10 | Acquisition International, Influential Businesswoman Awards 2024 Most Impactful Insurance Businesswoman 2024 (South Africa): Bridget Mokwena-Halala ating back to 1913, Assupol is a proudly South African insurance company that has spent its years balancing ‘the spirit of innovation and humility of service’. Having integrated this ethos into every aspect of the collective, Assupol has quickly become a household name across the region – one that promises high quality life insurance cover that’s designed to give every person peace of mind. Affordable, broad, and carefully curated, these insurance packages have earned synonymity with high quality service, and it’s this very trait that has been impressing families throughout South Africa for well over a century. Most recently, however, Assupol has seen is greatest surge in popularity, and it all comes down to the guidance of one woman in particular – Bridget Mokwena-Halala. Recognised by Acquisition International as someone worthy of a spot among some of 2024’s most influential businesswomen, Bridget is a woman who requires no introduction. Driven by her passion, and empowered by her intrinsic talent, Bridget has become an integral part of the larger Assupol collective, with her beliefs and ideologies seeking to uplift those who may have never been presented with the chances she offers them. For far too long, the insurance sphere has been dominated by a masculine presence, leaving little room for women to find their own foothold in the industry. Bridget, however, has her sights set on dismantling these preestablished boundaries, instead seeking to use her position to elevate and empower black women operating across the realm of life insurance. As a direct result of this non-negotiable transformation agenda, Assupol has cultivated the greatest increase of black staff the market has ever seen, each recognised for their talents and abundance of skill in the field. In essence, Bridget has not only offered positions to those who align with the company’s vision, but people who are genuinely passionate about their work. This very dedication is what has allowed Assupol to continuously pursue innovation and growth, while guiding new and old clients through their life insurance ventures. Though it may be an almost impossible feat, Bridget has struck the perfect balance between diversity and development, creating an environment that fosters an unapologetic sense of brilliance on a daily basis. Just one glance into Assupol’s staff composition is enough to see just how successful Bridget has been in her efforts to finally turn the spotlight onto black talent. Assupol details how – “Our staff compliment is 86% black, of which 62% are women and 55% black women. Our financial advisors are 98% black, of which 57% are black females. This has resulted in a 5-fold growth of our embedded value for the last 13 years.” As a proud South African collective, making every person – regardless of skin tone or gender – feel represented and respected has become a core aspect of Assupol, and it’s a value that Bridget is dedicated to upholding for the foreseeable future. Undoubtedly, Assupol’s tale is one of remarkable progress – not only does it deliver invaluable life insurance services to those seeking a seamless entry into the industry’s midst, but it does so while uplifting those within the collective itself. As such, it’s become something of a reference for transformation – an example of genuine diversity and inclusion that should certainly be followed. Partner this with over a century of experience and a vivid understanding of the market’s needs, and you’ve got an exceptional company whose value has only soared under Bridget’s watch. Boasting high levels of client service – specifically in the realm of the payment of claims – and priding itself as the industry’s first collective to pay cash back, Assupol is an entity exemplary of how business and diversity can coincide in perfect harmony. Since it entered onto the scene way back in 1913, the company has treated South Africa to a considerate, dependable life insurance provider whose support for underappreciated communities has created ripples across the wider market. Thanks to Assupol, and specifically Bridget’s guidance, the life insurance profession is finally emulating the example set, and it’s a refreshing sight to see. Since entering onto the scene, Assupol has acted as a conduit for industry-wide change. Not only has it marked a distinct shift in the quality of life insurance services, but it stands as a paragon of diversity in a market that often focuses solely on masculine leaders. Bridget, however, has spent her years assuring women that, despite having to work harder than their male counterparts, they can thrive just as much, if not more. Her example is one that truly resonates with the wider industry, and it isn’t difficult to understand why. Acquisition International hosts the Influential Businesswoman Awards in the hopes of inspiring those who have faced struggles in their roles as a result of their gender. It’s a reassuring reflection of the women across the world who, against all odds, have triumphed in their respective spheres, and Bridget Mokwena-Halala is a shining example of just one of these exemplary women. Leveraging her skills, determination, and genuine passion for uplifting others, Bridget has led Assupol into a new age of business – an age that we can’t wait to see further unfold in the near future. Contact: Lebohang Tekela Company: Assupol Life Web Address: https://assupol.co.za/ There’s nothing more important than protecting those who protect us. People in service are the ones most at risk of harm, meaning that it’s imperative to provide them with insurance opportunities that have been specifically crafted with their unique lifestyles in mind. Enter Assupol Life – a collective whose journey over 110 years has seen it providing comprehensive life, funeral, and retirement insurance to clients across South Africa. At the heart of it all is award-winning businesswoman Bridget Mokwena-Halala, whose exemplary affinity for helping others has elevated Assupol to all new heights. D
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQyNzgzNA==