admin
Business Reporter
A TOTAL of 112 insurance practitioners last week received diplomas and certificates during the Insurance Institute of Zimbabwe annual graduation ceremony held at a local hotel. Of the 112 graduates, 14 were recipients of Associateship diplomas while 65 received certificates of proficiency and the remaining 33 received diplomas in insurance.
The 112 graduates were part of 252 practitioners that set for examination in the three categories this year.
Insurance and Pensions Commission Commissioner Mrs Marnet Mpofu, who was guest of honour, commended IIZ saying that it efforts to continuously train insurance practitioners will help fill the skills gap in the industry.
Mrs Mpofu challenged the graduates to use the knowledge they have acquired to grow the industry at a time when the economy was showing signs of slowing.
“I am sure we are all agreed that even through our economy showed growth post-dollarisation of late the growth has been sluggish.
“It therefore becomes imperative for all of us to put on our thinking caps and find ways and means to stimulate growth, especially in our industry.
“I am confident that the skills you have acquired, coupled with the experience in your different jobs should help you craft suggestions as to how customer satisfaction and needs can be better met. This will in turn boost confidence in our industry,” she said.
In this regard she said it was imperative for the industry to explore further the idea of micro-insurance and micro-finance.
“I therefore challenge all of us here, you our graduands in particular, not only to read to pass exams but to have an inquisitive mind about such concepts as micro insurance.
“You also need to research and explore how such concepts can be developed such that they benefit those people who need insurance the most, that low income family,” she said.
Mrs Mpofu said as a regulatory authority they were cognisant of the need to review legislation and it was critical for graduates to use the knowledge that they had gained to assist in policy formulation.
Speaking at the same occasion, IIZ president Mr Chomi Makina said the institute was committed to maintaining the high quality standards that its qualifications are known for.
“Our Associateship programme is as good as any. We have had positive reports from the market on the performance of its holders.
“As part of efforts to consolidate the high standards we will be putting up a computerised library at the institute premises.
“Among other things, the library will act as the insurance research centre for the benefit of the industry and the entire country.
He urged the graduates to continue to study and gain new knowledge in order to meet the demands of customers.
The head of the IIZ academic board Mrs Grace Muradzikwa said that the institute was actively pursuing negotiations for the introduction of a fellowship programme.
“We are talking to the Insurance Institute of South Africa and the University of Science and Technology and we will make an announcement soon,” she said.
Online Reporter