End of an Era: Kobus Hanekom, visionary and key influencer of the South African retirement fund industry retires

Kobus Hanekom

Kobus Hanekom, Principal Officer (PO) of the Sanlam Umbrella Fund (SUF), is retiring after years of exceptional service in the retirement funds industry. Hanekom has been one of the leading visionaries and most respected figures in the retirement funds industry.

Noting his remarkable contribution to the industry, SUF Chairman David Gluckman said: “Kobus has been a key influencer of the South African retirement fund reform process for over two decades, and his Manual on South African Retirement Funds continues to be a vital resource for many retirement fund professionals.” The book has shaped the industry in profound ways, adds Jolly Mokorosi – independent trustee for the SUF.

As the Principal Officer of SUF since its inception in 2008, Kobus has been an integral part of the success of the Fund. The sentiment is shared by colleagues who’ve all expressed their admiration for his unwavering commitment to the industry and endearing personality. Incoming SUF PO, Joelene Moodley, applauded Kobus for his hard work and dedication in growing the Fund from its early days to its current position as a significant player in the retirement industry.

A highly respected expert and speaker in the industry, Kobus's impact on the industry extends beyond his role as Principal Officer of the Sanlam Umbrella Fund. He served as the head of the Commercial Fund Forum and has been a driving force in Batseta, the Council for Retirement Funds in South Africa, and the Pension Lawyers Association of South Africa, which he helped found in 1996.

Hanekom is revered as a vital sounding board for many when it came to wrestling with the legal and practical issues associated with employee benefits. Independent trustee, Cheryl Mestern said: “With an immense knowledge of wine, and an even greater knowledge of the retirement fund industry, Kobus is incredibly generous in sharing not only his wine and but also his knowledge, experience and sage advice regarding both.”

Marius Saayman – sponsor-appointed and alternate sponsor-appointed trustee – agreed, adding that “Kobus's commitment to ensuring the best outcomes for funds and his proactivity in thinking about governance improvements is unmatched.”

Hanekom completed B.Iur. and LLB degrees and was admitted as an attorney, conveyancer and notary in 1983. He also successfully completed the Professional Principal Executive Officer qualification through Batseta, is a qualified Certified Financial Planner and was a founding member of the Pensions Lawyers Association of South Africa. Kobus is the editor and original author of The Manual on South African Retirement Funds (currently in its 25th edition. He is a director of Batseta, the Council for Retirement Funds in SA and is the convener of the Commercial Fund Forum. He served as the head of strategy governance and compliance at Simeka Consultants and Actuaries for many years.

Also reflecting on Hanekom’s dedication and contribution Jolly Mokorosi – independent trustee – said: “Kobus's legacy will be felt for generations to come. While his retirement is a significant loss, his continued involvement in the industry will ensure that his influence and expertise will continue to shape the future of retirement funds.” `

Mokorosi continues: “There has nearly always been an unexpected and pleasantly unpredictable outcome to even the most mundane of retirement fund conversations. “We will miss your way with words, brilliant mind, your unexpected anecdotes, refreshingly wholistic and realistic approach to strategy and superb wine recommendations.”

Hanekom will transition from his current role at the end of March 2023, but will continue to serve as a special consultant to the SUF and board of trustees until December. He is succeeded by Joelene Moodley, currently serving as an independent trustee on the SUF board.

Moodley said: “I am deeply humbled and honoured to be taking over as PO from Kobus and am confident that I will be able to take the Fund forward given the building blocks that Kobus and the Board has put in place.”

Moodley has held various positions at the Government Employees Pension Fund, where she amongst others, served as the Acting Principal Executive Officer for 18 months. Joelene is an admitted attorney, who holds a Masters degree in Law (LLM), a BProc and an LLB degree and also completed an advanced Programme in Risk Management. She was a director in the corporate and commercial division of Rooth and Wessels Attorneys and has extensive employee benefits industry experience. Joelene is currently the Executive Director at Vision Focus, a pension law, corporate governance and strategic financial management consulting company. She is also currently enrolled for an MBA through the Henley Business School.