Elite Risk Acceptances

27/03/2026

Farewell to a Remarkable Leader

Today is a sad day at Elite Risk Acceptances as we bid farewell to our Managing Director, Tarina Vlok, who retires at the end of this month.

Tarina stepped into the MD role in 2022 after a rigorous appointment process, succeeding one of the company’s founding members. With more than two decades of industry experience, she has shaped our business with clarity, integrity and a deeply human approach to leadership.

Throughout her career, Tarina built strong, lasting relationships with brokers across the country, partnerships strengthened through consistent engagement, accessibility and her genuine respect for the people who power this industry. Before becoming MD, she served as General Manager at Elite Risk, where her strategic insight and commitment to excellence helped set the foundation for the growth that followed.

Tarina has not just led the business; she has nurtured it. She has uplifted teams, inspired confidence and steered Elite with a steady hand during times of change and opportunity.

As she enters this next chapter, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for her contribution, her guidance and her belief in Elite’s purpose.

Tarina, thank you for everything!
We wish you fulfilment, joy and new adventures in the years ahead.

24/03/2026

The short school holidays and the Easter break are upon us, and we can expect busy roads as families head off on well‑deserved getaways.

Before you hit the road, a few simple checks can make all the difference between a memorable holiday and an avoidable setback:
• Check tyre pressure and tread depth to ensure optimal handling and braking.
• Test brakes and fluid levels to reduce the risk of mechanical issues.
• Keep valuables out of sight to minimise the risk of theft.
• Activate home alarms and security systems before leaving.
• Let a trusted neighbour or security provider know you’ll be away, especially on longer trips.
Small, practical steps today can prevent major disruptions tomorrow.

Travel well. Travel prepared.



*Image by: Frimufilms

20/03/2026

A burning risk: “Wildfires are no longer a seasonal or regional issue, they are a growing risk across South Africa,” says Tarina Vlok, our MD.
“Rising temperatures, prolonged heatwaves and shifting rainfall patterns are creating conditions where fires ignite more easily and spread faster.”

Against this, here is Elite Risk’s key lessons for homeowners:
• Prioritise the basics: Good maintenance, hazard reduction, cleared gutters, trimmed vegetation and safe electrical systems remain the most effective ways to prevent major losses.
• Ensure adequate insurance: Underinsurance is one of the biggest risks. Homeowners must update their property valuations to avoid unexpected costs if disaster strikes.
• Prepare for the worst: Clear firefighter access, reliable water sources, and a household evacuation plan can mean the difference between losing everything and protecting what matters most.

“Wildfire resilience starts at home, long before the flames appear on the horizon,” says Tarina.



*Image by: Freepik

19/03/2026

Elite Risk is pleased to announce the appointment of Tandiwe Cimela as Executive: Elite, effective 1 April 2026.

With nearly two decades of experience across the short-term insurance value chain, Tandiwe brings deep expertise and a strong track record in operational excellence, governance, and service delivery to the business. Tandiwe is no stranger to the Elite Risk business, given that she has been the company’s Chief Operations Officer since 2022.

She succeeds Tarina Vlok, who retires at the end of March after co-founding Elite and playing a pivotal role in establishing it as a trusted specialist offering in the high-net-worth market.

Congratulations Tandiwe! We look forward to the continued growth of the business under your leadership.

17/03/2026

time!

To get you into the holiday mood, we’re giving one lucky winner the chance to enjoy a Babylonstoren hamper valued at almost R5 000 to make their Easter break special.

To enter, tell us in the comments below, what’s your ideal holiday getaway, is it:
A) A Coastal escape
B) A Bush break
C) A luxury city stay
D) An adventurous trek somewhere unexplored

Good luck! The winner will be announced on 31 March 2026.

Ts&Cs:
• The competition is open to South African residents 18 and older.
• The winner will be randomly selected and announced on 31 March 2026
• The winner will be contacted via social media and must respond within 48 hours, failing which a new winner may be selected.
• The prize is not transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash.
• The competition is not open to Old Mutual or Elite Risk employees, or their immediate family members.



*Image by: Babylonstoren

BESPOKE WEALTH ASSET PROTECTION FOR THE DISCERNING

Wealth Asset Insurance from Elite provides a personalised and tailored solution to non-life insurance and personal risk management for people with sophisticated needs.

12/03/2026

Thank you to FAnews and journalist Gareth Stokes for the recent coverage featuring Elite Risk on how we are responding to intensifying climate-related risks.

As climate volatility increases, these conversations are becoming essential to ensuring that clients remain properly protected and that insurers continue to operate sustainably and responsibly.

The article underscores several themes that are central to Elite’s approach:
• The growing importance of technical underwriting in a changing risk landscape
• The value of strong broker relationships in educating and guiding clients
• The need for proactive risk management as severe weather events rise
• The industry’s responsibility to respond with clarity, transparency and expertise

Read the full article here:
https://www.fanews.co.za/article/non-life/15/general/1217/brokers-drive-underwriting-discipline-as-climate-risk-intensifies/43403

It is widely accepted that the rising frequency and severity of flood and wildfire events in South Africa are influenced by climate volatility. Rising average temperatures tend to amplify the effects of established weather patterns, including the El Niño–Southern Oscillation.

09/03/2026

Yesterday marked International Women’s Day, a time to reflect on the influence and impact of women. One woman in particular has shaped the direction of Elite Risk and its team. That woman is our MD, Tarina Vlok, who retires at the end of this month.

Tarina’s leadership has blended clarity, empathy and a commitment to excellence. As she reflects on the transition ahead, she notes that retirement isn’t an ending but an evolution. It’s a reminder that identity is more than a job title, and that meaning doesn’t disappear when we step away from our desks — it simply takes on new form.

Her advice to women in leadership remains one of her most powerful lessons: “Believe in yourself, but know your own limitations. Self-awareness is incredibly important in this world that celebrates self-belief.”

As we reflect on International Women’s Day, we honour her legacy and the example she has set, proving that leadership grounded in purpose, curiosity and humanity leaves a lasting impact.



*Image by freepik

06/03/2026

Today is Appreciation Day; the perfect moment to recognise the people who keep everything moving. You’re the ones answering the calls, checking the details, solving the challenges, and showing up with care and commitment every day.

Elite Risk isn’t defined by a logo or a product, it’s defined by each one of our employees.

Thank you to our entire team for the energy, dedication, and heart you bring!



*Image by SquareSpace

05/03/2026

South Africa’s latest Budget Speech brought another increase to sin taxes, with alcohol excise duties rising by 3.39% from 1 April.

What does this mean? Slightly higher prices across the board: from a few extra cents on a beer to more than R3 added to a 750ml bottle of spirits.

With South Africans consuming around 200 million bottles of spirits in 2022, this adjustment alone could add over R640 million in government revenue.

For collectors of fine wine and spirits, this matters.

📌 Rising excise duties increase the replacement cost of rare and limited‑edition bottles, many of which already carry significant scarcity premiums.

This may leave your current insurance cover below the true value of your collection.
If you collect fine wine or spirits, it may be a good time to review your policy and make sure your cover remains accurate.



*Image by: freepik

26/02/2026

: The ultra‑wealthy are investing less in things and more in moments

According to The Economist, the world’s wealthiest individuals are shifting away from traditional luxury assets and toward unforgettable experiences. While the cost of high‑end goods has softened since 2023, prices for exclusive experiences have risen sharply, up nearly 90% since 2019.

From Centre Court at Wimbledon and three‑star Michelin dining to World Cup finals and even coveted Met Gala access, scarcity and exclusivity are increasingly driving value. Demand for these once‑in‑a‑lifetime moments continues to grow, and prices for the most sought‑after experiences are expected to rise further.

What this trend reflects is not a rejection of value, but a redefinition of it. For many high‑net‑worth individuals, meaning, access and memory now matter as much as ownership.
As luxury evolves, so too must the way value is understood and protected.

Read more (subscription required):
https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2025/10/12/why-the-ultra-rich-are-giving-up-on-luxury-assets

Forget fine wine, great art and glitzy mansions. There are finer things in life

25/02/2026

Rust, romance, and restoration: The heritage home trend

Remember the $1 home sales launched in Italy in 2019 and 2020? What began as a quirky news story has turned into a global interest in restoring historic and heritage homes.

Social media has fuelled the trend, with creators on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube sharing the often messy, expensive and romantic reality of bringing old properties back to life. Accounts like Cheap Old Houses have made the dream of owning a historic home feel surprisingly attainable.

Closer to home, however, heritage properties come with very specific risks.

As Tarina Vlok, MD of Elite Risk, explains, heritage buildings are often vulnerable simply because of their age. Risks such as theft, fire and flood require a different approach to protection than modern homes. Replacement parts and restoration materials can be difficult to source, which adds complexity to insurance. Historic and cultural items may also hold exceptional value, meaning that even a straightforward claim can become complicated.

If you are drawn to the romance of a heritage property, it is worth remembering that these homes require careful planning, specialist protection and ongoing care.



*Image by wirestock on Freepik

23/02/2026

According to Tarina Vlok, technical expertise will always matter in insurance, but the leaders who truly stand out are those who master the human side of the role.

Drawing on her experience across underwriting, leadership and risk, Tarina highlights four leadership priorities that remain critical as the industry continues to evolve.

1. Prioritise people
Leadership starts with understanding those around you, your team, brokers and clients. Genuine empathy requires maintaining your own wellbeing first. Being present, authentic and compassionate is not optional. It is the foundation of meaningful influence.
2. Become comfortable with data
You do not need to be a technical expert, but you do need to understand how data and technology inform decision‑making. Today’s leaders must interpret insights, ask better questions and integrate data into everyday workflows, while keeping human judgement firmly at the centre.
3. Keep the client at the centre
Client centricity is essential. Clients expect seamless and personalised experiences across every interaction. Technology can enable this, but trust is built through understanding and consistency. Even in a digital‑first world, the human connection remains critical.
4. Lead with ethics and purpose
Clients, regulators and teams increasingly expect transparency and accountability. Strong leadership means making decisions that reflect integrity, long‑term responsibility and a clear sense of purpose. These are the qualities that separate good leaders from great ones.

Final thought
The industry is evolving rapidly, but leadership always comes back to people, purpose and sound judgement. Lead with empathy, stay curious and act with integrity. That is how we shape the future of insurance for the better.