The South African Insurance Association (SAIA) recently appointed Refilwe Moletsane (36) in the position of second in command. Refilwe started her duties in this position on 1 November 2006.
"The SAIA Board and Management decided that we needed a person in this position who has specific and in-depth short-term insurance knowledge. Refilwe certainly fits this profile and we were very excited when she accepted our offer," says Barry Scott, Chief Executive of SAIA.
Refilwe boasts a proud career at Hollard Insurance Company. She started at Hollard in 1994. When Hollard created its black economic empowerment company, Zimisele Underwriting Management Company, a subsidiary of Hollard, she was one of the two staff members employed by this company. She acted in various capacities for Zimisele. She moved from Zimisele into Hollard in 2001 as an accounts manager and ended up as project manager attending to all projects from the managing directors office, amongst other matters. She also did a short stint with Mutual & Federal.
After matriculating in 1988 at Namedi High School, Refilwe studied at the University of Bophuthatswana (now North West University) where she graduated in 1992. She received a Bachelor of Jurisprudence. In 1997 she enrolled for the Management Advancement Program (MAP) at Wits Business School which she completed successfully. In 2004, Refilwe participated in the Leadership Advancement Programme and graduated with great success. This programme was offered by the UCT Graduate School of Business.
Refilwe loves reading, attending workshops, cooking, movies and athletics. She is married with two lovely children.
Refilwe considered the position at the SAIA as she felt that she needed to broaden her horizon with regards to the insurance industry as well as the financial sector as a whole, after having worked so long for one specific insurance company.
"I feel that there are so many challenges facing the industry at a broader level. One of the issues that are closest to my heart is access to financial services for people who have never been exposed to appropriate and affordable short-term insurance products. Consumer education to those who need it most is another one. I have been involved in these challenges at company level but now feel that I will be able to make a difference at another level," says Refilwe.
"The industry also faces a lot of legislative changes and I am looking forward to be part of the process of ensuring that the legislative changes are positive for all parties concerned," she added.
The SAIA welcomes Refilwe and wishes her many successes in the future!
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