Gauteng Women in Insurance (GWII) wrapped up the year in style with its “Boots & Bling” event, held on 13 November 2024 at The Venue, Houghton Hotel, with main sponsor Discovery, co-sponsors Chubb, Emerald Risk Transfer, Insurance Crime Bureau, Norton Rose Fulbright, One Financial Services Holdings, Rand Mutual Assurance (RMA), and complementary sponsors Genoa Underwriting Managers, Guardrisk, IUM Insurance, Leppard, Lloyds of London, Lombard, Premium Finance Partners, QSURE Pty Ltd, SHA Risk Specialists and Sintelum.
A dazzling western celebration
The ladies embraced the theme, donning blingy boots, bedazzled takkies, and cowgirl-inspired attire, creating an unforgettable evening of glamour and Western charm.
The themed décor, sponsored by One Financial Services Holdings provided a perfect set-ting for a Western theme. Leppard and Lombard sponsored the welcome drinks, setting the tone for an amazing night ahead. And Emerald kept the drinks flowing with their pre-mium gin bar essentials.
A lively performance from rainbow line dancers, sponsored by IUM Insurance, added to the festivities, with a 360-selfie booth, sponsored by Premium Finance Partners. A live local band – Headline – featuring one of our own – Celeste Nel kept the festivities going.
The photographer, sponsored by SHA Risk Specialists, captured every unforgettable mo-ment of this glamorous Western-themed event.
Endings and new beginnings
GWII President, Catherine Albertyn, then opened the formalities with a reflection on the year that was. She highlighted some of the inspiring and significant events of 2024. Fol-lowing this, she introduced Kyndra Robertson as the new President of the GWII for 2025, with Velene Peters as Deputy President and incoming committee members, Bianca Radzilani (Bryte), Candice MacLachlan (O’Keefe & Schwartz), Margaret Handy (Nautical Underwriting Managers), Shanaaz Cajee (Chubb), Veerosha Sukdev (Global Choices) and Vianca van Aswagen (Auto & General).
Once the formalities concluded, the crowd was ready to kick up their heels for the dance competition. Embracing the cowgirl spirit, guests took to the floor, showing off their best moves with plenty of Western flair, stomping boots, spins, and spirited line dancing that brought the country vibe to life.
Lucky draws galore
Big prize giveaway… a few lucky ladies walked away with fantastic prizes donated by sponsors. We would like to thank the sponsors who contributed to the prizes:
– Allianz Global Corporate & Speciality – sponsored 2 x hampers consisting of a Rosebank Mall R1 000 voucher and hamper goodies worth R500;
– Aon South Africa – sponsored 5 x R1 000 Sorbet vouchers;
– Beyonda Group – sponsored 2 x R1 500 Woolworths vouchers;
– Bryte Insurance Company – sponsored 1 x Pandora bracelet and colour-changing chameleon charm valued at R2 500 and 2 x picnic blankets valued at R200 each;
– Chubb Insurance South Africa – sponsored 1 x Woolworths voucher worth R1 000;
– Digicall Group – sponsored 1 x Nespresso machine valued at R2 600;
– Glasfit – sponsored 1 x Bullet Blender valued at R1 000;
– Global Choices – sponsored a big, beautiful hamper;
– HIC – sponsored 1 x Amazon voucher valued at R1 000;
– Invuya – sponsored 2 x Woolworths vouchers valued at 500 each and 2 x Class of Business Online Programme vouchers valued at R805 each;
– Mirabilis – sponsored 3 x R1 500 vouchers;
– MUA Insurance Acceptances – sponsored 5 x diffusers valued at R400 each;
– National Salvage Brokers – sponsored 4 x R1 250 Woolworths vouchers;
– PG Glass – sponsored 1 x Le Creuset dish valued at R1 000;
– Santam – sponsored 2 x picnic baskets sets valued at R1 300 each;
– Swiss RE Corporate Solutions Africa – sponsored 1 x Jimmy Choo perfume gift pack valued at R2 000 and 2 x perfume Gucci gift packs valued at R1 500 each; and
– Western National Insurance Company – sponsored 6 x Kenwood 5.5.liter Air Fryers valued at R2 100 each.
Of course, the year-end events are not complete without yummy treats… there was a treat to suit everyone’s tastes, thanks to our sweet treat sponsor, QSURE.
To quench their thirst, the ladies sipped on water, sponsored by National Salvage brokers.
Supporting community through generosity
The event wasn’t just about celebration; it was also about giving back. Entry fees of R100 per guest were donated to the Jordan House Old Age Home, with additional contributions gathered for the Matric Lending Store, a cause that supports underprivileged matriculants. Attendees also brought evening dresses, shoes, and costume jewellery to donate, show-ing the community spirit that defines GWII.
Thank you
GWII would like to thank the main sponsor, co-sponsors and complementary sponsors. Without them, this would not have been possible.
And lastly, to all GWII members thank you for attending this event. Until our next event, we wish you a wonderful and safe festive season, and a blessed 2025.
