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Disability and
Critical Illness
Management

understanding the market

understanding the market

Disability is a contentious issue for employers, employees, unions and funders. The cost of disability cover provision is rising and leads to a reduction of benefits and/or a reduction in retirement benefits. These costs can only be managed through the implementation of proper disability risk management strategies. Appropriate risk management strategies are essential to ensure early identification of claims and proper intervention into the health challenges that an individual could face.

our solution to address the
gap in the
market

our solution to address the
gap in the
market

  • Early identification and notification:
    • Early identification of claims, management of incapacity and disability and early interventions are critical aspects of managing the costs of disability benefits. 
  • Incapacity Management Interventions:
    • Incapacity Management Interventions involve an early assessment of what could be done to improve the outcome of a disability for an individual. 
  • Pre-assessment of Claim:
    • The claim is pre-assessed as soon as the notification of a disability claim is received. Additional medical information may be requested. 
  • Request Additional Support Documentation:
    • Additional medical information will be requested by the medical claims assessor. 
  • Medical Referrals:
    • As part of the claims assessment process, the medical claims assessor may request for a specific medical referral. 
  • Assessment of Claims and Report:
    • The medical claims assessor will assess the disability claim to determine its validity in line with the rules of the benefit. 
  • Ongoing Management of Claim with Review Process:
    • Disability claims are reviewed on an ongoing basis where required for the different types of disability benefits.

We work hard to create a sustainable future for our clients.

Contact Us

Contact Us

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Operating Hours

Monday - Friday

08:00 - 16:30

Saturdays, Sundays & Public Holidays

Closed

Wellness Call Center (24/7)

0800 333 048

Reach out to us and we’ll call you back.

Kula Partners, 2025 | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy.

Kula Partners is an Authorised Financial Service Provider FSP 43066
Kula Partners Advice is an Authorised Financial Service Provider FSP 46670
Kula Partners Solution Service is an Authorised Financial Service Provider FSP 54036

13B Licence number: 24/805

Michael Long

Michael Long

Linkedin

Head of Tenders

With an energetic approach and can-do attitude, Michael takes Tenders head on and analyses all the details to ensure all goals are met. From work related tasks to personal tasks, Michael uses his adaptive and, on the go, thinking to maximize opportunities and complete his tasks. With multiple years of experience in the Tendering world, he can provide clear solutions and bids for any tender.

Minesh Collopen

Minesh Collopen

Linkedin

Head of IT

Java Programming-Van Zyl and Pritchard, IT Management-Essential Principals and Skills

Minesh is an enthusiastic and dedicated professional with over 10 years experience in the IT industry. He is an exceptional leader whom can develop and motivate others to achieve targets and enjoy being part of a successful and productive team. He is quick to grasp new ideas and concepts, and to develop innovative and creative solutions to problems. He can work well on his own initiative and can demonstrate the high levels of motivation required to meet the tightest of deadlines. Even under significant pressure, he possess a strong ability to perform effectively.

Monica Mhlanga

Monica Mhlanga

Linkedin

Executive PA, Marketing Assistant and Office Manager

Certificate in Brand Management, Certificate in Digital Public Relations

I started in the Financial Services industry in 2000. Gained experience in various industry sectors with over 20 years’ experience in finance, office management, policy administration, marketing, brand management, customer service and social media management. I am a self-motivated individual with the ability to work supportively within a team environment and communicate effectively at all levels. I am enthusiastic, diligent and dedicated to what I do. I have the ability to adapt readily to varying job demands and stressful situations. I have acquired knowledge, skills and practical experience on the job training.

aSHWIN mUTAMBU

aSHWIN mUTAMBU

Linkedin

General Manager

Advanced Risk Management, BCom Law, Pensions Management NHDip, RE5, FETC

Ashwin has eighteen(18) years working experience in various capacities within the Pensions and Provident Fund industry. His experience spans being a pensions funds clerk, pension law lecturer, group risk claims team leader and manager. Currently Ashwin holds the position of a risk administration general manager, consequent to which he is also an appointed employment equity, section 24, manager.

 

Complementary to his experience, are the following qualifications.

  • Advanced risk management (NQF 8)
  • BCom law (NQF 7)
  • National higher diploma pensions management (NQF 6)
  • Further education training certificate (NQF 6)

 

In his personal space, Ashwin plays chess and tennis and enjoys game drives.

Sello lebidi

Sello lebidi

Linkedin

Occupational Therapist

Bachelors: Occupational Therapy Postgraduate, Diploma: Project Management MBA in progress

Mr. Sello Lebidi obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy in 2009. He went on to complete a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management in 2016. He is currently enrolled and studying for a Master of Business Administration. Mr. Lebidi worked for 5 years in a clinical setting as an Occupational Therapist treating orthopaedic, neurological, paediatric and psychiatric conditions. Mr. Lebidi worked as a Disability Consultant in the insurance industry assessing temporary and permanent disability claims for a period of 3 years. He further worked another 3 years as an Employee Wellbeing Specialist in the banking sector, followed by an additional 2 years as an independent Occupational Therapist conducting functional capacity evaluations and Medico-legal assessments. Mr. Lebidi joined Kula Partners in July 2022 as a Medical Underwriter.

Nthabiseng Montiea

Nthabiseng Montiea

Linkedin

Disability Claims Assessor

B.Occ. Therapy

Nthabiseng has extensive experience in the clinical field which started in 2009. She has treated a variety of conditions varying from neurological conditions, orthopaedic, psychiatric and paediatric conditions. She has worked both in the public and private sector so she understands how the different sectors operate. The knowledge that she gained from the clinical field has served as a spring board for her efficiency and proficiency in the corporate industry. Her career in the corporate industry began in 2014, she has assessed and managed temporary and permanent disability claims as well as critical illness conditions. At the present moment, she is at Kula Partners as a Disability Claims Assessor (Medical Underwriter) where she is responsible for the accurate assessment and investigation of temporary and permanent disability claims and the providing of efficient and professional service to all our customers, advisors and peers both telephonically and through written correspondence.

Nokuthula Msimanga

Nokuthula Msimanga

Linkedin

Junior Tender Admnistrator

Nokuthula Msimanga is a graduate in Financial Accounting, currently holding the position of Junior Tender Administrator in our company. The analytical skill set she has demonstrated through the completion of her qualification, along with the practical knowledge she has gained during her tenure at Kula Partners, serves to greatly benefit the company’s structure and further growth. Nokuthula possesses insights into the business operations, and her intelligence, conscientiousness, and courageous personality make her more than capable of excelling in this position.

mervyn biggar

mervyn biggar

Linkedin

Administration Manager

RE5, NQF5, SQL

Mervyn has over 20 years experience in the financial services industry with the last 10 plus years being in the administration of insured and self insured funds, from long term risk benefits to funeral, gap and health insurance.
I manage the entire administration function of the business including claims and premium administration and under my supervision Kula Partners Admin performs its tasks and delivers on target at an exceptionally high level.

thiaan kruger

thiaan kruger

Linkedin

CEO, Kula Solution Services

BENG Civil Engineering

Thiaan Kruger CEO of Kula Solution Services. Enabling growth and value delivery by utilizing extensive project management skill and experience.
Thiaan has managed large projects that includes various civil projects of which the largest was a R3bn project and technology projects that include various projects in the mining, municipal and financial service sectors.

Dr Grietjie Strydom

Dr Grietjie Strydom

Linkedin

Chief Medical Director

MBChB

I am an experienced Integrated Health Medical Doctor and Consultant, who is passionate about improving the health and wellness of individuals and thereby reducing the financial risk of ill health to the individual and the organisation. I am passionate about the field of Wellness Risk Management, and I have been involved in this field since 1992. My experience spans all aspects of health and wellness risk management from private practice to occupational health, absenteeism, incapacity, and disability management, as well as chronic disease management, employee assistance programmes and wellness programmes. I have been instrumental in designing, implementing, and managing many new Health and Wellness Risk Management interventions and solutions in the positions that I have been employed in. I have designed and implemented health and wellness solutions for many large organisations, such as Telkom, Massmart, Edcon, Vodacom, Murray & Roberts and CINPF. The companies that I have worked for include: Rossing Uranium Mine, Southern Life, Professional Provident Society, Alexander Forbes, Right to Care, Murray & Roberts, and EOH.

Mbuyi Kahla-Ntshangase

Mbuyi Kahla-Ntshangase

Linkedin

CEO, Wellness Risk Management

BA(Hons) Social Work, NLP & Life Coach

Nombuyiselo Kahla-Ntshangase is the CEO of Kula Partners Wellness Risk Management. Early in her Career, She worked for the South African National Defence Force as a military social worker where she also served in the United Nations (UN) peace keeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as a Chief Social Worker and received an award for the outstanding support and performance service from the UN. In 2008, Nombuyiselo joined the University of Fort Hare as a Junior Lecturer where she lectured and supervised 1st to 4th year level social work students. In addition to lecturing, Nombuyiselo also supervised 4th year level (Honours) research. In addition to lecturing , she was an academic supervisor for 4th year research and Social Work(Hons)practical module for UNISA.


She has vast experience in the EAP (Employee Assistance Program) industry and has worked for various companies as an EAP Manager. Nombuyiselo has served as an executive member of EAPASA (Employee Assistance Professionals Association South Africa) Ikhala Chapter in a portfolio of a deputy chairperson. Nombuyiselo has also qualified as a Fatigue Management practitioner, HIV master trainer, Gender equity master trainer, and has a completed a course on comprehensive HIV/AIDS Care, Treatment and Management with University of Pretoria. She is passionate about training, management consulting& Content Development.

Samantha Monyela

Samantha Monyela

Linkedin

National Operations Manager

 

Samantha Monyela is the National Operations Manager of Kula Partners Wellness. Early in her career, she worked at the Department of Social Development providing statutory social work services to vulnerable children and provided an eclectic service offering to those affected by difficult societal issues. 

Recognizing the profound impact on individuals and the workspaces, Samantha transitioned into the Employee Wellness Sphere. She assumed various roles within the industry which included managing wellness clinicians for a number of Well-known wellness companies , providing comprehensive psychosocial services to employees, managers, and executives alike.

Beyond her extensive credentials, Samantha showcases her expertise by engaging audiences through compelling psychosocial wellness talks on a broad spectrum of topics, where she captivates audiences on a wide range of topics, fostering awareness, learning, and empowerment within corporate environments. With an unwavering passion for her work, a unique perspective, and the ability to drive real change, she proves to be a valuable asset to Kula Partners Wellness. 

jonie swanepoel

jonie swanepoel

Linkedin

Chief Executive Officer

BCompt Degree, RE1, RE5

Jonie started in the Financial Services industry in 2002. Gained experience in various industry sectors with over 20 years’ experience in finance, risk administration for self-insured and insured schemes, change management and project implementations.

Welma long

Welma long

Linkedin

Executive Director

BCom Hons

Welma is a seasoned financial services expert and her experience spans across retail banking, insurance, asset management, and risk administration. She is also a seasoned entrepreneur who co-founded a few companies that incudes a life insurance company. Welma’s passion is integrating different industries such as the wellness and insurance industries to create unique solutions for the post-Covid 19 world.