What one generation gives teh next: Lester Botha reflects on 40 years in insurance

Lester Botha, business and market development executive at Alpha, reflects on a 40-year career in insurance that began in George in 1986. Originally studying to become a teacher of physical education, his plans shifted during military service when his father told him about an opportunity at Price Forbes Federale Volkskas. Botha took the role after interviewing in his army uniform, starting on 1 July 1986 with basic tasks such as manually writing third-party insurance discs. Mentored by Kobus le Roux, he earned first client responsibility after three months, later training in London inside a Lloyd’s syndicate. Botha emphasizes learning, taking responsibility for ideas, and supporting people rather than “replicas” as he helps shape the next generation.