For the second consecutive year, the Department of Actuarial Science in the Faculty of Science at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) hosted a special breakfast for some of the country’s most promising young talent.

Over 20 top-performing Grade 12 learners and their families gathered at The Kerzner on UJ’s Bunting Road campus. Traveling from no-fee schools across Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo, each attending learner has been provisionally accepted to study actuarial science at UJ in 2027.

Building on the foundation laid during last year’s edition, the gathering continues UJ’s dedicated outreach to aspiring mathematical talent and showcases the University’s Strategy 2035 pillars at work.

This year’s event carried particular significance as the first to be hosted under the banner of the newly established Department of Actuarial Science, which officially launched in 2026 after eight years of being incubated within the Department of Statistics.

The breakfast brought together over 30 actuaries, corporate leaders, researchers, and UJ students, all united by a shared commitment to showing the next generation that the actuarial profession is within reach and that they belong in it.

The morning opened with a welcome address by Soshan Soobramoney, who leads the actuarial science programme at UJ, followed by addresses from Prof Kulsum Kondiah, Vice Dean of Teaching and Learning in the Faculty of Science, and Johann Le Roux, President Elect of the Actuarial Society of South Africa.

Keynote speaker Miles Kubheka, entrepreneur, author, philanthropist, and celebrity chef delivered an energising address on audacity, resilience, and the courage to dream beyond what one can currently see.

Current UJ actuarial science students shared personal reflections on their journeys, while a quiz centred on the event’s theme of ‘belonging’ brought the room to life. The morning concluded with networking over breakfast between learners, their families, and the assembled actuarial community.

Industry figures and corporate partners in attendance praised the initiative and its impact on the future of the profession.

“This event was food for my soul! I love the innovation the UJ actuarial programme is bringing to education of future actuaries,” said Prabashini Moodley, Actuary & CEO: Old Mutual Life & Savings.

“Being at this breakfast meant a lot to me. UJ is doing amazing work in progressing the landscape of actuarial education,” noted Johann Le Roux, President Elect: Actuarial Society of South Africa.

“I’m deeply moved by what UJ is doing for actuarial science education in South Africa. We are proud to be partnered with the excellence I’ve witnessed today of an education programme that is changing the stars,” stated James Rycroft, Founder: goodtogoat.

Reflecting on the collaborative effort to transform the sector, the South African Actuaries Development Programme (SAADP) highlighted the broader vision of the initiative: “We are excited to see collaborations that continue to inspire and strengthen the future of actuarial science in South Africa. Our Executive Director Nthato Selebi was proud to be in attendance as part of this meaningful engagement, reinforcing SAADP’s commitment to creating opportunities, building partnerships, and empowering the next generation of actuarial professionals. Together, we are shaping tomorrow’s leaders.”

For current UJ students, participating in the event provided an impactful opportunity to give back and reflect on their own academic growth.

“Being an MC and a speaker at this momentous event was an honour. Getting to shape the young minds of future actuarial students and meeting industry leaders was so joyful and meaningful. UJ has created a place where I have been able to become more me… a place where I belong,” said Unathi Mahlangu, a third-year UJ actuarial science student.

“I loved hearing inspirational speakers, meeting amazing business people and feeling more connected to the actuarial profession. Telling my story is not something I would have naturally done but this event allowed me to live my story more fully,” added Lesedi Bosuga, also a third-year UJ actuarial science student.