South Africa faces many socio-economic challenges, from persistent youth unemployment to deep inequalities in education, limited job opportunities and a lack of access to resources. These obstacles often leave individuals and communities trapped in cycles of poverty and limited opportunity. Yet, when corporates step up and invest in meaningful, sustainable initiatives, they have the power to drive lasting change, empowering communities, and creating pathways to a better future.

“These issues impact our stakeholders, including our staff, customers and communities,” says Antonia Oakes, Executive of Customer Experience and current CSI Chairperson. “Through initiatives such as job skills training and empowering girls in under-serviced areas, we are implementing programmes that tackle urgent societal needs while addressing sustainable social and economic growth.”

Empowering the next generation of female leaders

The Old Mutual Insure Empowering Girls programme has become one of the company’s flagship initiatives, tackling the educational challenges faced by young women in under-resourced communities. Since its launch in 2022, the programme has equipped girls with vital IT and 4IR skills. Each year, 20 Grade 10 girls are trained in everything from basic computer literacy to NQF Level 5 System Development, preparing them for future careers in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). “We are not only focused on equipping these girls with technical skills but also invest in their emotional well-being and personal development,” says Oakes. “This holistic approach helps build resilience and high emotional intelligence, enabling them to navigate the challenges prevalent in the areas in which they reside, including poverty, gang conflict, and gender-based violence.”

In its first year, the programme saw a 100% matriculation rate, with 65% of students qualifying to study bachelor degrees. This success has opened the door to higher education and career opportunities. This year, seven graduates are pursuing degrees in IT, biomedicine, and communication, while others have secured learnerships and permanent employment.

Tackling unemployment in the Eastern Cape

The Job Skills Training Programme (JST) focuses on addressing youth unemployment in Gqeberha by providing participants with the necessary tools and training to enter and thrive in the workforce. Since partnering with Ubuntu Pathways to support this initiative in 2023, Old Mutual Insure – through this programme – has enabled 175 candidates at their vocational training centre to receive targeted, market-driven training in fields such as culinary arts and coding. Training includes interactive, simulated learning, professionalism coaching, and workshops on workplace skills, CV building, financial literacy, and communication. Graduates are placed with recruiting partners like McDonald's and the South African College of Tourism, with additional job retention support to ensure long-term financial stability. In 2024, 145 graduates were successfully placed in jobs.

“The impact of the JST Programme extends beyond employment, it’s about changing lives and creating pathways out of poverty,” Oakes explains. “By equipping young people with skills, we empower them to support their families, save for the future, and lead by example in their communities.”

Strengthening food security through female farmers

Globally, women are vital to agriculture and environmental sustainability, making up 80% of the workforce in the sector and accounting for half of all food production. According to a 2023 Food and Agriculture Organisation report, women play a key role in small-scale farming, family subsistence, and daily farm operations, yet often lack equitable access to resources and opportunities.

To address this, and to ensure more resilient communities in the face of changing climate patterns, Old Mutual Insure has partnered with OneFarm Share. This initiative empowers communities by providing resources, market access, and training to improve agricultural output. “It has made a meaningful impact in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Mpumalanga, helping to overcome barriers and drive growth. In just three years, the initiative has helped 21 female agri-entrepreneurs, resulting in 38 tonnes of food produced and procured, helping them to become meaningful participants in the agri-economy,” says Oakes.

She adds that Old Mutual Insure is committed to breaking down the barriers faced by women. “By focusing on gender equality and economic empowerment, we're helping women farmers improve food security and contribute to the growth of the rural economy.”

Creating career pathways

With a commitment to empowering young black professionals, Old Mutual Insure is supporting the Maharishi Institute’s Cyber security programme to address the skills gap in the cybersecurity sector. The programme targeted ten individuals in the Gauteng area and provides holistic training and internationally recognised certifications that equip participants with the expertise needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Another key initiative aimed at empowering young Black professionals is the ABS Black Broker Internship, a new learning-focused initiative by Old Mutual Insure designed to transform the insurance landscape. Over a comprehensive 12-month programme, 80 Black graduates will be developed into skilled brokers, creating new employment opportunities.

"We are excited to support these graduates, with 50 starting in the initial phase and an additional 30 joining in the new year. Our goal is to integrate these graduates into permanent roles at the business, ensuring they align with their skills and experience as they progress through the programme," says Oakes.

Furthermore, the CAPACITI Tech Accelerator Programme in partnership Old Mutual Insure in the Western Cape has empowered individuals with key data analytic skills. The programme has helped two candidates secure permanent positions at FNB and CAPACITI. Other participants have found employment or are advancing their education with the financial support provided during the course.

The road ahead

As part of its ongoing commitment, the business is also preparing for a series of impactful initiatives in 2025. For example, Old Mutual Insure plans to handover 300 portable, solar-powered desks to learners in underserved communities, helping them to study both at home and school. Additionally, Old Mutual Insure will be sponsoring eye screening tests for 1,000 learners and assisting with glasses for those in need through our strategic partners, Kids Vision SA.

Dream Room Project, a partnership between Old Mutual Insure and the Reach for a Dream Foundation, will provide a healing space for children battling terminal illnesses at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital.

“By continuing to invest in education, upskilling, training, giving back to communities, and helping to create better socio-economic circumstances, we are building stronger, more resilient communities for generations to come,” Oakes concludes.