Prior to accepting this position at the University of Pretoria, Ms Marli Venter was a senior actuary at ABSA and served in managerial positions within the actuarial industry for more than ten years. In this capacity she managed vibrant teams of junior actuaries and statisticians in high level teams, under complex circumstances of product development. In addition, she   ensured sustainable risk management within the division. She was also recognised for her high level of expertise within the actuarial profession by the Actuarial Society and served on the curriculum committee to ensure that quality curricula are implemented at universities. 

Ms Venter has been involved with the Department of Insurance and Actuarial Science for many years and lectured courses at specialised levels to the University’s honours students in Life Insurance and Investments. She was appointed by the Actuarial Society to set the professional examinations for these courses at a national level.

Ms Venter completed a BSc degree in 1987 and an honours degree in 1988 in Mathematical Statistics, at the former Rand Afrikaans University. Subsequently, she completed a BCom (Honours) in Actuarial Sciences at the University of Cape Town in 1989. She enhanced her academic qualifications while working in the actuarial industry and obtained an MBA degree at the University of the Witwatersrand in 2008 as well as a Postgraduate certificate in Higher Education (2008) at the University of Pretoria.

Since 1994 she has been a professional member of the Faculty of Actuaries (FFA), Scotland, and the Actuarial Society of South Africa (FASSA).

“As the Head of the Department I would like to see the Department playing an important role in supporting the University’s vision to be a leading research intensive university in Africa. Furthermore to be recognised internationally for its quality, relevance and impact, and for developing people, creating knowledge and making a difference locally and globally.”

Ms Venter will also strive to get the Department recognised, both locally and internationally, as will be indicated by the demand for our graduates as first choice candidates by potential employers In addition she will strive to create a demand for our expertise, both in terms of new research outputs, commissioned research in relevant areas, as well as other technical actuarial consulting.