IRFA conference will focus on implementation of retirement reform

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"Our economy is faced with a unique challenge that requires far-reaching strategies for a sustainable social security and retirement infrastructure. We must take account of economic cycles, position ourselves for the long-term and ensure that there is a system that balances opportunities, savings and protection," says Zamani Letjane, president of IRFA.

Now in its 26th year, government leaders, trustees, asset managers, fund administrators, retirement fund members, and pension lawyers will gather to debate issues affecting the implementation of a comprehensive social security system in South Africa.

Under the headline 'Lighting the future towards a comprehensive social security', the conference will deal with pressing issues pertaining to the implementation of National Treasury retirement reform policies that come into effect on 1 March 2015, and provide insight on how South Africa will be moving towards creating tomorrow's legacy in comprehensive social security.

Successful reform

A successful retirement reform should take into account income inequality, poverty and policies related to the labour market, pension, insurance schemes and social assistance in order to ensure sustainable retirement incomes - all taken into account as the conference demonstrates current retirement reform processes relating to investment returns, administrative and transition costs, institutional and administrative capacity and transparency.

This conference coincides with the implementation of major National Treasury legislations on pension fund reform from 1 March 2015. The industry has extensively contributed to the amendment of the existing legislations and there exists growing pressure for the industry to be compliant.

The IRFA conference has always been the perfect platform for all stakeholders to discuss issues affecting the retirement industry and listen to the views and position of the government regulatory bodies such as National Treasury, Financial Services Board (FSB) and SA Revenue Services.

Well-informed speakers

"We have selected the industry's finest speakers, including National Treasury - who will be outlining the measures that enable the country to afford its citizens protection against contingencies of unemployment, old age, disability, and maternity, Rosemary Hunter from FSB and Pension Funds Adjudicator, Muvhango Lukhaimane," Letjane says.

"We also employ panel discussions and break-away sessions to ensure delegates have the opportunity to discuss retirement reform issues on topics such as legal, investments and savings, the PFA's Report, governance, trustees' roles and responsibilities, and international comparative policies and standardisation," he concludes