Institute of Retirement Funds Africa
IRFA President, Wayne Hiller van Rensburg believes the time is now for industry players to actively engage and forge productive partnerships for the benefit of members of retirement funds and society at large.
He says “The industry is in a constant state of change, growth and flux. Considering the positive benefits we bring to the table in terms of social development, retirement lifestyles and in alleviating a substantial burden on the state, co-operation and collaboration between all role players are mandatory, not simply nice to haves.”
Hiller van Rensburg believes productive partnerships should be planned and top of mind, as reflected in the Institute of Retirement Africa’s core industry offering as it moves forward.
“Certainly we are working to forge partnerships with similar industry bodies throughout Africa and abroad to share knowledge and learnings.
“2018 will see IRFA embarking on a significant outreach programme throughout Africa in terms of forming alliances with industry bodies in the interests of sound governance, member education, joint forums and other collaborative opportunities.
“Rigorous governance and knowledge sharing is a priority for IRFA. We are planning and board development, investment practices, audit processes.
Legal and technical hot buttons, such as Twin Peaks, default regulations and divorce as it pertains to retirement planning will also be included.
“We survey our members and the industry regularly on their needs and take strong cognizance of their input when planning these events.”
Hiller van Rensburg told Business Report that the forthcoming year will also see strong alliances with industry in reaching out to the members of retirement funds.
“We are in the process of developing a programme to engage with the members of funds to determine their opinion and needs from the industry. This is a planned initiative which will see a second phase where we involve that section of the workforce who do not have retirement savings.
“We see this as part of our social contribution to get this information into the system for industry to include in their strategy.”
He is upbeat and enthusiastic about the future. “If we work together as legislators, service providers, industry bodies and industry itself we can make a positive difference in the lives of workers and the self-employed. Certainly my Board and I are committed to this process.”