In conversation with …
In conversation with …
Prof Caspar Greeff
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At 90 years old, Professor Caspar Greeff remains as sharp, curious and active as ever. A pioneer in actuarial education in South Africa, a dedicated lecturer and a lifelong endurance runner, Prof Greeff has not only shaped the profession but continues to inspire through his commitment to learning, fitness and gratitude.
TELL US MORE ABOUT YOURSELF, WHERE DID YOU GROW UP AND WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FONDEST MEMORIES?
I grew up in the suburb of Observatory in Cape Town. I went to Observatory Boys’ Junior and High Schools, which I enjoyed. I had five brothers and one sister. My father was Afrikaans and my mother English speaking. I have fond memories of travelling by car with my parents to Karoo and Johannesburg to visit my father’ s family.
YOU HAVE HAD A LONG AND ACCOMPLISHED CAREER IN ACTUARIAL SCIENCE. WHAT FIRST DREW YOU TO THE FIELD AND WHAT HAS KEPT YOUR PASSION ALIVE OVER THE YEARS?
I knew that actuarial work involved numbers and that it was difficult to qualify. I enjoyed working with numbers( and words) and I enjoyed a challenge. It was logical that I should study to become an actuary. When I was a student, no South African university offered actuarial courses. To qualify, we had to study while working and write the exams set and marked by the actuarial bodies in Scotland, London or the US. We wrote the exams under supervision in South Africa but the answer books were sent to the overseas body for marking. There were no calculators available in the examinations. All calculations were done manually. When I qualified as a Fellow of The Faculty of Actuaries in 1962, there were about 100 qualified actuaries in South Africa. We were a“ scarce species”.
I started as an actuarial clerk at a life insurer, then became a consulting actuary and later a lecturer. While teaching, I worked part-time with a reinsurer and a medical aid firm to stay connected. Lecturing has been my favourite role. I was the first full-time actuary at Wits and Stellenbosch, where I launched actuarial courses that gained international recognition.
AT 90, YOU ARE STILL VERY ACTIVE. WHAT’ S YOUR APPROACH TO STAYING FIT AND ALWAYS LEARNING?
Staying active has never been a problem for me. I enjoyed exercise and the feeling of being tired after a good workout. I can no longer
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