The South African Actuarial Development Programme (SAADP) hosted its Pre35 Alumni Legacy Evening. The function was organised at The Venue Greenpark, Morningside, on 19 June 2025. It felt less like a formal function but more like a reunion of young professionals who share both a history and a future in the actuarial space. Since its launch in 2003, SAADP has played a visible role in shaping the profession, and this gathering underlined just how far that influence now stretches.
Standard Bank stepped in as the official sponsor, which may not surprise anyone familiar with the bank’s ongoing interest in education and professional development. Their presence was beyong being symbolic – they opened the evening with a keynote address that highlighted why partnerships between academia, industry, and finance matter if the actuarial profession is to keep pace with the country’s shifting needs.
One of the more practical highlights was the Financial Wellness Session. Standard Bank didn’t simply lecture on budgeting basics, instead, the conversation turned toward the real-life questions young professionals face – how to juggle saving and debt, where to start with investments, as well as how to build financial habits that don’t collapse the moment life throws a curveball. It was the kind of discussion that suggested actuarial talent is not only about crunching numbers for clients, but also about managing one’s own financial journey with clarity and confidence.
The Alumni Recognition Awards brought the celebratory note of the evening. Beyond being tokens of acknowledgement, the Alumni Recognition Awards spotlighted alumni who are already making dents in the profession through leadership roles, technical expertise, in some cases, community-focused projects that extend beyond office walls. It became clear that “success” among this group is not defined by corporate titles only, but also by the broader impact alumni are choosing to make.
Outside the programme, the atmosphere was lively but grounding. Over dinner, with entertainment weaving through the evening, conversations ranged from career moves to shared memories of SAADP days.
In the end, it became clear that the evening wasn’t just about looking back, it seemed to signal what’s still ahead. SAADP continues to push for greater diversity and representation in actuarial science, and events like this may suggest that our efforts are bearing fruit. The Pre35 Alumni Legacy Evening reminded everyone present that the next generation of actuaries is not only prepared but also eager to step forward, carrying the programme’s legacy into the profession’s future.
