In Episode 2, the Top 10 contestants of The Insurance Apprentice 2025 face a challenge rooted at the heart of South Africa’s economy – empowering Small, Medium, and Micro-Enterprises (SMMEs).
The stakes are rising, and so is the pressure.
Bold ideas to back South Africa’s SMMEs
In Episode 2, sponsored by Aon South Africa, contestants are tasked with finding solutions to one of the country’s biggest economic challenges. SMMEs contribute over 40% of GDP and account for 87% of employment, yet their high failure rate (up to 80% in the first year) highlights deep systemic issues – from unaffordable insurance to limited risk awareness.
The Top 10 are challenged to tackle this head-on by designing insurance solutions and partnerships that drive sustainability, resilience, and real change in the SMME sector.
Episode 2 task summary
The contestants had to:
• Identify both insurable and uninsurable risks faced by SMMEs;
• Propose strategic partnerships between brokers, insurers, and government entities;
• Create consumer education strategies that resonate with entrepreneurs; and
• Suggest accessible distribution models to reach underserved businesses.
Their ideas are judged on innovation, research depth, practicality, and impact by a powerhouse panel: Nolwandle Mgoqi (Sponsor Judge, CEO of Aon South Africa), Nox Dlamini (Co-Judge), and Simon Colman (Head Judge, CEO of The Liability Company).
From the glam of the big screen to the grit of the boardroom, the Top 10 face a challenge with national consequences. The pressure is on – whose vision will shine, and whose journey ends here?
Catch the action – every Thursday on SABC 3
Hosted by Pabi Moloi, with judges Simon Colman and Nox Dlamini back to challenge and mentor the contestants, this season, headlined by Sasria SOC Ltd, promises innovation, real-world challenges, and inspiring leadership moments — all leading to the grand finale on 4 September 2025.
Catch #TIA2025 every Thursday at 19:00 on SABC 3, with a repeat at 2 pm the next day, or watch the full episode on Facebook or the TIA website the following day. You can also download the SABC+ app and watch it as it happens!)
Viewer competitions – Watch and WIN!
Engage via WhatsApp during each episode for a chance to win big:
• Vote for your favourite contestant – Win R50 000 (thank you Sasria)
• Answer 1 question per episode – Win R5 000 (thank you Auto & General)
• Sasria Judge’s Question in the Sasria Episode– Win R20 000
• INSETA Bursary Giveaway – Stand a chance to win a R175 000 bursary during the Inseta Episode! (T&Cs apply)
With high-stakes challenges, game-changing insights, and awesome prizes up for grabs, including over R500 000 in prizes for the winner, this season promises to inform, inspire, and ignite new conversations around what it truly means to lead in insurance.
Innovation starts here. Watch it unfold.
• To watch the episode on YouTube, click HERE
• To watch it on the website click HERE
• To watch it on Facebook, click HERE
Scan to Win!
Get in on the action by joining us on WhatsApp during each episode! Vote for your favourite contestant for a chance to win R50 000 (thanks to Sasria), answer a quick question each week to win R5 000 (thanks to Auto & General), and don’t miss the Sasria Judge’s Question for a shot at R20 000! Plus, during the INSETA episode, you could win a R175 000 bursary! T&Cs apply.
Scan the QR code to enter the competitions via WhatsApp. Simply say “Hi” and follow the prompts.
