IRFA Supports FoodForward SA initiative

Enos Ngutshane, the President of the Institute of Retirement Funds Africa (IRFA) has strongly encouraged members of the industry association and the retirement sector as a whole to support the Food Forward SA initiative set up by the Institute of Risk Management South Africa (IRMSA) “The IRFA Board supports this initiative in response to the Covid 19 pandemic as a necessary strategy to combat poverty, hunger and desperation in the face of uncertainty.” he says. Our mandate has always been the upliftment of society and members of retirement funds and as such we pledge our support to this initiative.” After intense workshops and discussions with its Executive Committee and stakeholders, IRMSA realised that it needed to quickly recommend a risk response strategy to support government and these individuals in ‘hot spot’ areas who have been deeply affected by this lockdown as a result of the Covid-19 crisis. It has become clear that this desperate need for food and basic necessities will be widespread in all townships and informal settlements. According to Enos “IRMSA feels that this is an opportunity for professionals and business leaders to personally play a significant role in managing this risk which will have an impact not only on all organisations but on every single household and citizen in South Africa.” IRMSA is thus collaborating with an organisation called FoodForward SA to treat the core of these emerging risks – food distribution to those in need and for those who suddenly are unable to earn a living. Not only is this the right thing to do but an essential risk treatment strategy to address the consequences of social unrest, starvation, desperation and a potential for harm, or loss of life. FoodForward SA redistributes edible donated food products and operates as part of the international Global Foodbank Network (GFN). The organisation has an established national distribution footprint enabled by its verified beneficiary network of over 670 charities and over 255 000 people across the country. They already provide 20 million meals per year – but in the next few days to come and then 4 – 6 months, the need is much more. www.foodforwardsa.org.za While organisations that previously invested in developing robust enterprise-wide risk management processes are still experiencing significant impacts from this unfolding crisis, hopefully their leadership teams will align with IRMSA and take up this opportunity to be more proactive and participate in this drive with IRMSA and Food Forward SA. It is also an opportunity for professionals and leaders to personally play a significant role in managing this risk which will have an impact not only on all organisations but on every single household and citizen in South Africa. In urging the retirement sector to support the initiative Enos notes the significant socio-economic impact such support will have. “Together we can make a difference.”