Batseta off to a flying start with the constitution of the Interim Board

A professional body, which is a strategic contributor to shaping the retirement industry landscape, Batseta represents the interests of retirement fund boards of trustees and their principal officers.

 

The Interim Board members have been appointed for a three-year term of office and comprise representatives of organised labour, the Principal Officers Association (POA), employer trustees and industry experts and will be supported by a full-time secretariat.

 

The key leadership roles of the new body are filled by Isaac Ramputa, as Chairman, and Sbu Luthuli as Vice-Chairman. Both gentlemen have already been deeply involved in the formation of Batseta, and are well positioned to steer the organisation to greatness. Ramputa, Deputy General Secretary of SASBO and trustee on the COSATU Employee Provident Fund was instrumental during Batseta’s formation phase as the chair of the working committee while Luthuli, Principal Officer and CEO of the Eskom Pension and Provident Fund, has chaired the POA effectively and successfully throughout the process.

 

Other members of the Interim Board representing member-elected trustees are:

• Koos Bezuidenhout – CEO of trade union UASA and trustee, Sentinel Retirement Fund

• Ernest Hlongwane – General Treasurer at Professional Educators' Union

• Jan Mahlangu – Cosatu Benefits coordinator and principal officer, COSATU Employee Provident Fund

• Thulani Mncube – Chairperson of the National Public Service Workers’ Union

• Shadrack Motloung – UASA divisional manager and trustee, Sentinel Retirement Fund

• Malinge Plaatjie – National Organiser at NACTU

• George Strauss – UTATU SARWHU President and trustee, Transnet Pension Fund

• Samuel Tsiane – Numsa benefits officer and trustee, MIBFA Provident Fund

 

In addition, members of the Interim Board who represent Principal Officers are:

• Madula Mananye – Sentinel Mining Industry Retirement Fund and Mine Employees Pension Fund

• Patrick Mayne – Corporate Selection Umbrella Retirement Funds

• John Oliphant – Government Employees Pension Fund

• Sipho Sidu – Mineworkers Provident Fund

• Lidia Visser – Sasol Pension Fund

• Lindy Wingrove-Gibson – City of Johannesburg Pension Fund

• Johan de Waal – Retired principal officer of Impala Platinum Pension Fund

• Ashley Indurjith – Retired principal officer of Liberty Corporate Umbrella Fund

 

The appointment of employer-appointed trustees is currently under way. The Memorandum of Incorporation provides for independent directors in addition to those mentioned and Batseta is presently considering suitable candidates for this purpose.

 

For the first time in South Africa, Batseta provides a home for trustees and principal officers together, creating a single voice for the retirement fund industry and making it the preferred organisation with which external parties can consult. Importantly, service providers may not become members which will eliminate potential conflicts of interest.

 

A key role for Batseta is education and training. As a professional body, members will be able to acquire and maintain a professional designation while overall skills within the retirement fund sector will be enhanced. The first of Batseta’s proposed activities will be the annual conference on 9 – 11 June to be held at Champagne Sports Resort in the Drakensberg. An exciting line-up has been planned and all industry participants are urged to attend. More information on this instructive event can be found at http://www.quickregister.co.za/batseta