South Africa’s underwriting sector is under mounting pressure, with demand for digitally savvy and strategic underwriters outpacing traditional training models. This pressure is being compounded by an increasingly complex risk environment, pushing underwriting teams to move beyond conventional pricing and policy interpretation towards deeper analytical, sector-specific and advisory capability.
In response to these evolving demands, Santam launched the Underwriter of the Future Academy in September 2025. According to Michael Cheng, Santam’s Group Chief Underwriting Officer, this strategic initiative addresses South Africa’s critical skills shortage by building a sustainable, future-ready underwriting talent pipeline. “With this Academy, we are creating underwriters who combine technical mastery, strategic thinking, and digital fluency to lead in a rapidly changing industry.”
Built around four integrated pillars – Strategy and governance; Data and analytics; Digital technology; and Culture and talent– the Academy provides a clear, yet customisable pathway to modern underwriting excellence. “Each learning track can be tailored to product line, role, and career stage, ensuring relevance at every level – from learners and graduates, right up to our most experienced professionals,” says Cheng.
When asked what the Academy offers, Thembi Manyike, Interim Executive Head of Human Capital at Santam, describes it as a blended learning ecosystem focused on real-world application and role-specific development. “There is structured coursework, hands-on practical training, and real-world case studies. Through interactive modules, product deep-dives, and expert-led masterclasses, the Academy cohort will develop critical skills in underwriting, claims management and managing diverse portfolios.”
The Academy is designed to deliver measurable outcomes for Santam, its brokers and its clients. These include improved underwriting efficiency through streamlined workflows and faster decision-making, higher quality risk selection and product governance, and more consistent application of underwriting standards across the business.
“For brokers and clients, the benefits translate into sharper risk assessment, more appropriate cover design, and greater confidence that underwriting decisions are informed by both data and deep technical insight,” says Cheng. “For Santam, the Academy supports cost efficiency through internal talent development, reduces reliance on external hiring, and strengthens long-term competitiveness as underwriting becomes increasingly digital and analytics-led.”
From an employee perspective, Manyike says the Academy enhances the overall experience by enabling faster career progression, richer professional development and stronger retention in a highly competitive skills market. “It is a key strategic enabler for Santam’s ambition to lead from the front in transformation, innovation, and client-centric underwriting excellence.”