection creams and card games.

Thank you sponsors

GWII would like to thank main our sponsors Auto & General, Camargue and Clyde & Co, and co-sponsors Everingham, Fixico, Leppard, Tracker and Horizon Underwriting Managers as this event would not have been possible without them.

GWII would also like to thank all the members who took part in this fun day… it was a lovely day indeed!

GWII Leaderwalk: (Hu)manifesto

The Leaderwalk concept nurtures the advancement of senior management and aspiring leaders by providing a platform to share expertise, master skillsets and cement networks within the Insurance industry.

Our speaker for the event was Andy Golding - a leading Employee Experience specialist, the co-founder of Still Human and was named one of South Africa's “Top 50 Businesswomen to Watch in 2018” by Entrepreneur Magazine.

The event's theme was chosen in light of the Great Re-think movement of how we organise ourselves, our teams and our businesses. “(Hu)Manifesto” is based on the fundamental human drive that we crave authentic connection, not constant connectivity. With the emergence of mega trends in the employee experience, is it fleeting? Or will it endure into the future? Our attendees had some strong views on the matter!

Both the keynote address and breakaway discussions brought about a robust discussion on how we can and should move into a ‘Better Normal'.

We thank our VIP breakaway facilitators for co-hosting this event with us:

Christine Rodrigues (Bowmans )

Claudia Figueira (Camargue)

Leslie Mitchell (Camargue)

Nicky Eveleigh (Marsh)

Peter Links (Marsh)

Prisha Bhoola (Lireas)

Sandra Hutchison (Genasys)

Simon Colman (SHA)

Simon Smith (Guy Carpenter)

Sungeetha Sewpersad (Old Mutual Insure)

Valerie Hayter (Lireas)

This event would not be possible without the continued support of our sponsors - Camargue, Genasys, Lireas, Guy Carpenter, Marsh, Old Mutual Insure and Willis Towers Watson.

The next GWII Leaderwalk is scheduled for March 2021. Watch this space!

GWII Presents GLAM UP Makeup Masterclass with Raeesah Shah

With that being said, Gauteng Women in Insurance (GWII) hosted an exclusive Makeup Masterclass, sponsored by A McLarens Company, with Raeesah Shah on Wednesday 30 September.

Learning about new things in the realm of beauty, the ladies engaged in an interactive online tutorial that included basic to advanced makeup applications with the latest tips, tricks and trends.

GWII and IIG celebrate LOVE and LAUGHTER during lockdown

With the theme ‘Love and Laughter during lockdown', Gauteng Women in Insurance (GWII), in collaboration with the Insurance Institute of Gauteng (IIG), hosted a Women's Day webinar… because we have to have some LOVE & LAUGHTER during LOCKDOWN!

The order of the day

With Emerald Risk Transfer as the main sponsor, and Camargue Underwriting Managers, Discovery, Genasys Technologies, Marsh, Santam and Sasria SOC Ltd as co-sponsors, the event boasted the perfect ambience for a Women's Day celebration… right in the very comfort of our own homes!

GWII President, Catherine Pienaar, opened the session with a welcome and reminder of what we were celebrating, thanking all sponsors with an introduction of Trevor Gumbi, a South African comedian, writer and actor best known as co-host (and voice over artist) of the Mzansi Magic entertainment magazine show Headline.

Gumbi had the audience in giggles as he covered the antics of lockdown madness with kids in just the right proportions.

Tshepiso Chocho, Deputy President for the IIG, then opened up the panel discussion with career driven women Henriete Senekal, Chief Executive of PSG Short Term Adminiostration, Tashniva Angadh, Business Development Managar at Hollard Insure and Thokozile Mahlangu, CEO of the Insurance Institute of South Africa (IISA).

Gender based violence

Gender based violence is a real issue we are facing in our country. “Let's make noise about it, so things can change,” said Chocho.

“The situation in South Africa is devastating, nightmarish and heart breaking. It is a serious crisis. There has to be a targeted approach on government effort to eradicate this level of violence with women. There are a lot of factors at play. There has to be a coming together with experts, the community and active concerted effort from government to eradicate this crisis. It falls on all citizens. The solution is not one sided,” said Angadh.

“It is important that we help educate people. The vulnerable are the hardest hit. It's never been a better time than now for women to seize the moment and help society by sharing their stories,” said Senekal.

We need to get to the root cause and empower women to speak out and express what is happening. Women take a dormant approach but we have to speak out, seek out people who can help us, that we can confide in and walk the journey with,” said Mahlangu.

“We are in a period of change and we can only hope for change,” said Choco.

Career driven women

When asked what her three success habits are Mahlangu said, “Never stop learning, continuously empower yourself. Apply the knowledge you have learned. Try it out, allow yourself to fail, get up and try again. Success is a journey. You don't wake up to success. Stretch yourself, allow yourself to fail and continue.

Senekal said the barriers to success is that women tend to be agreeable. “We need to learn to speak up for what we stand for. Work hard, learn, keep up with news and trends… it will widen your knowledge, you will be more confident and you will speak with authority. Choose wisely when making career choices and which company you will work for. Choose a job for long term success.”

Angadh said women are already wired to deal with change and challenges. We have the ability to multitask. We just have to take charge, insert ourselves in decision making roles and take opportunities.

A virtual experience

Chocho then called on eight volunteers to participate in an online interaction with one of the TOP mentalists in the world. Larry Soffer, with his unique capabilities to read minds, predict thoughts and show other mentalism effects, engaged the women in a virtual experience. The ladies each received a R250 Takealot Voucher for their efforts and participation.

Lucky draws

Attendees had to social media #IIG_GWII_LLL to stand a chance to be entered into the lucky draw prizes. Salome Van Der Mooren, Office Manager of the IIG, then thanked all the generous prize sponsors, who made many hearts happy. Van Der Mooren and Wilmine De Ridder, GWII Committee members then had the joyful task of announcing the winners of the lucky draw prizes. The sponsors were:

1. Bair Recruitment Group sponsored one portrait photo session to the value of R 5 000 (including make-up artist)

2. CIA Building Insurance Specialists sponsored two Crossbody bags valued at R950 each

3. Clyde & Co sponsored a Nougart hamper

4. Cyan Re, The Digital Forensic Lab sponsored a R500 Placecol voucher

5. Emerald Risk Transfer gave away two Takealot vouchers valued at R1000 each

6. Everinghams Inc. gave away a bluetooth speaker/headphones

7. Lloyds Warwick sponsored one L'Oréal hamper

8. Thatch Risk Acceptances sponsored a R350 Sorbet voucher

And for the grand prize giveaway… drum roll PLEASE!!! GWII and IIG gave away an all-inclusive 2 night's accommodation package at the 5* Tshukudu Bush Lodge worth R30 000. This includes welcome drinks on arrival, all meals and two daily safari activities.

Charity initiative

In the closing speech Carla Jordan, immediate Past President IIG & a Founding Member of GWII thanked sponsors, panel members and all the ladies for taking part in the webinar. She mentioned that the IIG and GWII will be donating all surplus from this event to the IIG Academic Programme, which this year is in partnership with GIFS and MTN, and supported by SASRIA, Hannover Re, Guidewire and Bryte.

This year is the start of a class which will end with 300 students going through the programme which provides an insurance qualification, RE, business professionalism courses and interview skills to empower youth from specifically under-privileged backgrounds, and to grow the insurance talent base.

Thank you

GWII would like to thank the main sponsor Emerald Risk Transfer, and co-sponsors Camargue Underwriting Managers, Discovery, Genasys Technologies, Marsh, Santam and Sasria SOC Ltd, for their sponsorship and support for this event. Without them this would not have been possible.

And lastly, to all GWII members… remember Love and Laughter is the best medicine during this time of uncertainty. Continue to find inspiration in each of your success stories.

GWII: Lessons learnt from COVID-19

Boasting a jam packed session with just over 500 GWII members, guest speaker Thabile Nyaba, Chief Risk Officer at Old Mutual Insure touched upon the lessons learnt from Covid-19. Key take-away points were that collaboration and precision in decision making are things that are embedded in us – we need to plug them into the day-to-day operations of our businesses; risk management and compliance are critical aspects of organisations in guiding decision making and enabling business; there are relationships between government and industries that have been created and should be leveraged on going forward, to solve many of South Africa's fundamental problems; innovation and digitalisation has been fast-tracked due to Covid-19 and as an industry, we need to take advantage of that by improving our processes and responding to the changing customer needs, behaviours and expectations; the best way to predict the future is to create it – we have an opportunity to look beyond Covid-19 and create what we want to see as individuals, organisations, industries and the country. Solving an unprecedent crisis requires unprecedented ambition. “The best way to predict the future is to create it”, Abraham Lincoln.

Gauteng Women In Insurance - Leaderwalk 1

Our guest speaker, Brad Shorkend, is a futurist and business agitator helps business leaders build relevant businesses and exceptional work experiences for human beings in a world that has gone digital crazy.

We thank our below table hosts for accepting our challenge to facilitate two roundtable discussions:

Andrew Munro - Managing Director of Praesidio Risk Managers

Catherine Naidoo - Executive for Product, Underwriting and Pricing at Innovation Group

Claudia Figueira - Divisional Director of Professional Indemnity at Camargue Underwriting Managers

Katlego Thaba - Actuarial Manager at Deloitte

Nicky Eveleigh - Regional Manager of Risk Management Practice & Mutual Risk Group at Marsh

Sandra Hutchison - Head of People and Delivery at Genasys Technologies

Taurai Muranda - Co-Founder of Mahogany Private Equity

Wilmine De Ridder - Head of Claims at Constantia

Thank you to our sponsors - Camargue, Marsh and Willis Towers Watson - for making this event possible!

GWII: The view from the shore a journey of profound change

Looking at her journey from a shore, guest speaker, Penny Bird, shared the lessons she has learned, while sharing stories that lifted spirits and inspired hearts.

But before Penny shared her story, she instructed the ladies to take part in an activity. The ladies each had to partner up and share something inspirational with each other.

Inspire and be inspired

Bird, a professional photographer and storyteller with solid marketing communications experience and a passion for finding different angles told the ladies, “You are leaders and you inspire people every day, but I wonder if you realise the reach, power and impact you have in the world. You can be inspired and inspire through many things, from small acts, to the big and impossible.”

In terms of inspiring and being inspired Penny said, “Surround yourself with people who lift you up. We tend to be around people who limit us. There are no limits. Surround yourself with people you aspire to. Find a passion. Something that fills you with enthusiasm. Do more of what sets your life on fire.”

“Form meaningful connections. Shared experiences have lasting impacts. Open your mind to possibility. If you think up an idea, you can do it... one step at a time. Have faith in your spirit. Say yes. The strength of the human spirit is greater than we think. We just have to have faith,” added Penny.

“Realise the impact of your inspirational acts and how you are changing lives. Inspire others to change and it will spread... just like a ripple effect,” continued Penny.

In her closing, Penny invited the ladies to join her next to the stage and find their inner inspiration through the ‘roar', in reference to Katy Perry's song Roar.

I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter

Dancing through the fire

'Cause I am a champion, and you're gonna hear me roar

Louder, louder than a lion

'Cause I am a champion, and you're gonna hear me roar!

A charitable cause

With their touch of pink, members were asked to bring along a R100 donation for our nominated charity for this event, Pink Trees for Pauline (www.pinktrees.co.za). Pink Trees for Pauline's purpose is to create awareness, unite communities and raise money for those afflicted with cancer in a uniquely inspired way... by turning towns pink!

We would like to thank each one of you for your donation.

After the inspirational talk the ladies each received a pink diary, sponsored by the Financial Intermediaries Association (FIA), in support of breast cancer awareness with a GWII fridge magnet.

Lucky draws

A few lucky ladies walked away with prizes donated by sponsors. We would like to thank the sponsors who contributed to the prizes.

•Allianz – Moet champagne

•Bair Insurance – four Sorbet vouchers

•Chubb – sponsored four Sorbet hampers

•CIA – sponsored two Fujifilm Instax bundles which comes with the camera, a camera bag and 10 films each.

•Discovery Insure – sponsored two gift packs filled with goodies including powerbanks and Thermal mugs

•Hollard – Oojah – sponsored two back packs filled with goodies inside

•Hollard – sponsored a Sandton city voucher

•HIC – sponsored a Sorbet voucher

•MUA Insurance – sponsored three diffusers from Whimsical Whippet

•Paton Personnel – sponsored a Sorbet voucher

•Tracker – sponsored a Carol Boyes Salad bowls and a Carol Boyes salad spoon set

Thank you

GWII would like to thank main sponsor Swiss RE, and co-sponsors Aon and Emerald for their sponsorship and support for this event. Without our sponsors this would not be possible.

And lastly, to all GWII members thank you for attending this event. We hope that your spirit is uplifted and that you are inspired.

GWII: A Wine Bottle Painting Event

With glassware, fairy lights and paints supplied, color was the order of the day!

While the ladies sipped on their glasses of wine and cocktails, an artist guided them on how to paint their wine bottles. Bringing out their inner artists, the ladies kicked off what was a fun, bright and colorful evening. With all the creative variations, designs and patterns, personality, style, and creativity were reflected.

At the end of the night the ladies got to take home their own unique masterpieces… painted wine bottles with fairy lights.

A fabulous time of fun, friendship and painting… magical! A big thank you to ONE Financial Services for their hospitality and support. The venue was great, the food was great, the drinks were great, and most of all, the ONE ladies were so much fun!

Gauteng Women In Insurance - Fire & Ice Year End Function

A dramatic effect

Hosted at Longmeadow 109 Montecasino Blvd, Fourways, on 14 November, the theme of the event was centred around Fire and Ice.

Combining the elements of hot and cold, the tone was set for the evening with an experience of warm reds and oranges and a busy, energy driven atmosphere. The ice side of things, represented a glittering frosty charm with blues, whites and purples.

To get the party started, on arrival guests were treated to welcome drinks, sponsored by HIC Underwriting Managers. Boasting a photo booth, sponsored by One, for photo sessions, the ladies then snapped away and captured the fun while listening the background sounds of lively music.

Formalities for the evening

As the speeches began, Rianet Whitehead, having served as a Chairperson for the past year, in which she steps down at the end of 2019, briefly looked back to where it all began and what the future may hold.

Rianet then announced Catherine Pienaar as the new President of the GWII for 2020, with Michelle Dee Coetzee as Deputy President, followed by the new incoming committee members: Kyndra Robertson (Retro Rabbit), Milesha Chetty (Leppard Underwriting), Shaazia Khan (Coface South Africa), Terashni Pillay (Discovery Insure) and Wilmine De Ridder (Constantia Insurance).

This was then followed by Coetzee giving the audience a brief overview and reflection on the year 2019.

Lucky draws

Having delighted in a buffet dinner, it was then time for prize giving. A few lucky ladies walked away with prizes donated by sponsors. We would like to thank the sponsors who contributed to the prizes.

1.Allianz – sponsored two bottles of Moet Champagne

2.Auto & General – sponsored one diffuser and one set of Andy Cartwright wine glasses

3.Camargue – sponsored a pamper pack

4.Chubb – sponsored one Paklite Stealth 60cm expandable trolley spinner suitcase

5.Digicall – sponsored two survivor packs

6.Discovery Insure – sponsored one lucky lady an advanced driving course

7.GuardRisk – sponsored an Evelyn and Crabtree gift

8.Hollard Oojah – sponsored four bottles of wine (two red, two white)

9.HIC Underwriting Managers – sponsored a Takealot voucher to the value of R500

10.King Price – sponsored a hamper filled with gin, branded goodies, siders and snacks

11.MUA Insurance – sponsored three diffusers

12.O'Keeffe & Swartz – sponsored two bottles of Moet Champagne and two boxes of Lindt chocolates

13.PG Glass – sponsored a Takealot voucher to the value of R1000

14.Santam – sponsored one Edgars voucher to the value of R1000 and one Carrol Boyes voucher to the value of R1000

15.Standard Bank – sponsored one Carrol Boyes pickle set with a fork and one Carrol Boyes square bowl with spoon

16. Tracker – sponsored one pink gin pack and one triple berry gin pack

GWII also sponsored sixteen Woolworths vouchers and gave these away to the ladies who dressed up according to the theme.

There is fire, and there is ice

Once the formalities for the evening came to an end, the guests enjoyed watching fire dancers as they played out a dramatic scene with the element that has lasted the test of time… fire.

Following a bonfire ceremony, in which the ladies ‘burned the past' with written words on paper, members were brought to their feet to dance the night away.

Indeed, it was a night to remember... a night to also remember that there is fire, and there is ice.

A charitable cause

As customary, members were asked to bring along a R100 cash donation for the nominated charity, Kwasa College. Kwasa College improves the lives of the vulnerable children living in the informal settlements.

We would like to thank each one of you for your donation.

Thank you

GWII would like to thank main sponsors Marsh, AIG, Guy Carpenter and Innovation Group, and co-sponsors Associated Loss Adjusters, Camargue, HIC Underwriting Managers, Genasys, Sintelum, One, Constantia Insurance, Chubb and Old Mutual Insure for their sponsorship and support for this event. Without them this would not have been possible.

And lastly, to all GWII members thank you for attending this event. Until our next event, we wish you have a wonderful and safe festive season, and a blessed 2020.

Golf Day 2019

Getting together with the ladies for a round of golf is a great way to mix exercise and friendly competition. Anyone in your foursome could potentially win the match. But there also are side games of skill, and luck, you can play during the round. Whether you choose to play for prizes or just for fun, these games add an interesting twist to your day on the links.

Starting play

On arrival players were supplied with golf shirts, sponsored by Clyde & Co, happy socks, sponsored by Auto & General, white caps, sponsored by Everinghams and pack of golf balls, sponsored by GuardRisk. They were then sure to stop by the Genasys table before tee off for a water bottle and some snacks, as well as after the game for a little surprise. Players then enjoyed a selection of light refreshments and Parisian fruit kebabs with lime and mint, before heading out onto the greens to begin their tee offs moments later.

The GWII golf day was played over 18 holes. The teams included a male industry colleague and 18 holes played gave plenty of time for networking and friendly rivalry amongst the industry colleagues.

Topping up on energy levels, on-cart catering did the rounds with water, Powerade, energy bars and crisps. At the Halfway House a ‘build a wrap station' was set up, allowing hungry players to indulge in chicken and beef wraps with a selection of fillings, pickles and dressing.

As always, GWII supports a nominated charity, and for this event members were asked to dress in a golf shirt which they were willing to donate to charity.

Relaxed ending

What a fun day! As players came off the field, they were asked to putt (where the putt was 25 meters) and if a person got the putt in the hole, they would win R20 000 in cash from SHA Specialist Underwriters.

After neck & shoulder massages, sponsored by Genasys, players and guests enjoyed gin popsicles and a gin bar while indulging in sushi. The day ended off with a cocktail and prize giving session, followed by scrumptious eats and treats, including hot canapes.

Awarded efforts

Category winners included all the 4-ball groups. Prizes were also given for nearest the pin and the longest drive. The prizes ranged from Takealot vouchers, pamper packs, a gym bag, umbrellas, torches, photo frames, coolers and branded caps, books, Harlem Kitchen vouchers, various goodies and daily planners, not to mention one lucky lady walked away with an advanced driving course voucher, and another, a Wickhams Retreat weekend away. We would like to thank all our prize sponsors:

• Camargue

• Digicall

• Discovery

• Emerald

• FAnews

• GWII

• Hollard

• iTOO

• Michale Barker

• Oaktree

• SHA Risk Specialists

• Steyn City

• Webber Wentzel

Thank you sponsors

GWII would like to thank main sponsors main sponsor Auto & General, and co-sponsors Clyde & Co, Camargue, Discovery, Innovation Group, Leppard, MiWay, and Tracker as this event would not have been possible without them.

GWII would also like to thank all the members who took part in this fun day…it was a lovely day indeed!

Gauteng Women In Insurance - Leaderwalk

We were privileged to have table hosts represent different organisations, associations and disciplines within the insurance industry - Catherine Naidoo (Innovation), Catherine Pienaar (Camargue), Graeme Codrington (Tomorrow Today Global), Justin Naylor (Itoo), Lisa Swaine (Webber Wentzel), Morne Stoltz (MiWay), Nicky Eveleigh (Marsh), Nox Dlamini (XonRisk), Roshael Hoosen (Paton Personnel), Sean Styles (Styles &Co) and Simon Colman (SHA).

Thank you to our premier sponsor, Innovation Group, and our co-sponsors, AON, Fulcrum, Marsh, MiWay, OneSure, Willis Towers Watson and Webber Wentzel.

Gauteng Women In Insurance - Mix n Mingle Afternoon of Bowling

What a fun day!

If you're looking for a simple relaxed afternoon, this a good choice… uncomplicated, lawn bowls green, wine, flats and friends!

Suitable for the beginner, right up to the professional, with experienced facilitators on hand a day of bowls allows for not only a fun and competitive game, but also lots of time for social interaction and conversation without any pressure.

On arrival, the ladies were treated to refreshing welcome drinks and a scrumptious light lunch, followed by a quick lesson in bowls.

Feeling empowered with what the coaches had said, it was off to the greens where all the hard work started.

With some mind power in getting the bowling bowls to get as close as possible to the little white ball, there were some squeals of delight, oohs and ahhs!

After breaking a sweat, from the greens the ladies headed to the patio for some yummy desserts. The day ended off with a prize giving session.

Thank you

GWII would like to thank main sponsor, iTOO, as this event would not have been possible without them. GWII would also like to thank all the members who took part in this fun day…it was a lovely day indeed!

GWII - Continuous Professional Development Session

SPEAKERS

Precious Nduli (Head of Technical Marketing and Vitality Drive engagement at Discovery Insure) discussed the changing role of women in society and the implications for insurance – 0.5 CPD hours

Penny Moumakwa (CEO and Founder of Mohau Equity Partners) discussed leadership journey lessons, challenges and pivoting into business.

Sam Beckbessinger (Writer and Fintech Entrepreneur) discussed how to manage your money like a f**** grown up - take control of your money to take control of your life.

IIG & GWII - Celebrate Your Uniqueness Ladies Day

With the theme ‘Celebrating YOU-(U)niqueness', Gauteng Women in Insurance (GWII), in collaboration with the Insurance Institute of Gauteng (IIG), hosted an event for Women's Day, celebrating the fact that all of us are unique in our own way.

The order of the day

With Emerald Risk Transfer, BAIR Recruitment, Constantia Insurance and SHA Risk Specialists as the main sponsors, Innosys, PG Glass, Tracker, Santam and Sasria as co-sponsors, and Guy Carpenter and iTOO as partner sponsors, the event, held at the Milk Bar, located at the Sandton Sports Club, boasted the perfect ambience for a Women's Day celebration.

Focusing on free and flowy fabrics in vivid red, vibrant orange, and eye-catching turquoise, dressing up in Bohemian City Chic, with beautiful flowers and colors was the order of the day! It was fun, it was bright, it was bohemian.

While the ladies indulged in welcome drinks and canapes, sponsored by Emerald Risk Transfer, surprise bath salt gifts, proudly sponsored by Constantia Insurance, waited at their seats, as well as fantastically fresh Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, sponsored by Tracker.

MC and Deputy President of the IIG, Darryl Grater, welcomed guests in attendance and thanked the ladies for joining us, with a reminder of what we were celebrating. "Here we are celebrating you. What you have and everything you juggle. Women are the backbone of society. They are the source of empathy that many men lack. We must acknowledge that we are in a better place than we were 20 or 30 years ago. We need to dream and dare to do. We need to direct the conversation of change. I cannot imagine celebrating the women in our industry in any other way than hosting this day with GWII," said Grater.

Keynote speaker for the day, proudly sponsored by Innosys, Melinda Bam, former Miss South Africa, TV presenter and social influencer shared her thoughts around celebrating uniqueness.

Celebrating uniqueness

Bam said, “working in a corporate environment poses a disconnect in the confidence that we ought to have versus the way we try to be up against male counterparts. Who am I? What do I do? What have I been through? We often think this is the sum of who we are. But it is more about why you are who you are. This is where we get confidence. If we aim for perfection, we disregard the fact that confidence even comes from our flaws. Our expectation versus reality is that we think need to be perfect to everyone in society when that is not the case. Our perception of confidence and beauty is distorted. Everything becomes distorted when we look to the outside instead of within.”

“There are so many things that define us today. Appearance, social media, clothes, affirmation, etc. We think that these are the things that make us confident, but regardless of these things, if you don't feel confident without these things you never will feel confident. Your mentality defines you. You don't become what you want, you become what you believe. What is it that you believe about yourself? Your thoughts about yourself define who you become. Whether you think you can, or you can't, either way you are right. Self-image, positivity, determination, our perception of success and velocity of success is driven by our mentality. I AM - these are two powerful words. For what you put after them shapes your reality,” added Bam.

“There are five rules to follow. The first rule is that you have to know yourself through and through to have confidence of who are. All the intricacies, strengths and weaknesses, your personality etc. Acknowledge your past, visualize your future, know your passions, your goals and what makes you different. Two, cultivate a healthy attitude. Accept yourself and believe in yourself. Cultivate an authentic character, self-love and compassion, meaningful work, focus and rest, creativity and a resilient spirit and courage. Get rid of what people think: perfectionism, self-doubt, comparison and fear. Three, choose your critics. Drown out the noise and things that are unattainable. Resist the part of you that is working hard to engineer staying small. Four, challenge yourself. Move out of your comfort zone. Nothing happens there. Disconnect yourself with being okay, always. You can choose courage, or you can choose comfort, but you cannot choose both. And lastly, live life with intention. Do something you are supposed to do,” said Bam.

After Bam's inspiring talk, the ladies were treated to beautiful looking glasses of gin, sponsored by Itoo. The bohemian BAIR Recruitment Photobooth then posed the perfect opportunity for memories to be made, with unique photos to remember the day.

With access to gorgeous harvest tables, a surprise fun art activity, entries to all the lucky draws and access to all the sponsor activations, the day was nothing less than amazing!

GWII and IIG members took part in a fun paint activity. The brushes and paint on tables represented the opportunities that life provides to us each day. The ladies got the opportunity to paint their own canvas, create art pieces and have some fun.

A charitable cause

All the ticket booking entrance fee funds raised will be donated to Ikholwa Children's Home. Ikholwa was originally born out of a vision by one of the director's, the need for hope to be offered to babies and children affected or infected by HIV was heavy on his heart. This was during the time when the pandemic was at its peak. The focus has since shifted according to the needs of the communities, and the homes now offer love and safety to for all babies and children in need. We would like to thank each one of you. The cash collected will go a long way in serving the needs of the vulnerable.

Lucky draws

There were so many lucky draws that the ladies all felt very hopeful about a good chance to win. Thank you to all our lucky draw prize sponsors, you have made many hearts happy. Lucky draw prize sponsors were Allianz, Bryte Insurance, Camargue Underwriting Managers, Constantia Insurance, Chubb, Digicall, Genasys Technologies, GWII, Hollard Oojah, Hollard, Old Mutual Insure, Paton Personnel, PG Glass, Santam, SHA Specialist Underwriters, Standard Bank Insurance and Western National.

Thank you

GWII would like to thank the main sponsors Emerald Risk Transfer, BAIR Recruitment, Constantia Insurance and SHA Risk Specialists, as well as co-sponsors Innosys, PG Glass, Tracker, Santam and Sasria, and contributing sponsors Guy Carpenter and iTOO, for their sponsorship and support for this event. Without them this would not have been possible.

And lastly, to all GWII members… remember, no one can speak with your voice, smile your smile, or shine your light… for there is something unique in each person. Continue to find inspiration in each of your success stories.