The Government Employees Pension Fund on an annual basis hosts a Thought Leadership Conference, whereby there is a gathering of the leading pension funds, experts in pension funds, investment, and economic policy decision-makers in Africa and across the globe. It is a platform that was created to promote knowledge-sharing and thought-leadership in the global pension funds industry as well as a platform to enable participants to connect with new and existing pension networks. Since its inception in 2018, the conference has hosted over 1000 delegates, more than 90 speakers who are change makers, reformers, leaders, and visionaries in their respective industries. About 20 countries globally have been represented since the conference inception. The 2025 Conference will take place in Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), Cape Town from 22– 23 October 2025.
The Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF) is responsible for managing the pensions and
other benefits on behalf of government employees in South Africa. It is Africa’s largest pension fund
with more than 1.2 million active members, in excess of 548 765 pensioners and beneficiaries and
assets under management worth R2.34 trillion as of 31 March 2024.
The GEPF is one of the largest investor in the South African economy including being the single largest investor in Johannesburg Stock Exchange-listed (JSE) companies. Established in May 1996, the GEPF is a defined benefit pension fund, with more than 320 participating employers. The GEPF sole purpose is to protect the interests of its members and pensioners while ensuring that the pension funds under its administration is responsibly invested and accounted for.
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It is my honour and privilege to host you at this prestigious and exciting conference, the GEPF Annual Thought Leadership Conference 2025. I look forward to welcoming you to Cape Town Convention Centre (CTICC) in Cape Town this October.
This year, our conference theme “Global instability and geopolitical risks”. As we stand at the intersection of challenges and opportunities in an interconnected world, we aim to explore how we can work together across sectors, regions, and borders to drive positive change. As a pension fund our focus this year is on economic resilience, sustainable development and investments, while inclusivity mirrors our own commitment to empowering individuals, communities, and organisations for long-term success.
We look forward to your attendance. Together, we will explore ideas that contribute to the global conversation on sustainability, economic progress, and innovative solutions for a brighter future. As the GEPF, we look forward to witnessing the dynamic discussions and knowledge sharing that will take place at the 2025 Annual Thought Leadership Conference. Networking is also one of the most valuable aspects of attending this conference.
This conference creates an opportunity to network and connect with fellow delegates, echoing the spirit of the interconnected world, where partnerships are forged for collective prosperity. We believe that these interactions can lead to collaboration, inspiration, and professional growth.
Finally, I would like to thank all the speakers who will be participating, for their time and sharing their knowledge. Your expertise will help shape the discussions that matter to our future on a global scale.
Once again, we look forward to hosting you. Thank you for your participation and commitment to creating a more sustainable and inclusive world.
Musa Mabesa – GEPF Principal Executive officer
Musa Mabesa (ACCA) is the Principal Executive Officer (PEO) of the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF). He is a seasoned finance professional with over 17 years’ experience, 10 of which is in the pension fund industry, specialising in financial management and reporting, governance and corporate services.
Prior to joining the GEPF, Mr Mabesa worked for various private and public sector institutions in various positions. In 2011 he joined the GEPF as a Finance Manager and was subsequently appointed as Head of Corporate Services in 2017. In 2020 Mr Mabesa became the Principal Executive Officer of the GEPF.
Mr Mabesa holds a Master of Science (MSc) degree from University of London and Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting Science (BCompt) from University of South Africa (UNISA). He is a Chartered Certified Accountant through the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and is a member of the Institute of Directors Southern Africa.
