As the title sponsor of the Old Mutual go2berg mountain bike race, Old Mutual supports the thrill of the ride and the values of preparation and perseverance. The six-day, 530-kilometre race began on September 13th in Frankfurt, Free State, and winds through Reitz and Clarens, ending in the Drakensberg at Champagne Sports Resort.
On route, we caught up with Henno Senekal, Distribution Marketing Manager at Old Mutual Personal Finance, competing for the first time. As he pushed through the course, Henno reflected on how his training and preparation for the race closely mirror the importance of being ready for life’s unexpected challenges.
Well done on getting this far, Henno! How has the experience been?
“It’s been incredible but also tougher than expected. The atmosphere is electric, and the camaraderie among riders is amazing. My preparation and training have paid off to an extent, but there have been moments when the trail threw things at me that I couldn’t have anticipated. You can prepare as much as possible, but there will always be unexpected elements that surprise you.”
Tell us a bit more about these surprises. How did you overcome them and how do you think that applies to other areas of life?
“Just like go2berg, you can plan down to the smallest detail – train hard, study the route, pack all the right gear – but when you’re out there, you quickly realise that life doesn’t always follow the plan. There will always be things you didn’t account for – from unexpected headwinds to tricky terrains and everything in-between.
“It’s similar when considering how we protect ourselves and our loved ones. You might feel like you’ve covered all your bases, but life can still surprise you with a sudden change in circumstances. That’s where having something like disability insurance makes all the difference. It gives you that extra layer of protection to help protect your family against the financial impact when life takes an unexpected turn.”
Why do you mention disability insurance specifically?
“Being part of an event like this, you see how quickly things can change and it reminds you how important being prepared can be – on the trail and in day-to-day life. It’s a great analogy of why disability insurance is important.”
You mentioned unforeseen elements. How do you handle those surprises on the trail, and how do you think that approach applies to life?
“When something unexpected happens on the trail, whether it’s a sudden change in weather or tougher terrain, you have to adapt quickly. Staying flexible, keeping calm, and relying on your training makes a huge difference.
“In life, it’s similar. You can’t always predict what’s coming, but being prepared helps you respond more effectively. Having the right kind of insurance in place, like disability insurance, means that if something happens that affects your ability to earn an income, you’re better prepared to handle the situation without it becoming a financial crisis.”
Speaking about unexpected events, how do you ensure you are protected in a way that makes sense for your specific needs?
“Everyone’s situation is different, so it’s important to have protection that fits your personal circumstances. For instance, some people might only need short-term support after an injury, while others might require longer-term cover depending on the severity of the situation. The same applies to deciding between a monthly income, a lump sum or even both – it depends on your needs, your financial responsibilities and what’s best for you. That’s why the expertise of a financial adviser who understands your needs is crucial.”
What about the costs associated with living with a disability? How does that factor into your thinking?
“It’s something many people don’t fully think through until they have to face it. When living with a disability your existing bills, plus potential new expenses, needs to be covered. That’s where disability cover really steps in, helping you deal with the financial impact.”
You must have had a few surprising experiences on the trail. Can you share an example?
“Definitely. Just yesterday, I saw someone take a fall and damage their bike beyond repair. It happened in a split second, and suddenly, their race was over. That’s when it really hit home for me; how quickly life can change. It’s the same with our everyday lives. One accident can completely alter the course of things, which is why having the right cover is so important. You can’t always stop something from happening, but you can make sure you’re protected when it does.”
What has been your biggest takeaway so far, personally and in terms of protection?
“I think the biggest lesson is that while preparation is key, adaptability is just as important. You can’t predict everything, but if you’ve planned for the unexpected, you’re in a much better position to handle whatever comes your way. Whether out on the trail or in life, it gives you the confidence to keep moving forward, knowing you’ve got a safety net in place.”
Henno’s experience in the Old Mutual go2berg is a powerful reminder that no matter how much we prepare, life has a way of surprising us. Whether it is a sudden injury or an unexpected life event, having the right disability insurance ensures that you and your loved ones are protected against the financial implications.
Old Mutual’s Disability insurance solutions are designed to offer customised protection, ensuring that you can get back up and keep moving forward, no matter what happens. Speak to a financial adviser today or visit www.oldmutual.co.za/disability to see how we can help you safeguard your financial future
Disclaimer:
Old Mutual Life Assurance Company (SA) Limited is a licensed FSP and life insurer. Ts and Cs apply. The views expressed in this article do not constitute advice. Speak to an accredited adviser to learn more.
