July 2023
By Khanyi Nzukuma - Chief Executive of Glacier by Sanlam
“How do we fix this?” That’s the theme and the question we pose in this issue of Glacier Globe. Finding the answers requires deep thinking and collective commitment, as there seems to be so much to fix – locally and globally. No individual, company or institution can do it alone.
In September 2022, two years after COVID was declared a global pandemic, we started going back to the office a few days a week and I excitedly caught up with my colleagues in person. What struck me most was how our team showed up when it mattered most. Every part of our business continues to contribute with re-ignited passion and purpose – ready to make a difference in the lives of all our stakeholders through collaboration and partnership.
In this issue of the Glacier Globe, you’ll notice that partnership and collaboration is an invisible thread woven through all of the articles. We extend our deep appreciation to our contributors to this issue for their thought-provoking work.
We look at the state of the global economy in the wake of COVID, a war in the north that has impacted all of us, the dreaded loadshedding and several interest rate hikes. The global economy has not seen such adversity since the global financial crisis of 2008, and ordinary people are feeling the crunch. In this time, as financial advisers and investment professionals, guiding and reassuring our clients is not easy, but we can show up for them despite the economic headwinds – with strategies and investment goals that have their needs and objectives at the centre.
How do we fix this? Through partnership, that’s how
At Glacier, assisting intermediaries help their clients plan for retirement is one of our key drivers as a business. This includes strategies to assist employees in the public sector to retire with confidence. Other themes covered in this issue are the implementation of the National Health Insurance in South Africa and environmental, sustainability and governance (ESG) investing. In both instances, partnership, collaboration and political will, will be critical to ensure that we achieve our goals in South Africa. Our people and planet depend on all of us.
Since the world re-emerged after COVID, it has been good to meet with our intermediaries in person after so long of not being able to do so. Events such as the Glacier Circle of Excellence, Investment Summits, Wealth Intel Summit and the Glacier IdeasLab are touchpoints that we cherish and plan for with great attention to detail – mindful of the themes and investment concerns that are of importance to you. We have built relationships through interaction and engagement, over many years, and returning to our in-person events and engagements has given us great joy.
We also know that digital transformation is inevitable to ensure that we can efficiently and seamlessly meet the needs of both our clients and intermediaries. To this end, we have embarked on a journey that will significantly enhance our service and client experience through technology. These are exciting times for Glacier.
As you explore this issue, I hope that you consider what it means for you to show up – for yourself, your clients, and your team – as well as what you need to get there in your practice. At Glacier, our commitment to our intermediary panels is of paramount importance to us as we navigate a challenging social, economic and political environment and guide our clients. If COVID has taught us anything, it’s that partnership, collaboration and care help us survive and thrive. We remain your proud partner as, together, we move, grow and support each other into a confident future.
In this issue…
Renier de Bruyn, Head of Asset Allocation at Sanlam Private Wealth looks at an informed investment strategy during these challenging economic conditions.
Sinalo-Uzuko Mputa, Product Analyst at Glacier by Sanlam expands on retirement prospects for public sector employees.
George Tshesane, Director and Government and Public Services Industry Leader at Deloitte Africa looks at how to implement the NHI in South Africa.
Rudesh Patel, Head of ESG at Sanlam Investments Multi-Manager looks at why making a difference through responsible investing is important.
