SAADP would like to express its genuine gratitude to the Actuarial Society of South Africa (ASSA) for offering us complimentary exhibition space at the 2025 ASSA Convention on 05–06 November, hosted at the Sandton Convention Centre. What may seem like a small gesture on the surface turned out to be a meaningful opportunity for us to show, in a very real way, the work we do and the young talent we continue to support. It also created room for conversations we don’t always get to have – conversations with people who genuinely care about transformation in the actuarial profession.
And to everyone who stopped by the SAADP stand – alumni, students, practicing actuaries, and even the industry partners who took a moment out of their busy schedule – thank you. Those quick chats, the unexpected reunions, and the willingness from so many to update their details or simply reconnect reminded us why this work matters. It appears small, but it is these interactions that gradually build the sense of community SAADP relies on.
The convention also gave us a chance to reflect openly on what sits at the centre of SAADP’s mission: nurturing the potential for greatness within South Africa’s richly diverse talent pool. One practical part of that mission is keeping alumni information current. It’s not just an admin task; it is what allows us to involve our alumni in meaningful ways – whether that’s mentoring a student who’s struggling through second-year models, joining an Actuarial ChatBytes Podcast conversation, or responding to our open call to Inspire-a-Dream – an initiative that invites alumni and professionals to share their stories, offer guidance, and motivate learners who may be unsure of their path. Modest as they may appear, but these small acts do shape the next generation of actuaries.
One of the highlights at the convention was the chance to spotlight our flagship fundraising campaign – Fuel-a-Dream. In a field that can sometimes feel closed off, this campaign gives alumni, industry professionals, as well as anyone who believes in transformation a practical way to financially support aspiring actuaries.
As we look to the months ahead, we invite our alumni and partners to keep walking with us on this transformation journey. Fuel-a-Dream if you can provide financial support. Inspire-a-Dream by sharing your journey or providing mentorship support when possible. Words of support also make a big difference to someone coming up behind you. Bit by bit, these efforts help build a profession that reflects the full spectrum of South Africa’s excellence – and one that future students can feel proud to be part of.
