	Date JUNE 2016
Dear stakeholder

June 2016 is likely to be remembered by most in our industry for Brexit – the outcome of the referendum that determined Britain's exit from the European Union. Although on the cards for some time, the world nevertheless reacted with shock and disbelief to the fact that the British had actually voted in favour of Brexit.

While the Brexit decision impacted on our markets and therefore investor nerves, most South African schools also closed on the day that Brexit was announced. As a result we entered the notorious mid-year quiet time with many taking advantage of the three-week school holidays to travel to warmer climates.

By the time that everyone is back behind their desks to contemplate the long-term effect of Brexit on South Africa, Britain will have a new female Prime Minister whose priority it will be to administer Britain's exit from the European Union.

In the meantime at ASISA our focus has remained firmly on the priority of working with Government and other stakeholders on reigniting economic growth and accelerating development and economic transformation. We are pleased therefore to be able to share the following progress updates with you on projects where ASISA has been working closely with Government:

IN THIS ISSUE

Gas fired electricity generation

Solar Parks

Student Accommodation

Academy Newsflash

In conclusion

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Gas fired electricity generation

The successful Independent Power Producers (IPP) programme run by the Department of Energy has begun its procurement consultation process for generating capacity from gas. An invitation to the private sector has been issued for the appointment of a strategic partner for development, financing, construction, operation and maintenance of a 600MW gas-fired power plant located in one of the major ports, either Coega, Richards Bay or Saldanha Bay. This is the first tranche of a 3126 MW gas procurement programme approved by the Minister of Energy.

Solar Parks

The Department of Energy has identified three potential locations in the Northern Cape for the development, financing, construction, operation and maintenance of one or more solar parks. The Department wishes to secure strategic partners to facilitate the establishment of solar technology manufacturing facilities located at one or more suitable sites in the Northern Cape. A request for Expressions of Interest from the private sector has been issued.

Student Accommodation

ASISA has been working closely with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) as a member of a Task Team appointed by the Director General to prepare a basis for private and public sector capital to participate in the financing of student accommodation at South Africa’s universities and TVET colleges. The Minister of Higher Education and Training will be hosting a symposium on 21 July 2016 where the policy objectives and framework will be presented, together with the first round of institutions to be included in the programme. ASISA members will be invited by the Department.

Academy Newsflash

During June, the Academy ran a Financial Services Industry Overview Blitzcamp as well as an Investment Management Overview Blitzcamp in Cape Town for representatives from several ASISA member companies.

In addition, customised Investment Management Blitzcamps and an Investment Induction Blitzcamp were presented in-house for two member companies.

Retirement Fund Trustee Education Workshops were hosted by the Academy in Cape Town for pension fund trustees of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and in Johannesburg for pension fund trustees of the Liberty Group.

The Academy also presented workshops during the plenary breaks of the Batseta Conference in Durban, covering conflicts of interest and other ethical dilemmas facing pension fund trustees. These workshops proved very popular.

The second phase of the Independent Financial Adviser (IFA) Internship Programme started on June 20 with a two-week Work Readiness Programme. The 15 candidates embarked on their internship journeys with their respective host practices in Cape Town and Johannesburg on 4 July.

In conclusion

We have good news for ASISA member companies looking to employ graduates with potential. The Academy’s Jobs Connection Internet Portal went live during June with the aim of matching deserving young graduates with suitable employment opportunities.

The portal features delegates who applied for ASISA Academy Graduate internship programmes, but who could not be placed by the Academy. These graduates were screened by the Academy and are considered good candidates who are eligible for employment in the financial services industry. Companies who are searching for suitable graduates can view these profiles for free here .

Kind regards

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