Meet the new GWII Committee Members

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Gauteng Women in Insurance (GWII) is proud to introduce the dynamic individuals who have joined the committee in 2026, bringing diverse experiences and expertise to the forefront.

Meet the accomplished women dedicated to shaping the narrative of women in the insurance sector, embodying resilience, leadership, and a commitment to fostering growth within the industry.

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Deidré Henneberry
Lecturer
Milpark Education

Tell us a little about yourself and your insurance career.

I am an insurance professional with over 15 years of experience in the short-term insurance industry, including 8 years in leadership roles. My academic background includes a Higher Certificate and a BCom in Short-Term Insurance, as well as a Postgraduate Diploma in Risk Management from Milpark Education.

I am passionate about developing talent and giving back to the industry. I actively mentor through the IIG Roots & Wings program, served on the IIG Council for 2 years. I was a Top 10 finalist in the 2023 Insurance Apprentice and recognized as an IIG Future Leader. I also completed the Sanlam Middle Management Program where I was awarded the Top Student.

How did you come to join the GWII?

I am a firm believer in women empowerment and the importance of creating spaces where women can thrive. Joining GWII allows me to leverage my network to bring more women together, raise awareness, and inspire change so that women can confidently take their place in boardrooms and leadership positions.

Why do you believe this is an important forum for women in the insurance sector?

GWII provides a platform for women to connect, share experiences, and support one another in navigating the challenges of a traditionally male-dominated industry. It fosters mentorship, collaboration, and professional growth, helping women build confidence and leadership skills. By amplifying women’s voices, GWII contributes to creating a more inclusive and diverse insurance sector.

What excites you about the year ahead and the role you will be playing on the committee in 2026?

I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to initiatives that drive meaningful change and empower women across the insurance industry. In my role on the committee, I look forward to collaborating with passionate professionals and my goal is to help create impactful experiences that inspire women to reach their full potential and shape the future of our industry.

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Safiera Mall
CEO
Glasfit Group

Tell us a little about yourself and your insurance career.

My career at Glasfit encompasses more than 15 years in the glass industry, working with South Africa’s leading insurers.  Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of being part of the sector’s evolution – from traditional claims handling to more technology-driven, customer-focused solutions. As CEO of Glasfit, my focus has been on building a business that not only delivers operational excellence but also strengthens trust between service providers, insurers, and customers.

I’ve always believed that leadership is about people – empowering teams, nurturing relationships, and creating environments where innovation thrives. The insurance sector is dynamic and ever-changing, and being at the intersection of service delivery and customer experience has given me valuable insight into how collaboration and shared purpose can transform this industry for the better.

How did you come to join the GWII?

I’ve followed the work of the GWII for several years and have always admired the way it brings women together across different parts of the insurance value chain. When the opportunity arose to get involved, it felt like the perfect platform to contribute meaningfully and connect with women who are as passionate about growth, mentorship, and transformation as I am.

Joining the committee is both an honour and a responsibility – one that allows me to use my experience to encourage others to take up space, share their voices, and drive change. I’ve always believed that collaboration breeds creativity, and GWII provides the ideal environment to exchange ideas, celebrate progress, and support one another in a fast-paced, competitive industry.

Why do you believe this is an important forum for women in the insurance sector?

For too long, women have been underrepresented in leadership roles across the insurance industry, despite playing vital roles in its success. GWII offers a dedicated space to challenge that narrative – to amplify women’s contributions, build professional networks, and inspire one another to keep striving for excellence. It’s more than a forum; it’s a movement that nurtures talent and promotes inclusivity and visibility for women at all levels.

By creating opportunities for knowledge-sharing, mentorship, and dialogue, GWII helps women see what’s possible and provides them with the tools and connections to get there. It reminds us that our collective experiences matter – that when women lead confidently, the entire industry becomes stronger, more empathetic, and more innovative.

What excites you about the year ahead and the role you will be playing on the committee in 2026?

I’m looking forward to a year of growth, collaboration, and impact. The insurance landscape is shifting rapidly, and with that comes an opportunity for fresh thinking and renewed energy. Being part of a dynamic committee of women who share a common vision for empowerment and progress excites me immensely. Together, I believe we can continue shaping GWII into a space that not only celebrates achievements but also drives real transformation within our sector.

In 2026, my focus will be on fostering deeper connections between women in different areas of the industry – from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship – and amplifying the stories of those who are making a difference every day. I’m passionate about contributing to initiatives that encourage authenticity, resilience, and leadership, ensuring that more women feel seen, supported, and inspired to lead the way forward.

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