Nathalie Burrows, Editor at EBnet
Batseta Winter Conference 2025 kicked off yesterday with the theme “Protect, Preserve, Prosper,” bringing together the key stakeholders in the retirement and investment industry, including fund trustees, principal officers, policymakers and service providers.
The conference provides an important platform for networking, knowledge exchange and sharing different perspectives on critical industry challenges like governance, regulatory changes and sustainable investing. Day 1 was marked by engaging discussions, expert-led sessions and a focus on navigating the intricacies of South Africa’s retirement fund industry in a rapidly changing global environment. Deserving a nod from this Ed was that most sessions were introduced by trustees or principal officers of various funds – so it’s not just the experts speaking.
The day began with an a dynamic panel discussion moderated by the vibrant Gugulethu Mfuphi, on “Navigating a Chaotic World: Finding Clarity in Times of Change.” This session really set the day’s tone by exploring how retirement fund fiduciaries can adapt to global and local disruptions, including economic uncertainty, climate change and technological advancements. Panelists, including Rudi Dicks, Head of the Projects Management Office, from the Private Office of the President, emphasised the importance of proactive, forward-looking strategies to ensure the resilience of retirement funds while safeguarding members’ savings against risks like market volatility and inflation. The discussion highlighted the fiduciary duty to balance risk mitigation with opportunities for growth, urging trustees to adopt innovative approaches to achieve the best outcomes for fund members.
This delicate balancing act between risk mitigation and opportunities for growth was the focus of much of the day’s discussion.
Breakaway educational sessions unpacked the critical topics shaping our industry – the two-pot system’s implication for investment strategies, offshore investing and private markets. One of these sessions unpacked the key trends in sustainability, energy and climate change regulation and the implications for retirement funds. This was the first time I’ve seen an investment portfolio report setting out the underlying investments’ carbon emissions (both direct and indirect) and I couldn’t help but feel encouraged that the industry is moving in the right direction.
One conversation that will be difficult for me to forget is the PSSPF Case Study, unpacked by key stakeholders involved in this fund’s management. The fund’s contribution problem are well known and documented. But the sincere collaborative efforts made by all the Fund’s role players in resolving the issue is a lesson in collaboration that we can all learn from. My personal favourite: the challenge set to every person in the room to make sure those security companies they employ (both at home and at work) are responsible and pay their guards’ retirement fund contributions.
The afternoon session provided a rare treat to listen to Prof JJ Tabane question a panel of representatives from the GEPF, PIC, Standard Bank and the DBSA on the opportunities and obstacles that exist to investing in Africa. A B20 conversation held in the context of this year’s G20 summit.
Networking opportunities were a cornerstone of Day 1, with plenty of time for delegates to connect with peers, service providers and international experts. The conference’s exhibition area is a space to explore the services and solutions tailored to South Africa’s retirement fund industry, fostering collaboration and idea-sharing.
Overall, Day 1 of the Batseta Winter Conference 2025 laid a strong foundation for addressing the industry’s challenges and opportunities, offering practical insights and best practices for governance, member engagement and sustainable investing.
I’m looking forward to Day 2.
ENDS
