This past weekend, 1Life Insurance, in partnership with entrepreneur and founder of Wisdom & Wellness, Mpoomy Ledwaba, concluded its deeply impactful Life Changing Lessons with Wisdom & Wellness campaign at Olives and Plates, Wits Club in Johannesburg. The event marked the final chapter of a national journey that has helped South Africans embrace the power of preparation, the importance of financial wellness, and the healing that comes from honest, heartfelt conversations.
Over the past few months, the campaign travelled from Cape Town to Johannesburg, creating safe, intimate spaces where people could begin to talk openly about some of life’s most difficult topics – losing a loved one, financial planning, and legacy. These are conversations many avoid, yet they hold the key to changing lives for generations to come. Through this initiative, 1Life reaffirmed its belief that insurance is not just about protection -it’s the most accessible way for South Africans to start building and securing generational wealth.
Reflecting on the campaign, Mpoomy Ledwaba shared, “This collaboration with 1Life has been phenomenal. As influencers, we help shape conversations, and being part of such meaningful dialogue around legacy, family, and wealth has been both a privilege and a responsibility. These are the kinds of conversations that change lives, and I’m honoured to have helped create a space where people felt safe enough to open up.”
In Johannesburg, Mpoomy was joined by television presenter and entrepreneur Stephanie Ndlovu for a moving conversation about parenting, personal growth, and the emotional journey of losing a parent. The event, which was also recorded for Mpoomy’s Wisdom & Wellness podcast, was more than just a dialogue – it was a shared experience. A safe space was created where vulnerability was met with support, and where the lessons of loss were transformed into tools for empowerment.
Andiswa Nyembe, Communications Manager at 1Life Insurance, reflected on the campaign’s impact: “We’ve seen how powerful it is when people feel safe enough to talk about the things that matter most. These conversations are not easy, but they are essential. They are the first step in changing your family’s life and financial future. Through this campaign, we aimed to help people realise that financial wellness is just as important as physical and mental wellness. We believe lives can be changed for the better when more South Africans have the know-how to make smart financial choices.”
Earlier in the campaign, in Cape Town, Mpoomy and her husband, musician Brenden Praise, shared their own story of navigating grief and legacy as a family. Their openness resonated deeply with attendees, many of whom saw their own experiences reflected in the couple’s journey. These moments of connection underscored a central truth: some of the hardest lessons we learn in life are the ones that give us the most wisdom.
The 2025 Life Changing Lessons Survey revealed that while 80% of South Africans believe talking about finances brings peace of mind, more than half still struggle to have these conversations with loved ones. This insight drove the campaign’s mission to not only start these conversations but to sustain them – through education, empathy, and empowerment. As Nyembe added, “1Life is a brand that drives intentional education consciousness. We aim to lead authentic, open and honest conversations in a safe space, because having uncomfortable conversations is essential to financial planning.”
The campaign also highlighted practical tools available to South Africans, such as 1Life’s Truth About Money initiative, which offers free resources for debt management, estate planning, and financial literacy. These tools are designed to help individuals take control of their financial journeys and turn worry into wellness – ensuring that when the time comes, families can focus on healing rather than financial stress.
At its core, Life Changing Lessons with Wisdom & Wellness was about more than insurance. It was about legacy. It was about teaching South Africans the value of being prepared for life’s uncertainties. It was about understanding that one decision – like taking out the right life cover or attending an event such as the recording of the Wisdom & Wellness podcast – can change your family’s life forever. It was about embracing the wellness of preparation and recognising that good advice from those who’ve walked the path before us can shape a better future.
As the campaign draws to a close, its message remains clear: you are one decision away from changing your family’s life for the better. Through thoughtful planning, honest conversations, and a commitment to financial wellness, we can all leave behind more than memories – we can leave behind a legacy.
