Simphiwe Magangane, a pioneering force in South Africa’s reinsurance sector, is the chief operations officer and co-founder of Howden Broking South Africa. She holds a BCom and a BCom Honours in Insurance and Risk Management, as well as an MBA from GIBS, making her one of the few professionals in the country with an honours degree in this specialised field. Her career in insurance was steered by A bursary from Alexander Forbes, a decision she has never regretted. Simphiwe’s role in establishing Howden SA, now a recognised challenger to South Africa’s top three reinsurance brokers — AON, Guy Carpenter, and Gallagher, is significant. As the COO, she is responsible for driving business development, key account management, and operational leadership, ensuring the firm consistently delivers high-quality services to its high-profile clients while managing HR, compliance, and IT functions. In 2023, she became the youngest female President of the Insurance Institute of Gauteng, a historic achievement reflecting her leadership and influence in the sector. She is especially proud of building a successful business from the ground up, attracting international capital, and breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry. Outside work, Simphiwe channels her discipline into weightlifting, mirroring her professional focus. Her guiding principle: “Always put your best foot forward so you have no regrets.” Through innovation, strategic vision, and resilience, she continues to shape the future of re/insurance in South Africa, inspiring a new generation of leaders.
QUALIFICATIONS
- MBA, Gordon Institute of Business School
- Honours in Insurance and Risk Management, Wits University
- Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Wits University
ACHIEVEMENTS
Being one of the founders of Howden Broking SA, building a successful business that is now a recognised brand and the challenger reinsurance broker to the big three brokers – AON, Guy Carpenter, and Gallagher Re. In 2023, I was appointed president of the Insurance Institute of Gauteng after serving on the council, becoming the youngest female to hold this position.
