“If you ask the contestants what their favourite task has been over the last 10 years, it’s the SASRIA task. With 90% of them – no doubt.” These words from Rianet Whitehead, Editor of FAnews and the driving force behind The Insurance Apprentice (TIA), kicked off an insightful first episode of TIA Talks Season 2, spotlighting the essence and evolution of this powerful industry initiative.
This conversation, hosted by Jason Mizen and featuring SASRIA CEO Mpumi Tyikwe, delved deep into the legacy and impact of TIA, the real-life relevance of its challenges, and how SASRIA’s long-standing support has helped elevate the show into a transformative experience that’s now headed to national TV.
The SASRIA task – real. relevant. relatable
The SASRIA task has emerged as a fan favourite over the years, and it’s easy to see why. It’s not just a theoretical exercise – it mirrors real South African challenges. From social unrest to infrastructure risk, the SASRIA task invites apprentices to tackle societal problems through an insurance lens, prompting collaboration, problem-solving, and empathy.
“It brings us closer,” said Rianet. “It’s a task that makes us think about how we can assist as a community. It’s a solution rooted in insurance, yes – but it also tackles societal challenges head-on.”
Mpumi echoed the sentiment, adding that SASRIA’s involvement has always been about purpose, not just branding. “We’re looking for ambassadors. These contestants are not just learning – they’re stepping into leadership. The task shows that insurance isn’t just about claims and policies. It’s about building South Africa.”
Behind the scenes: Rianet’s story
As the conversation unfolded, we got a glimpse into Rianet’s own journey – how FAnews and TIA came to be more than just business initiatives, but personal missions.
Her father, an insurance broker and committee member of the former Insurance Brokers Council (IBC), started FAnews alongside running his own brokerage. After his unexpected passing, Rianet bought the business back and focused solely on the publication, turning it into the well-known platform it is today – with over 36,000 users completing CPD through its portal.
“I never planned to be a journalist or publisher. I studied communication, became a lecturer, and joined my dad without a clear path. But things fell into place,” she shared. “Then I saw a newsletter in the UK called The Broker Apprentice. It was five people, five tasks, and no one got fired. But I thought, there’s something here.”
And that ‘something’ became The Insurance Apprentice, now 11 years strong and gearing up for national TV. “The industry bought in because they could see the difference we were making in people’s lives,” said Rianet. “This has always been about real growth, real talent, and real stories.”
A national platform – raising the bar
The 2025 season of The Insurance Apprentice will be aired on national TV, marking a significant leap for the show – and for insurance education in South Africa. “It’s real-life stuff we are addressing,” Jason said. “We’re changing the narrative around insurance. When people watch, we want them to say, ‘Ah, now I get it.’”
Beyond education, TIA has become a “massive job interview,” as Jason described it. Contestants are seen, recruited, mentored, and connected to a network that accelerates careers. “The opportunities that come out of it are crazy,” he said. “It’s not just about a title – it’s a launchpad.”
Mpumi added, “We need more young people to see insurance as a space to grow, innovate, and lead. And TIA is doing just that. We’re not just looking for talent – we’re shaping the industry’s future.”
A partnership built on purpose
Throughout the episode, the synergy between FAnews, TIA, and SASRIA was clear. This is not a transactional sponsorship. It’s a partnership built on values, purpose, and the shared goal of making insurance more human, more accessible, and more impactful.
“We need more partners like SASRIA,” said Rianet. “It’s always been about more than exposure. It’s about changing lives.”
As the industry gears up to watch the show on national television (SABC 3), one thing is clear: The Insurance Apprentice is more than a competition. It’s a career accelerator, a platform for transformation, and a powerful tool for educating the public about insurance’s true role in society.
“You’re not just role players – you’re role models.”
These closing words from Jason perfectly capture the spirit of The Insurance Apprentice and the people behind it.
Stay tuned. Insurance has never looked this real.