About Matla Life

For over two decades, we've been South Africa's trusted insurance partner, protecting families and building legacies with personalized service and comprehensive coverage.

Our Mission

To provide comprehensive, affordable insurance solutions that protect South African families and give them peace of mind for the future. We are committed to building lasting relationships through exceptional service and personalized attention.
  • Protecting over 50,000 families nationwide

Our Vision

To be the leading insurance provider in South Africa, known for innovation, integrity, and unwavering commitment to client success. We envision a future where every South African family has access to quality insurance protection.
  • Building a secure financial future for all

Why Choose Matla Life?

The core principles that guide our business decisions and client relationships.
Integrity

We conduct business with honesty, transparency, and ethical practices in all our dealings.

Care

We genuinely care about our clients' wellbeing and their families' financial security.

Excellence

We strive for excellence in service delivery and continuously improve our offerings.

Trust

Building lasting relationships based on trust, reliability, and consistent performance.

Our Journey

Matla Financial Services has grown and expanded through strategic partnerships and mergers:
2014
Matla Life Investment was launched by Zolani Mpungutye and Molefe Phahlake, aiming to provide affordable and accessible financial solutions for South African families.
2019
The Consolidated Funeral Plan was launched. Matla partnered with Capital Legacy to strengthen estate planning solutions.
2020
Matla introduced Matla Insure and Wills & Estates, and partnered with Rand Mutual Assurance.
2022
Regional expansion began with operations in Klerksdorp.
2024
Matla expanded its reach into the mining sector.
2025
Matla officially merged with Rand Mutual Assurance, forming the stronger, unified entity: Matla Financial Services (Pty) Ltd.

Leadership Team

Meet the experienced professionals leading Matla Life's mission to protect South African families.

Executives

Zolani Mpungutye
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
BIO:

“Leadership, for me, comes from experience; real experience. I grew up in a community where survival came before strategy, where families didn’t need fancy products, they needed dignity. They needed someone who understood the pressure of stretching one income, the pain of losing a loved one without support, and the fear of not knowing what tomorrow would bring. I’ve lived that reality. That’s why Matla Life exists.”

Zolani is driven by a mission to build a company that goes beyond mere solutions, one that restores pride, protects families, and upholds the humanity of every individual. He carries the weight of responsibility for every mother, father, and young dreamer seeking a fair chance. His vision is to demonstrate that strength and compassion can coexist, and that financial dignity is a fundamental right, not a privilege.

Molefe Phahlake
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
BIO:

“Operations is not just about systems for me; it’s about people. I come from a background where broken processes had real consequences. Where a delay meant a family suffered longer, and where poor service wasn’t an inconvenience, it was a setback to someone already fighting hard. I’ve seen how our communities are treated when they’re not seen, not heard, and not prioritised.”

Molefe’s responsibility at Matla is deeply personal. His mission is to ensure every promise made translates into tangible reality for clients, crafting operations that genuinely serve those in need. Every process designed, decision taken, and improvement made aims to remove obstacles, not create them. For him, reliability isn't a luxury; it's a matter of survival. He leads with a singular focus on operational excellence, prioritizing people above all else.

Senior Management

Nicole Ribeiro de Souza
Innovation & Strategic Projects
BIO:

“Innovation must serve a purpose; real people, real families, and real needs. My role is to challenge the ordinary, bring fresh thinking into our organisation, and build solutions that make life simpler and more secure for our clients. But innovation without heart is meaningless.

Nicole starts every project by listening intently, seeking to understand the gaps, frustrations, and challenges faced by clients and staff. Only then can she develop solutions that truly make a difference. Her goal is to keep Matla Life ahead, not for its own sake, but to protect and uplift the communities they serve. She's driven by the conviction that if an idea doesn't improve someone's life, it's not good enough - true innovation should move people forward.

Anna Nalane
Head of Quality Assurance & Forensic Investigation
BIO:

“Quality, for me, is personal. I’ve seen what happens when families are failed by systems that were supposed to protect them. I know what it feels like when a simple process becomes another burden in an already painful moment. That’s why my work goes far beyond ticking boxes.”

Anna approaches every claim, policy, and decision with the utmost care, aware that each one represents a family who has placed their trust in Matla. Her duty is to honour that trust with integrity and compassion, recognizing that many clients are at their most vulnerable when they interact with the company. For her, quality service is not just a goal, but a way to protect her clients' dignity and peace of mind, ensuring that no one feels unheard, unseen, or unsupported.

Zakhele Thobela
Regional Manager
BIO:

“My focus is simple: serve people well, support teams fully, and build trust that endures. I believe leadership is about consistency and showing up with clarity, taking responsibility, and always striving to make things better.”

Zakhele is driven by a passion to create an environment where advisors can excel, knowing this directly benefits clients and reflects Matla's values. He leads the region with fairness, strength, and a commitment to service, always mindful that people are at the heart of their work. This understanding is what propels him forward.

Dakalo Radzuma
Administration & Back Office (Funeral Consolidation)
BIO:

“Behind every document I handle is a family experiencing loss, uncertainty, or stress. I never forget that. My role requires patience, gentleness, and a deep respect for the emotional weight that clients carry during these moments.”

Dakalo finds pride in bringing clarity to confusing situations, calm to overwhelming moments, and dignity to vulnerable families. For him, administration is about providing guidance, helping people navigate tough times with grace and understanding. Every family's story deserves respect, and it's his responsibility to ensure their journey is handled with care, compassion, and fairness.

Sechaba Mbele
Facility Access & Activations
BIO:

“Facilities and activations are where our brand meets the community. Every time we set up in a public space; whether it’s a taxi rank, a mall, or a community gathering, we’re creating an environment where people feel welcomed and respected.”

Sechaba is dedicated to ensuring every event is organised, vibrant, and accessible, knowing these details shapes the Matla experience. When the atmosphere feels warm and intentional, people feel comfortable engaging with the brand. For him, it's not just about logistics - it's about crafting meaningful moments. His goal is straightforward: wherever Matla appears, people should instantly feel valued.

Lorraine Buthi
Head of Distribution Recruitment
BIO:

“For me, recruitment isn’t just about filling positions, it’s about finding people who understand the heartbeat of our communities. I look for talent that knows the struggles our families face because they’ve lived them, felt them, or walked alongside them. Matla needs people who don’t just want a job, but want to make a difference”.

Lorraine is deeply committed to her role, having witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of having the right person interact with clients - it sparks confidence, restores dignity, and revives hope. For her, investing in people is about more than just building a team; it's about uplifting South Africa. Each advisor who joins Matla represents a home that will be supported, a life that will be protected, and a dream that will be strengthened.

Reamo Segoe
Lead Generation & JFA Development
BIO:

“Opening doors is more than a job for me, it’s a calling. I know the challenges young people face when opportunities are limited and support is scarce. I also know how powerful it is when someone believes in you and gives you a chance. That’s what I’m here to do.”

Reamo is on a mission to create opportunities for clients seeking guidance, advisors building careers, and communities looking for hope. For him, growth goes beyond numbers - it's about transforming lives. Every connection made and opportunity created brings someone closer to a brighter future, and that's the kind of growth he champions.

Matimba Chauke
Regional Manager
BIO:

“Growth is never accidental; it is the result of consistent effort, meaningful relationships, and a dedication to learning. As a regional leader, I am committed to creating an environment where advisors are empowered, confident, and supported in every aspect of their work.”

Matimba is passionate about fostering a culture of excellence, where service is delivered with genuine care. His role is to support, motivate, and walk alongside his teams as they tackle challenges and celebrate successes. Every day brings a chance to boost the region's impact, nurture client relationships, and earn trust. For him, growth is a journey, and he's proud to be a part of it.

Tshepang Mofomme
People Development
BIO:

“I have always believed that talent is everywhere and it just needs the right environment to shine. My purpose is to help our people grow into confident, compassionate leaders who uplift not only our business, but the communities they serve.”

Tshepang finds inspiration in walking alongside individuals as they uncover their strengths, discover their voice, and unlock their potential. Witnessing someone realise their capabilities is what drives him. As teams grow, clients benefit from exceptional service, meaningful relationships, and trust. He's committed to championing this growth, nurturing confidence, and ensuring every Matla team member feels valued. His mantra: strong people create strong impact.

Emily Morake
Head of Administration & Back Office (Matla Wills & Estates)
BIO:

“Working with wills and estates has taught me the true weight of family, legacy, and loss. Most people who come to us are carrying grief, confusion, and fear; they need someone who understands the emotional side of the process, not just the paperwork.”

Emily approaches her role with empathy, committed to making a challenging journey more manageable for families. She guides them with patience, compassion, and respect, recognizing that each document represents a life, a legacy, and loved ones navigating a tough time. She takes pride in handling each case with dignity and care, ensuring no family feels abandoned in their time of need.

Innocentia Sibanda
Regional Manager
BIO:

“Leading a region is more than oversight; it is a daily commitment to our advisors and our clients. I believe leadership requires accountability, empathy, and consistent presence. My goal is to build teams that serve with excellence, stay grounded in purpose, and carry the spirit of Matla into every home they touch.”

Innocentia is dedicated to supporting her team, strengthening operations, and building community relationships. Her approach is simple: when advisors feel guided, they thrive, and when clients feel valued, trust deepens. Her mission is to create a region where reliability, care, and partnership flourish, honouring Matla's promise by being a dependable presence in the community.