Editor's Thoughts.

I’m fortunate to engage with so many people in our community every day — over coffee, at conferences, by email and across social media. Whatever the setting, the shared intention is usually clear: to improve outcomes for members, employees and clients. But some conversations remain surprisingly difficult to have.

A recent LinkedIn post is a case in point. A financial adviser highlighted the total investment charge on a passive portfolio and questioned whether it was excessive. The comments filled quickly with agreement. But when I suggested naming the product provider, so it could explain the fee structure and respond directly, the appetite for the discussion changed.

It would be inconvenient. It could strain relationships. It might create more work.

Yet if we genuinely believe our purpose is to improve client, member and employee outcomes, surely we need the courage to surface the uncomfortable questions — and the openness to answer them.

Kwanele Ngogela’s article from Just Share raises one such question: if organisations already collect data on gender pay gaps, why are so few publishing it? Likewise, when workplace stress is rising — among women and men alike — why are organisations often reluctant to acknowledge the problem before it becomes a crisis?

The same challenge applies to responsible investment. Climate change, social inequality and infrastructure resilience are material issues for investors and for South Africa’s future. Have you read the PRI’s Responsible Investment in South Africa report? Have you watched Heatwave Horizons or Inside Private Markets? If not, what is holding us back?

Revolution takes courage, my friends. Who’s with me?

Join us next Tuesday at 9am for a webinar with Kwanele Ngogela and other industry leaders as we confront some of these uncomfortable - but necessary - truths.

And yes, yesterday’s inflation figures matter too. They are another reminder that the issues affecting South Africans’ financial wellbeing deserve our full attention.

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