With risk becoming more complex by the day, this week’s episode pulls back the curtain on one of the industry’s most powerful forces working behind the scenes — Underwriting Management Agencies (UMAs).
These specialists bring razor-sharp focus and tailored solutions to the table, stepping in where traditional insurers often hesitate.
Episode 5 task summary
As we explore the task faced by contestants in episode five of The Insurance Apprentice – sponsored by the South African Underwriting Managers Association (SAUMA) in partnership with AC&E Group of Companies, Bryte Specialist Motors, CIB, KEU Underwriting Managers, and Leppard – it’s important to understand the vital role UMAs play in managing complex commercial risks.
The fictional project, City Synergy, is a dynamic urban development featuring business parks, co-working spaces, eco-friendly public areas, retail zones, an electric vehicle dealership, and an event venue. Each component introduces unique risks, demanding tailored insurance solutions.
The contestants must collaborate with UMAs to identify key exposures and develop a phased, five-year insurance plan that includes must-have, non-negotiable cover for each element. They also need to present their solutions in clear, everyday language to ensure the client (represented by the judges) understands their cover with confidence.
This week’s judges include head judge Simon Colman (CEO of The Liability Company), co-judge Nox Dlamini, and sponsor judge Wilhelm von la Chevallerie (SAUMA Chairperson and Managing Director at CIB).
The curveball
Just when the contestants think they have everything under control, an unexpected twist shakes up the challenge, with the unannounced entrance of sponsor judge Wilhelm, with the news of a budget cut. The contestants will be forced to reassess their coverages, re-evaluate their priorities, and think fast to maintain a balanced yet effective risk management plan. How will they adapt under pressure?
Catch all the action – every Thursday at 19:00 on SABC 3
With Pabi Moloi as host and judges Simon Colman and Nox Dlamini at the helm, #TIA2025 – proudly headlined by Sasria SOC Ltd – continues to push the boundaries of innovation, challenging contestants to lead with purpose and think beyond convention.
Don’t miss a moment. 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 (thanks to Sasria)
- Answer 1 question per episode – Win R5 000 (thanks to 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 ignites here. Witness the journey.
- To watch the episode on YouTube, click HERE
- To watch it on the website, click HERE
- To watch it on Facebook, click HERE
