Our people

Many authors subscribe to the belief that in our professional lives we should choose a field that we’re passionate about. Bonita Weeks, better known as Bons by her fellow Durban Etanans, is a qualified skipper who thoroughly enjoys boating.

Bonita’s love of the ocean permeates her working environment, where she heads up Durban’s Etana Marine team. Although marine insurance encompasses all modes of transport, not only on water, Bonita’s passion extends to four-wheelers, as she’s constantly putting herself through the paces on her quad bike.

Bonita joined Etana in July 2010, having previously worked at Sanlam for 19 years in associated marine. During her time there she was mentored by Frank Ponnen who now heads up Etana’s Marine division. Ever since joining Etana Bonita has enjoyed Etanans and their energetic, positive mindset. She is also impressed with the manner in which top management constantly interacts with all Etanans, irrespective of their position within the company.

“I really appreciate, enjoy and love the fact that at Etana you are known by your name and not your staff number. I don’t even know my own number,” says Bonita.

“Etana has amazing people and I am extremely proud to be a part of this company. I really do hope this journey continues far into the future and that Etana experiences the growth we are all aiming for”.

Although seemingly aligned to wearing natural colors like black, white and camel, Bonita enjoys the fact that Etana’s core branding, the color red, challenges her to change her dress code. She says her favorite red item is her monthly play slip, while she’s equally proud showing off anything Etana-related.

Bonita is married to Caz and they have two children, Abbey, 11 and Zac, five. Her favourite musician is George Michael and her best track is ‘Faith’.

“Joining Etana has been great. I have enjoyed the challenges – without these what else is there to live for,” says Bonita.

“I love the fact that within Marine no two days are the same. Risks are always different so you need to apply your mind to different circumstances”.

Bonita is passionate about what she does, whether it’s skippering her boat or testing herself mentally and physically on her quad bike.

Another great aspect is the fact that she has welcomed and adopted the cultural attitudes that are prevalent within Etana. Bonita loves the fact that through Etana she is slowly changing her dress code and actually looks forward to the perennial problem experienced by the fairer sex – what on Earth am I going to wear to work today?