Q: When was Old Mutual established and what the company’s purpose, vision and mission?
A: Established in 1845, Old Mutual is the largest financial services provider in Southern Africa, with operations in 14 countries in Africa. The company has R1.2 billion under management, and in 2017 was given a Moody’s rating of Baa2. Old Mutual, in partnership with Nedbank, offers financial solutions to individuals, SMEs and large corporations across four areas: life and savings, banking and lending, short-term insurance, and asset management. Old Mutual’s vision is: “To be our customers’ most trusted partner and passionate about helping them achieve their lifetime financial goals.” This includes being committed to positively contributing to the broader society in which we operate. A key aspect of our contribution to society lies in playing our part in educating South Africans in financial literacy.
Q: What is the primary reason Old Mutual has partnered with EAPA-SA to sponsor Eduweek?
A: Financial literacy is an important factor in achieving financial wellness. Employee Assistance and HR practitioners in South Africa have significant national reach to take financial literacy to employees in the South African workplace. We acknowledge that EAPA-SA is the largest, oldest and most respected professional association for persons in the EAP field in South Africa. Our objective of partnering with EAPA-SA is aimed at strengthening our relationship with the Association, whose constituents we seek to engage with on an ongoing basis. They offer us platforms and the opportunity to reach employees across South Africa with financial education. This partnership is in alignment with Old Mutual’s objective of taking our SETA-accredited Financial Wellbeing Programme into the South African workplace, offered as a no-strings-attached tool to help South Africans grow in financial literacy.
“Employee Assistance and HR practitioners in South Africa have significant national reach to take financial literacy to employees in the South African workplace.” Darlington Ntuli, National Key Account Manager, Old Mutual
Q: How did you find the Eduweek 2019 experience?
A: I found Eduweek 2019 engaging and exciting – the presenters were great which resulted in delegates displaying curiosity and a hunger for the information presented. I enjoyed the ambiance of the gala Presidential Awards Dinner which provided valuable networking opportunities. The event theme was beautifully executed. I gained a sense of the camaraderie among the industry role-players who were having fun together.
“Eduweek empowers its delegates who then return to their EAPA-SA branches and workplaces to share information…”
Q: How do you feel that Eduweek benefits the EAP industry in South Africa – and beyond?
A: EAPA’s stated desire is “to keep its members and providers abreast with both national and international EAP and wellness trends, researching and presenting best practice that will benefit their constituency.” In this light, I feel Eduweek will continue to benefit the EAP industry by staying abreast and, indeed, even ahead of the times by preparing employees for the future world of work, the challenges posed by the 4IR, digitalisation and the increasing use of robotics in the workplace. Eduweek empowers its delegates who then return to their EAPA-SA branches and workplaces to share information, allowing the learning to be taken to the whole industry.
Q: How would you like to see EAPA-SA Eduweek contributing to South Africa reaching the goals of the country’s NDP 2030 over the next 11 years?
A: I feel that EAPA can contribute towards discussion papers that inform government policies by engaging and sharing their research on best practice and the future world of work – particularly as they have the advantage of representing a constituency that is inclusive of both the public and private sectors.
Q: What key information are you taking away from Eduweek 2019?
A: Eduweek 2019 revealed we need to stay ahead of change. I was struck most by the need for employees to be equipped to prepare for the 4IR. There is a need to ‘future-proof” employees’ jobs through training ahead of time, guided by those who have already moved forward. Employees get caught up in their day-to-day business so it is important to have a visionary who will explore what’s ahead and orchestrate the necessary steps toward embracing change and up skilling. This forward thinking has the added benefit of alleviating the stress and loss of productivity inherent in being caught off guard at the 11th hour.
Old Mutual
Established in 1845, Old Mutual is the largest financial services provider in Southern Africa, with operations in 14 countries in Africa. The company has R1.2 billion under management, and in 2017 was given a Moody’s rating of Baa2. Old Mutual, in partnership with Nedbank, offers financial solutions to individuals, SMEs and large corporations across four areas: life and savings, banking and lending, short-term insurance, and asset management.