We are extremely proud of our Black Intermediary Development
Initiative (SBIDI) that was launched in 2008. To date we have
invested over R2.5million in this initiative and sees the programme
becoming a long-term, sustainable contribution to the short-term
insurance industry.
Developing and creating access for black intermediaries into the
short-term insurance industry gives us the opportunity to influence
the transformation of this sector positively, not only in terms of
skills transfer, enterprise development, and job creation, but also
in recognising an emerging market that is under-serviced in
insurance terms.
Santam is looking beyond only training and qualifying black
intermediaries - the SBIDI's ultimate aim is to create operational
and viable black brokerages. We are constantly engaging with
existing brokers and sharing the goals and objectives around the
SBIDI programme.
The brokers who become part of the programme are immersed in
it. All brokers participating in this programme mentor the
interns on all aspects of the business, for example, day-to-day
operations, sales and relationship building etc.
At the end of 2010, SBIDI produced 31 graduates
(individuals with a degree, a diploma plus their FETC Short-term
NQF Level 4 credits). We are proud to say that 70% have
been employed into the financial industry. In 2009 we concluded
with 42 interns completed the programme with 35% of the
interns in Gauteng and 56% of interns in the Western Cape being
employed either in Santam or at large brokerages.
We have taken SBIDI to new heights and aim to achieve even
bigger milestones in 2011 and beyond.
