iTOO Marks 11 Years of Outstanding Specialty Services and Impactful Collaborations

Johannesburg – iTOO Special Risks marks its 11th anniversary this month, a noteworthy occasion that goes beyond mere celebration.

The company sees this milestone as an opportunity to reflect on its journey thus far in both the business realm and the wider insurance industry, underlining the significance of partnerships and collaboration in building a resilient, trustworthy, and forward-looking sector.

From the outset, iTOO has thrived on the conviction that specialty insurance prospers through shared expertise, cultivated relationships, and an emphasis on collaborative action.

This core philosophy remains integral to the company’s identity today. Tovè Sithole, Head of Talent and Brand at iTOO, remarked, “Our mission is clear: ‘Together we conquer risk to unleash potential.’ As we celebrate our 11th anniversary, we reaffirm our belief that one plus one equals 11. Collaboration is woven into our DNA.”

A changing risk landscape

Over the past decade, South African businesses have navigated an increasingly complex risk environment, encompassing climate change challenges, infrastructure failures, the rapid escalation of cyber threats, and the transition to renewable energy sources.

These issues underline the critical role specialty insurance plays in promoting economic stability and unlocking new avenues for growth.

Sithole noted that the industry has not sufficiently articulated its value.

“Insurance is an essential part of the economy,” she stated on Wednesday, 5 August 2026.

“Without insurance, renewable energy projects wouldn’t attract funding, businesses would struggle to recover from setbacks, and entrepreneurs would lack the confidence to innovate and drive growth.

“We need to improve market education and rebuild trust in the sector.”

Trust is the foundation of all successful partnerships, whether between insurers and clients, brokers, or throughout the broader ecosystem of reinsurers, regulators, service providers, and industry organizations.

The power of partnerships

iTOO’s 11-year journey has demonstrated that meaningful collaboration is not merely a strategic advantage; it is essential for developing a sustainable, future-focused insurance industry. Sithole believes the time is right for a renewed emphasis on partnership.

“As an industry collective, we face many challenges,” she pointed out.

“However, if we responsibly leverage our resources—data, expertise—we can create shared value and restore confidence in the insurance sector.”

This dedication to collective advancement is evident in iTOO’s convening efforts.

Through forums with CEOs, industry unconferences, and partnerships with organizations like the Insurance Institute of Gauteng, iTOO has encouraged discussions among leaders regarding resilience, trust, and the future of insurance.

Yet, as Sithole stresses, discussions are only the beginning.

“The effectiveness of these dialogues will depend on our subsequent actions as an industry. Collaboration must translate into concrete outcomes,” she asserted.

What meaningful collaboration looks like

“At iTOO, we view our people not as resources but as sources. When we invest in our team, they will care for our clients,” Sithole elaborated.

“True partnerships start internally, within our culture, and then extend to industry groups or competitors.”

For iTOO, a successful collaboration is contingent on shared values, a common vision, and a pledge to measurable results.

It involves understanding entire ecosystems, whether by insuring the wider community as an insurance partner or providing solutions for emerging entrepreneurs, aiming to create support systems that enhance resilience rather than simply restoring the status quo.

A culture that enables collaboration

iTOO’s values have been pivotal in its growth over the last 11 years.

Care, expertise, curiosity driven by progress, and integrity form the bedrock of the organization’s culture and inform its relationships with brokers, clients, and partners.

These values have positioned iTOO as a preferred partner for MGAs and entrepreneurs seeking to collaborate with a specialized insurance authority.

“Whether partnering with a broker or an entrepreneur, we strive to be the go-to choice for collaboration. When they think of cyber, renewable energy, or liability, we want them to envision iTOO,” affirmed Sithole.

As iTOO expands its footprint, including recent collaborations in East Africa, the company remains committed to unlocking potential across the continent.

iTOO’s 11th anniversary celebrates partnership, trust, and shared goals.

It serves as a reminder that specialty insurance is most effective when collaboration is emphasized, when knowledge and expertise are shared thoughtfully, and when the industry unites to promote resilience and societal benefit.

“Individually, you might move quickly, but together, we can go far. The greatest opportunities are ahead if we choose to collaborate,” concluded Sithole.