Good Intentions… With Flaws
We’re down to 5 contestants, and the stakes have never been higher. The Top 3 contestants at the end of this episode will advance to the finale - and the pressure is on.
This week’s challenge is sponsored by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA), and it brings the contestants face-to-face with a tough enforcement hearing.
The task? To either defend or support the insurer in a case involving breaches of the Policyholder Protection Rules (PPRs) under the Short-Term Insurance Act.
Setting the scene
Fictional Insurer A, a leading South African non-life insurer, introduced its FlexiProtect modular insurance product, allowing customers to choose the coverage that best suits their needs and budgets, with premiums starting from just R200 per month. The product is marketed as “build your own protection against life’s uncertainties.”
However, after several catastrophic events in 2024 - such as riots, floods, wildfires, and power surges - complaints about FlexiProtect began flooding in. Despite selling over 500 000 policies, the insurer is now under scrutiny by the FSCA for breaching the PPRs.
The key issues?
• Lack of clear disclosures, including exclusions for power surge fires, high excess fees (over R5 000), and hidden broker fees.
• Unfair repudiations, with 42% of claims rejected for “non-disclosure,” many of which were not properly investigated.
• A failure to protect vulnerable consumers, including those in townships and low-income households - a serious Treating Customers Fairly (TCF) concern.
The task
Contestants must take on one of two roles:
1. Defend the insurer
Argue that the insurer followed the PPRs and outline the steps it will take to rectify the situation going forward.
2. Support the FSCA
Demonstrate how the insurer violated the PPRs and advocate for penalties, as well as changes needed to protect vulnerable consumers.
For simplicity, contestants must focus on one specific module of the FlexiProtect product (motor, building, or home contents) to dive deep into the issues. They must also focus on how the product serves customers fairly, how brokers guide clients, and how clear communication and responsible practices can prevent misunderstandings or unfair outcomes, especially for vulnerable consumers. Their goal is to show practical ways to protect customers while maintaining trust and transparency.
Judges for this episode:
• Nox Dlamini (Co-Judge)
• Simon Colman (The Liability Company)
• Vanasa Padayachee (FSCA)
What’s at stake?
The Top 3 contestants will move on to the finale in the next episode! This is the ultimate opportunity to show their understanding of the PPRs and TCF. The judges will evaluate their ability to demonstrate how to protect consumers and provide clear, practical solutions for the insurer’s issues.
Watch now!
A big thank you to the FSCA for sponsoring this important episode. Their commitment to ensuring fair treatment of policyholders and holding insurers accountable is vital for protecting vulnerable South African consumers.
Catch the episode here:
• To watch the episode on YouTube, click HERE
• To watch it on the website click HERE
• To watch it on Facebook, click HERE
Don’t forget to like, comment, and share your thoughts! Which contestant do you think has the best solution to defend or support the insurer in this high-stakes hearing?
Stay tuned for the finale!
Catch all the action – every Saturday at 18:40 on eExtra
Don’t miss a moment. Catch #TIA2026 every Saturday (up until 13 June) at 18:40 on eExtra (OpenView Channel 105 or DStv Channel 195), with a repeat on Sundays at 10:00, or watch the full episode on Facebook or the TIA website the following day. You can also download the eVOD app and watch it as it happens!
After a season of rigorous challenges, game-changing insights, and prizes worth over R500 000, the finale is where the next Apprentice is crowned.
This is where the future of insurance talent takes shape.
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