01 September 2023
Nokwanda played a vital role in the establishment of SAADP back in 2003. Working in conjunction with Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa, SAADP’s first Chairman of the Board, she dealt with all the basics of establishing and officially registering a company. After successful registration of SAADP as a Non-Profit Organization, Nokwanda was appointed as the Executive Director, a position which she held for two decades.
In her role, she oversaw the establishment of SAADP operations in two prestigious universities – the University of the Witwatersrand and the University of Cape Town in 2003, and later, the University of Pretoria in 2009. During her tenure, the Programme grew from 19 students to over 850. Out of these, 569 graduated with Actuarial Science degrees. To date, 89 have qualified as Fellows of the Actuarial Society of South Africa (ASSA).
A large number of SAADP beneficiaries (qualified and not yet qualified) are actively playing impactful roles and contributing meaningfully to the economy of South Africa, and most importantly, their families.
Nokwanda’s commitment to transformation saw a vigorous Actuarial Science awareness creation campaign taking place in rural and township schools around the country. She physically visited most of the schools whilst managing all other executive duties. Her strategy of prioritizing awareness creation at schools’ level has played a pivotal role in creating an academically strong students’ pipeline. Carefully selected students create a strong pipeline which contributes immensely to the outstanding results that SAADP has been producing over the years.
“Nokwanda’s unparalleled combination of business acumen, vision, and affection for students have successfully contributed to the tremendous success of SAADP. Under her leadership, SAADP continued to produce results notwithstanding the adverse impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.” says, S’onqoba Vuba, Chairperson of the SAADP Board of Directors.
No doubt the firm foundation Nokwanda has set will continue to be the bedrock from which the work of SAADP will grow for many years to come.
