Editor's Thoughts.

The overall sentiment I left the 2026 IRFA Conference with was a deep appreciation of how connected we all are – whether it’s in service as stewards of other peoples’ money, or within our communities and country, or within the broader “human” landscape.

Day 2 of the IRFA Conference focused the conversation from a global view to an African and South African context. While lessons can be learned from others, we all recognise the uniquely African problems and opportunities. While my highlights article today talks mostly to the Regulators’ positions on the hot issues right now, please don’t let that leave you with the impression that this was the only conversation that was happening.

Today’s episode of Industry Insights leans into another part of the industry dialogue. We chat with Keletsi Lehlokoe (Stanlib Asset Management), sponsors of the press coverage of the Responsible Investment in South Africa: Realities, Gaps and the Road Ahead report. Keletsi shares with us what he expects of the trustees who manage his retirement savings, and what trends he is seeing developing among the retirement funds he serves. A lot more interconnected that we realise.

Of course, the other big news yesterday was the published GDP figures. South Africa’s economy took a small step backwards in the second quarter of 2026, with GDP shrinking by 0.2% ending a run of six consecutive quarters of growth. The broader outlook is still cautiously positive: economists expect growth of 1.2% for 2026 and an average of 1.7% over the next three years. Check out Macro’s & Markets for more thoughts on this from people far more qualified than me.

It’s within this economic landscape that we need to design benefits that matter. Articles today  from Momentum and YuLife together with yesterday’s episode of Beyond Benefits will certainly enrich your thinking.

Upcoming Events.

Most Recent Reads.

Quick Links.