Our Story: A Legacy Rooted in Purpose
Progress Administrators was born not just from ambition — but from necessity, vision, and care.
For the past 25 years, Progress Administrators has been a trusted partner in South Africa’s financial services landscape. As a proudly Level 1 B-BBEE independent Financial Services Provider, we’ve dedicated ourselves to delivering tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of individuals, employees, and employers across various sectors.
In the year 2000, Nathaniel Nesamari, a former schoolteacher, serial entrepreneur, and seasoned financial advisor, founded Progress as a close corporation (CC). His reason was simple but profound: to feed his family. But it was his deep sense of service to others — especially teachers, nurses, and other public sector employees — that gave Progress its true purpose.
Nathaniel began his career in financial services at Old Mutual, where he learned the intricacies of insurance and financial planning. It was there he recognized a critical gap: public sector workers, despite their importance to society, had limited access to clear, honest, and supportive healthcare advice.
So, he set out to change that.
A Humble Start with a Public Mission
From a small office and big dreams, Progress started by offering medical aid advice to government employees — people who spent their lives in service of others. The company’s earliest client base was made up of teachers, nurses, and other public servants.
But in 2005, the landscape shifted. The establishment of GEMS (Government Employees Medical Scheme) meant Progress could no longer serve that sector as before. Instead of giving up, Nathaniel and the Progress team pivoted boldly, diversifying both the industries they served and the products they offered.
Growing Through Partnership and Vision
Between 2002 and 2007, Progress entered a formal partnership with another brokerage — a key decision that enabled growth, learning, and a broader industry footprint. Over the years, several strategic partnerships have shaped the Progress journey, each one chosen carefully to align with its mission of serving South Africans with dignity and excellence.
Understanding South Africa’s socio-economic landscape, Progress also made an intentional decision: to hire and empower young people. With youth unemployment at crisis levels, the company became a place of opportunity — where young professionals could grow, thrive, and serve their communities.
Milestones That Shaped Our Path
Over time, Progress evolved from a small healthcare broker into a comprehensive financial services provider, offering employee benefits, pensions, short-term insurance, funeral cover, and compliance solutions. Today, we proudly serve clients across mining, municipalities, parastatals, and the private sector.
Why We Exist
Progress isn’t just a name — it’s a promise. A promise to walk alongside our clients, to understand their needs, and to offer honest, empowering advice that helps them live with peace of mind.
We are a company built on family values, founded in resilience, and determined to shape a better future — not only for our clients, but also for the young people we hire, the communities we serve, and the legacy we carry forward.
Leaders of Progress
Young minds. Deep experience. Shared purpose.
At Progress Administrators, leadership isn’t just about titles — it’s about vision, service, and legacy.
Voices of Progress
Progress is more than a business — it’s a home. A place where stories are built, futures are shaped, and people grow — not only professionally, but personally.
Our story begins with a schoolteacher who turned to financial services and started Progress in 2000 with nothing but purpose, perseverance, and people in mind.
Today, Progress has grown — not just in size, but in spirit. Across every department, you’ll find individuals who joined not just for a job, but to be part of something meaningful.
Some started as administrators with no formal experience, and today they lead strategy, compliance, and consulting. Others came to Progress after working in retail, call centres, or community outreach — bringing with them passion, empathy, and lived experience. Many came seeking a chance — and found a platform for growth.
Our people. Our journey. Our purpose.
— Dakalo, Administrative Consultant“Progress welcomed me when I had nothing but determination. Today, I serve clients, pursue my degree, and support my team — all because someone believed in my potential.”
— Roseric, Senior Consultant“I joined as a junior. I stayed because Progress helped me grow — and because every time I help a member find peace, I know I’m doing something that matters.”
— Mpho, Head of Advice and Consulting“Progress has been more than a workplace — it’s been my learning ground, my proving ground, and my platform to lead. I’ve had the privilege of growing with this company, and now I get to help others do the same.”
Progress has always believed that real success is shared — that clients, staff, and communities rise together. From regulatory experts and compliance champions to sales consultants who go the extra mile for members, each voice matters. Each story contributes to who we are becoming.
Progress is committed to youth development, women in leadership, and providing a safe space for people to learn, lead, and contribute. Whether you’ve been here 15 years or 15 weeks, there’s room to grow — and room to belong.
Not every story is told here — but every voice is part of our journey.
And as we continue to evolve, we carry each one forward with pride.
This is Progress.
Where people grow
Where service matters.
And where every voice helps shape a better future.