What RMA Life’s partnership with BPESA means for South Africa’s BPO sector

October 27, 2025

There is no doubt that collaboration between private companies, government and industry can often be the catalyst of immense success. An excellent example is the performance of the Global Business Services (GBS) and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sectors, which in 2024 contributed approximately R6 billion in export revenue and created over 20 000 new jobs, with youth jobs accounting for about 90% of new hires.

This is according to research conducted by BPESA (Business Process Enabling South Africa) the national industry body for the Global Business Services (GBS). Through strategic partnerships, BPESA plays a vital role in attracting FDI, driving innovation, job creation and skills development, particularly for South Africa’s youth.

Kyle Fredericks, Group Executive: Partnership Development (acting) at Rand Mutual Assurance (RMA) says RMA Life, the group’s life insurance subsidiary, is well placed to support the wellbeing of the thousands of young South Africans employed in BPO hubs in Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg and Gqeberha. The business offers life cover, disability protection, and wellness support, now extended to a broader range of workers, including those in the BPO sector.

“We recognise that many of these young people are sole breadwinners, and at times they are from disadvantaged backgrounds, and a job at a contact centre can serve as a lifeline, helping them participate in the mainstream economy, while providing valuable skills development opportunities. It is vital that their jobs are protected by a robust safety net to support them and their families,” says Fredericks. “RMA Life can ensure those BPO sector employees have access to stability, peace of mind, and true resilience as they build their futures,” he adds.

Commenting on the alignment between BPESA’s mission to promote job creation in South Africa’s BPO industry and RMA Life’s vision, Fredericks says:

“BPESA connects people to opportunity; RMA Life ensures that opportunity is protected. Together, the two entities can weave protection into the fabric of work, safeguarding everyday lives to create the kind of economy that doesn’t just survive disruption, it thrives through it,” he concludes.

Rand Mutual Assurance has stood by workers and their families, not just compensating loss but restoring dignity and rebuilding futures. In the past year, the group has generated R3.6 billion in social value (RMA’s impact on society beyond its financial bottom line) by supporting workers through prevention and rehabilitation programmes as well as investing in various programmes that foster economic growth.

Rand Mutual Assurance (RMA) is the Platinum Sponsor of the 2025 BPESA GBS and BPO Conference taking place in Durban from 3–5 November 2025.