The University of Johannesburg (UJ) hosted the next generation of actuaries as part of the preparation towards the 2026 academic year.
35 top performing matriculants and their families who have been provisionally accepted at UJ to study a Bachelor of Science (Actuarial Science) got a taste of the programme, life as a UJ student and what to expect post qualification as practising actuaries.
Special guests included Faculty members, current students in the UJ actuarial science programme and a host of 20 actuaries and industry professionals associated with UJ’s groundbreaking actuarial programme.
The conversations sparked inspiration and the building of lasting connections between experienced actuaries and the next generation of actuaries. Students and their parents joined us on campus to meet the UJ actuarial community, hear from current students, and engage with some of the professionals who shape this journey.
Soshan Soobramoney, senior lecturer in the Department of Statistics who is also responsible for the UJ Actuarial Science programme, shared that UJ hosts this annual event as part of its recruitment drive to attract top talent to UJ and to share more about the field of actuarial science.
Third year actuarial science student Malehu Maphanga said she was grateful for the opportunity to meet and engage with present members of the profession.
“It is so inspirational for us to interact with other professional actuaries. It adds to my lived experience of immense growth here at UJ.”
Business Executive and South Africa’s first Black female actuary, Ndivhuwo Manyonga, was another guest speaker. She appreciated the sharing and hearing of inspirational stories from industry insiders. “I loved the beautiful stories and emotional depth of the UJ actuarial programme,” Manyonga said.
Khanyisile Lechalaba, a grade12 pupil from Hoerskool Roodeport in the west of Johannesburg said she had come to the breakfast to learn more about the programme.
“I am here today because I wanted to learn more about the Faculty of Science and the actuarial science programme. I was also told that when you are good at mathematics, this is one of the fields you should consider following,” Lechalaba said.
She added that despite the challenges practising actuaries shared they faced on their journeys, the stories of how they created meaning in their work left her excited to pursue actuarial science.
“I feel like although there are these insane challenges the actuaries here today told us they’ve faced, bring them on. I am ready to face them head on!” she said excitedly.
Ryno Deysel, another UJ actuary and lecturer in the Department was moved by the level of connectivity and energy of the gathering. “This event, marked by heartfelt stories of personal transformation and a bold call to impact society as well-rounded actuarial professionals, reflects the courageous spirit of our UJ actuarial programme,” he said.
