Q: You are the Risk Manager at the Eswatini Royal Insurance Corporation (ESRIC), but who is Portia Hlophe behind that fancy title?
A: My name is Portia Hlophe, Risk Manager at ESRIC as you have stated. I am a mother of two, a boy and a girl, as well as a Pastor’s wife. My life is highly centred on church, as it has played a major role in the woman I am today. I also enjoy traveling a lot as well as cooking. The latter relaxes me in such an indescribable way. Worth noting is that I enjoy cooking almost anything, as long as it is edible. However, I am not a fan of cleaning or washing dishes hahaha…. (Chuckles).
Q: Walk us through your professional career, where did it all start?
A: My journey started way back in Nhlangano, where I attended Our Lady of Sorrows Primary School. I then proceeded to Swazi National High School where I did Form 1 to Form 5. After completing high school, I enrolled at the University of Eswatini (UNESWA) where I earned a Bachelor of Commerce Degree (Bcom), majoring in Accounting.
Upon completion at UNESWA in 2012, I worked for World Vision as a Finance Officer. I then joined Lactalis (then Parmalat) as a Financial Accountant. My Risk Management journey, however, started when I left Lactalis and joined Letshego Financial Services Eswatini, as I became their Risk and Compliance Manager. I have also had a stint at the Eswatini Revenue Service where I held the position of Enterprise Risk Management Specialist before joining ESRIC as the Risk Manager in 2022.
Q: What does your position and the field of Risk Management entail?
A: Let me first unpack what Risk Management is. It refers to coordinated activities that direct and control an organization concerning risk. This entails identifying, analyzing, evaluating, treating, and reporting on identified risks. As a Risk Manager, your job is about ensuring that any loopholes or gaps are identified to avoid uncertainties for the organization that may lead to the organization’s failure to meet its strategic objectives. Therefore, a Risk Practitioner must understand the technical aspects of any business they work in, to successfully execute their roles.
Q: What should a young person who is interested in Risk Management study?
A: There are quite several ways to become a Risk practitioner. One can have their first degree in many fields, Commerce, Finance, Management, and Economics, and then augment with a Risk management-related course. Another way is to directly enroll in a Risk management course as a first degree in any institution.
Q: You were also recognized internationally last year as you were nominated in the Institute of Risk Management South Africa (IRMSA) awards. What did that recognition mean to you?
A: It meant a lot to me because I believe that being in Risk Management is a calling for me. Eswatini was nominated twice by IRMSA and that solidifies the growth of the profession in the country and this is something to be proud of. These nominations not only build my credibility as an individual but also the credibility of the work we do as Risk practitioners in the country. When I look back today I’m blown away about how fortunate I have been. The office I hold has provided me with so many opportunities such as the privilege of sitting on the Board and attending high-profile meetings outside the country. So being a finalist at IRMSA meant a lot to me, and it is not something I take for granted.
Q: Your job is undoubtedly stressful. How important has family support been?
A: My husband has been my rock throughout my career. Without him, it would be tougher but I am glad that he has been by my side the entire time.
Q: I believe you are now a Certified Risk Management practitioner and are also pursuing your MSc in Insurance and Sustainable Risk Management.
A: Yes, I am now a Certified Risk Management practitioner, after graduating in November 2023 through IRMSA. That was arguably one of the toughest examinations I have ever sat for, but I am glad that my sleepless nights paid off. In January this year, I then enrolled for the MSc in Insurance and Sustainable Risk Management at Glasgow Caledonian University London.
Q: What does International Women’s Month mean to you?
A: It means several things, as it says let us celebrate women’s excellence. In the local context, I am highly encouraged by the strides taken by women. It is inspiring to note that most companies in the country have embraced the idea of women in leadership positions. What makes me happy is that those women holding Executive and Senior Management positions are highly talented and good at what they do.
Q: What would you say to a young girl who is reading this and is inspired by your story? What should they do to ensure that they achieve a similar feat?
A: I would say anything is possible with God. I know it sounds like a cliché, but if they focus and put their energy toward achieving their goals then they will succeed. Opportunities are abundant in the country and globally.
Q: Lastly, how instrumental has the ESRIC been in your professional development?
A: Where do I start? ERSIC is the employer of choice. ESRIC’s Executive and Senior management have been very supportive of my work. We are currently embedding the ERM framework across the entire organization and for this to be a success, the tone from the top is of paramount importance. Many strides have been achieved at ESRIC because of this support and the enthusiasm of the employees in embracing the risk culture. It makes going to work exciting every day. I am also grateful to ERSIC for its patience, and consideration, and appreciate her support to its employees pursuing their studies.
Thank you for your time, Portia.
It has been my pleasure.