COVER Magazine

Unlocking the Power of Data: A Year in Review with BarnOwl Data Solutions! Join Angus Black and Tony as they discuss how 2025 marked a pivotal year where data transformed from a mere compliance obligation to a powerful competitive advantage. Discover how BarnOwl Data Solutions helped insurers streamline operations, improve data accuracy, and set new standards in the industry. Dive into their insig...

Exciting insights into the future of Specialist Lines and Independent Brokers! 📈 Join Tony in conversation with Austin Mpandawana from Renasa as they delve into trends in the specialist lines environment, the role of independent brokers, and innovative solutions for the motor space. Discover what sets successful brokers apart in today's dynamic insurance landscape. Listen to the full interview no...

🚚 What does it take to thrive in the South African transport sector? Join us as we chat with Tyler Botha from VAPs HCV about the road to success, the role of brokers, and innovative solutions to industry challenges. Gain valuable insights and tips from a leader in the field

🎙️ Tune in to our latest interview with Izak Smit, Group CEO of PPS where we explore the incredible journey of PPS in the evolving financial landscape. From the power of AI to the potential of new international markets, Izak shares what makes South African markets recognized as a hub for global financial innovation. Listen in for valuable insights on how mutual models are thriving and what's shapi...

Curious about the role of automation in data solutions? Tune in to my conversation with Angus Black, Director at BarnOwl Data Solutions. We unpack the challenges and successes of integrating data into workflows, using real-world examples from underwriting to claims management, and discuss the key to balancing automation with human oversight. Learn how to measure success and adapt to a constantly c...

Dive into our latest conversation with Thomas Kieck, Business Development Director at Tial Technologies, where we explore the philosophical side of insurance and technology. Discover how innovation is not just about keeping up with legislation but also about leading the charge in client adaptability. A must-listen for anyone keen on leveraging tech trends!

Dive into our insightful discussion with Thomas Kieck, Business Development Director at Tial Technologies, as we explore the evolving landscape of tailored insurance applications. Discover how Tial is shaping the industry by fostering long-term partnerships and staying ahead of market trends.

Behind the Wheel of Success 🚗✨ Excited to share a captivating conversation with Grant Cross, Founder and Director of Motor Acceptances. We delve into the evolution of the motor insurance industry over 26 years and the strategies that have kept Motor Acceptances at the forefront. Discover more about the unique challenges and innovations that define success in this ever-changing landscape.

Exciting conversation alert! 🚨 Tony had a fantastic chat with Allan Juma, the lead cybersecurity engineer at ESET, discussing all things multi-cloud and cybersecurity. Allan shared invaluable insights on how organizations can safeguard their data in today’s complex digital landscape. Whether you're in banking, insurance, or any data-heavy industry, this conversation is a must-listen for understan...

Tony interviews Hemlata Karooa, Head of Client Management and Business Development at Ellgeo Re, about evolving leadership to unlock Gen Z performance in insurance and reinsurance. Hemlata shares how early responsibility at home and exposure to both unfair and supportive leaders shaped her belief that leadership is accountability, fairness, and empowerment, not title or pressure. She argues indust...

Tony interviews Ayouba Seydou, OLEA's Director Group placement and Reinsurance, about Africa’s insurance market from 2025 into 2026. Ayouba says 2025 saw strong foreign investment across Africa, increased regulatory changes in reinsurance such as higher local retentions, controls on cessions leaving Africa, and local content rules, alongside many election cycles. He frames these shifts as opportun...

In this episode of the Mind Shift podcast, host Tony from Cover magazine interviews Johan Minnie, the newly appointed CEO Designate of Consult. Johan shares his professional journey, the reasons for taking up his new role, and his vision for the future of financial planning in South Africa. He talks about the growth potential of Consult in the South African market, the importance of providing prof...

Leadership Insights from Elite Risk Managing Director and co-founder Tarina Vlok | COVER Leadership Edition 2026   Join Tony from COVER as he engages in an enlightening conversation with Tarina Vlok, CEO of Elite Risk. In this special Leadership Edition episode, Tarina shares her thoughts on what makes an effective leader in the insurance industry. She emphasizes the importance of people-focused l...

In this interview, Tony speaks with Nick Smit, a product development actuary at Bidvest Life, about the upcoming FPI convention and its theme 'Bring It Home.' They discuss the challenges in the advisor-client relationship, especially the skepticism towards life insurance and affordability issues. Nick elaborates on the complexities of insurance products and how Bidvest Life addresses these challen...

In this interview, Tony from COVER speaks with Ellen Gower, the CFO of Fulcrum, about the critical importance of financial literacy for individuals and businesses. Ellen defines financial literacy as understanding how numbers work in various facets of life and emphasizes its significance in decision-making, budgeting, and investment. She calls for better financial education in South Africa's schoo...

In this episode, Tony from Cover interviews Mike Adsetts, Global Chief Investment Officer at Momentum Investments, about the implementation and effects of the two-part system one year post-launch. Mike discusses the operational success, the behavior patterns of fund members, and the system's impact on lower to mid-income earners who are often most distressed financially. They also explore global c...

Join Tony from Cover as he interviews Thabo Twalo, Chief Underwriting Officer for Sanlam Broker Solutions, about the intricacies of risk management in the commercial underwriting process. Thabo discusses the four primary aspects of risk management: risk selection, risk sharing, risk management expectations, and risk capacity allocation. He delves into the implementation of these strategies, focusi...

In this insightful interview, Tony from Cover speaks with Riaan van Reenen, CEO of Discovery Life, about the crucial role of life expectancy in life insurance. They discuss global life expectancy trends, the impact of lifestyle choices on health and longevity, and how Discovery Life's Vitality program incentivizes healthy living. The discussion extends to the benefits for policyholders, the insura...

Join Tony from Cover as he interviews Herman Scheepers, CEO of Renasa Insurance, about the critical challenges leaders face in a rapidly changing world. Amidst economic uncertainties and technological advancements, Herman discusses the importance of staying relevant, integrating new technologies, and addressing cybersecurity threats. He delves into strategies for motivating staff, recognizing thei...

In this episode, Tony speaks with Khanyi Nzukuma, CEO of Glacier by Sanlam, about the Great Wealth Transfer—a major global trend involving the shift of trillions of dollars from Baby Boomers to younger generations. They discuss the significant challenges and opportunities this transition presents for financial advisors, particularly in engaging with tech-savvy millennials. The conversation also co...

In this episode, Tony from Cover interviews Theoniel McDonald, Head of Financial Planning and Wealth Manager at Wealth Associates. They discuss Theoniel's journey from owning a computer business to becoming a top financial planner, his passion for financial planning, and his recent achievement of becoming a finalist in the Financial Planner of the Year competition. Theoniel shares insights on the...

In this episode, Tony from Cover speaks with Michele Jennings, the Chief Executive at glu, about her inspiring journey in leadership. Michele shares her experiences, challenges, and the pivotal moments that shaped her career. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship, shared value in business, and her approach to fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture. Michele also discusses the uniqu...

Join Tony as he converses with Gideon Bochedi, the CEO of Credit Guarantee Insurance Corporation (CGIC). They delve into the intricacies of credit guarantee insurance, covering its purpose, market conditions, challenges faced by underwriters, and the significance of data in predicting economic outcomes. Gideon also explains the role of brokers and the specialized skills required in the credit insu...

In this in-depth conversation, Tony from Cover speaks with Elna van Wyk, Chief Operating Officer at Hollard Group, about the recent concussion workshop held with the South African Rugby Union (SARU) and MyPlayers. They discuss the importance of understanding concussion, the role of insurers in sports, and the initiatives taken to ensure player safety and premium sustainability. Elna shares valuabl...