More Than Insurance: How SASRIA is Investing in South Africa’s Future, One Youth at a Time
Discover the groundbreaking skills programme tackling unemployment and building a more resilient nation.
Listen to the full podcast interview inside!
In the wake of the July 2021 civil unrest, many South Africans were left asking a critical question: How do we prevent this from happening again? For the South African Special
Risks Insurance Association (SASRIA), the state-owned specialist insurer for civil commotion, terrorism, and public disorder, the answer lies not just in providing coverage, but in addressing the root causes of social frustration.
In a recent and insightful on-air interview on Kaya 959’s Point of View show, hosted by Phemelo Motene, SASRIA’s Executive Manager of Stakeholder Engagement, Mr. Muzi Dladla, unveiled a powerful and proactive initiative: the SASRIA Youth Skills Development Programme.
The Direct Link: Unemployment and Social Unrest
Mr. Dladla explained the clear connection between SASRIA’s mandate and this new program. “We always understood that youth unemployment is a bigger issue for us than just an economic issue; it’s a social issue,” he stated. When large numbers of young people are excluded from the economy, it leads to frustration, which can sometimes gives expression on the streets.
The programme is a strategic investment in social cohesion. By giving young people “something to lose, something to protect,” SASRIA aims to reduce the pool of individuals who might be drawn into destructive behaviour, ultimately building a more stable society and reducing risks for everyone.
A Life-Changing Opportunity: The Nitty-Gritty of the Programme
This isn’t just another academic course. It’s a comprehensive pathway to a career, specifically designed for those who need it most.
- Target Audience: Focused on the 18-35, with focus on 18-24 age group, where unemployment is most acute. A Matric certificate is the primary requirement, no matter the marks, making it accessible to those who feel left behind.
- Three-Part Promise:
- A Qualification: Participants will receive an NQF Level 5 certificate in insurance, a crucial entry-level credential in the financial sector.
- Paid Work Experience: They will receive a full year of salaried work experience placed with SASRIA’s industry partners.
- A Pathway to Employment: SASRIA has agreements with its partners to absorb as many graduates as possible, with a long-term vision of nurturing future entrepreneurs and brokerage owners.
Hear the Emotion: The Programme is Already Live!
The good news? This is not just a plan, it’s already in motion. Mr. Dladla shared that 54 young people have been recruited and the programme officially launched last week.
“The launch was emotional,” Dladla recounted. “We gave some of them a chance to share their stories… It’s about giving people hope.” By bringing in successful entrepreneurs who started from similar programmes, SASRIA is showing these 54 young South Africans a tangible vision of their own future success.
A Dual Mandate: Why SASRIA is Leading the Charge
When asked what’s in it for SASRIA, Mr. Dladla highlighted two powerful reasons:
- Fulfilling a Legislative Mandate: It is part of SASRIA’s founding legislation to contribute positively to the inclusion of previously disadvantaged individuals in the financial services sector.
- Proactive Risk Management: By directly tackling a key driver of violent protest, SASRIA is building a more secure future for South Africa—which is not just good for society, but also for the nation’s economic resilience.
Listen to the Full, Inspiring Conversation
This article only scratches the surface of a deeply important discussion. In the full podcast, you’ll hear Mr. Dladla delve deeper into the societal psychology of protest, the importance of understanding our constitutional rights, and the powerful, emotional stories behind this initiative.
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