Two exclusive leadership and executive development programmes, set to transform the equity profile and advance management skills within the insurance and investment sector, have been developed by UCT's Graduate School of Business, in conjunction with the Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority (INSETA).

Speaking at the recent launch in Cape Town, Adam Samie, chief executive of The Lion of Africa Insurance Company, said that the programmes were long overdue and would play a key role in growing the quality and size of the skills pool in the financial services sector.

"Training and development issues are an economic imperative if we are to deliver a vibrant economy that can take its rightful place in the world community," said Samie, who is also one of the programmess' two patrons.

"These programmes have been developed because government and organised labour understood that the transformation process in our country would come about only through structured training and development programmes that focus on the delivery of specific skills."

The programmes target two distinct tiers of management. The first, the Executive Leadership Development Programme, is designed for senior executives, and the Leadership Advancement Programme is geared to the needs of general management. Nelius Volschenk, chief executive of INSETA, said the programme represented a new departure for executive and management development in South Africa.

"This is the first time that anything on this scale has been attempted in South Africa, where high-level programmes are customised to fit the needs of an entire economic sector."

The programmes were developed after a lengthy consultation process with INSETA representatives and key players from the insurance and related financial services sector.

The programmes are modular and run for a year. Ongoing coaching and mentorship will support participants after they return to the workplace.

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