Quietly but with great assurance, two SAADP Alumni – Mr. Bhekamandaba Makhonza and Mr. Nape Mogodi – have made their mark on the national scene. Makhonza and Mogodi, both graduates of the University of the Witwatersrand, were recognized earlier this year by the Actuarial Society of South Africa (ASSA) as winners of the Best Honours Papers and Best Published Papers Awards – 2021 to 2024. Beyond their research excellence, both alumni have also made significant academic progress, with greater inroads made by both in passing F203 within twelve months after graduating. It’s the sort of recognition that doesn’t come around often, and it signals the level of depth and persistence their research seems to carry.
Their paper, Mortality Forecasting Using Transformers, may sound highly technical – and in many ways it is – but what stands out is how the work pushes into questions the profession is still trying to get comfortable with. The study appears to suggest that modern machine-learning methods can offer more than just theoretical excitement; they might actually reshape how actuaries think about long-term risk. It’s the kind of contribution that makes you pause and realise that meaningful progress in the field often comes from people who are willing to experiment, rethink familiar ideas, and occasionally challenge the traditional models many of us were trained on. Their contribution joins a league of research supported by the ASSA’s Research Committee and generously sponsored by industry leaders including RGA, Discovery, Sanlam, Old Mutual, WTW, Munich Re, and Hannover Re. After ASSA’s backlog in adjudicating prizes dating back to 2018, this announcement carries even greater significance, marking a renewed momentum in recognising actuarial research across South Africa.
For SAADP, this moment is deeply meaningful. Bhekamandaba and Nape’s success reflects what becomes possible when talent is nurtured, supported, as well as wen talent is given room to rise. Their achievement stands as a powerful affirmation of SAADP’s long-term commitment to transforming the actuarial landscape – identifying potential in communities often overlooked, and walking with young people as they grow into scholars, professionals, as well as actuarial leaders.
As the actuarial profession continues working toward greater inclusion and representation, their accomplishment reminds us why SAADP exists. Over and above providing bursaries or academic support; SAADP existence is about opening doors, shifting narratives, as well as enabling young people from diverse backgrounds to take their rightful place at the highest levels of technical excellence.
The entire SAADP community and first year cohort of 2020 celebrates Mr. Makhonza and Mr. Mogodi for this extraordinary achievement. Their success is a source of pride – and a glimpse of the future SAADP is helping shape – a profession strengthened by diversity, driven by innovation, as well as enriched by the voices and contributions of all South Africans.
