It’s hard to believe we’ve already reached the midpoint of 2025. The pace of the year has been relentless — and not just for those of us in practice. Globally, regionally, and locally, the past six months have brought significant shifts, from escalating trade tensions and geopolitical uncertainty to the evolving dynamics of South Africa’s Government of National Unity.

While the world grapples with volatility, at SARIPA, we’ve remained focused on our purpose. Our energy has been directed toward strengthening the profession, building value for our members, and delivering on our strategy.

Following a successful board strategy session in April, we’ve defined our value equation as:

((Education + Discipline + Advocacy + Networking) × Marketing) ^ Transformation)

This formula reflects our belief that the foundational pillars of our work — education, professional discipline, advocacy, and networking — are amplified by a strong and intentional marketing strategy. Crucially, everything we do is powered by transformation: not as a standalone goal, but as an essential force woven into every aspect of our mission.

As the second half of the year unfolds, we look forward to building on this foundation — and continuing to elevate the profession together. In the paragraphs that follow, we’ve highlighted some of the key successes over the past six months, acknowledging that we have already highlighted our inaugural IP Summit which was held in February.

Regulatory Pulse – Conversations that Count

The Master’s Office Task Team met with the Acting Chief Master, Adv. Pillay on 11 June 2025, the meeting was productive, and Adv. Pillay requested that the stakeholders meet bi – monthly. She undertook to revert on the progress of the draft Insolvency Bill and the draft Policy on the Appointment of Insolvency Practitioners. We have drafted a Memorandum of Understanding that sets out the shared values, principles and intentions of the parties in pursuing collaborative efforts aimed at restoring trust, ensuring transparency, and combatting systemic corruption within the administration of the Master’s Offices across South Africa.

Formal Education – building expertise, advancing the profession

Our strategic partnership with INSOL to deliver both the Insolvency and Business Rescue courses remains a cornerstone of SARIPA’s commitment to high-quality professional education. We’re pleased to report strong enrolments with 34 participants currently enrolled on the Insolvency Course and 25 participants currently enrolled on the Business Rescue course – a clear reflection of the ongoing demand for structured, globally aligned learning in our field.

Across the Regions – local voices, national impact

A few regional meetings have taken place during these first six months of 2025, with more planned for the remaining six months of the year:

KZN – KZN have been very busy this first half of the year with a social networking function on 3 April 2025 and an extremely successful workshop with SARS on 19 June 2025. The feedback on this workshop has been amazing – well done to Johnine and team.

Northern Region – a sold-out conference was held on 9 May 2025 at the Fluxmans offices in Gauteng. Renowned economist Dawie Roodt opened the conference and attendance by the Master was a real coup for those who attended this half-day conference.

After four years of dedicated service as Chairperson of the Northern Region, Colin Strime is stepping down from this role following his recent nomination to the main board and election as vice-chair in January this year.

We extend our sincere thanks to Colin for his steady leadership and valuable contributions in the Northern Region. We will soon announce the new chair of the Northern Region following our July board meeting.

Upcoming events:

Eastern Cape – the first seminar for the year will run on 11th July 2025

Western Cape – the first seminar for the year will run on 24th July 2025

Central Region – we look forward to a seminar in Q3 of 2025

Webinars – Staying informed and connected

Our monthly webinar series continues to provide members with valuable insights on topical issues shaping our profession. These sessions are free to all SARIPA members and contribute towards your CPD requirements.

Recent topics have included:

• the implications of the Henque judgment;
• stakeholder dynamics in business rescue;
• insights from the Deloitte Restructuring Survey;
• our Young Bloods session on Ponzi’s, Crypto and Collapse – navigating distress in digital assets;
• helping employees impacted by liquidation and business rescue; and
• a media ‘teach-in’ on business rescue.

All of these webinars are free to download from the website: event-recordings

Young Bloods – Under 40, Overachieving

Our Young Bloods remain active and engaged with a newly elected sub-committee in the Northern region, first Thursday drinks in the Western Cape, and a Quiz Night planned for 10th July in the Northern Region. I am reliably informed that there are some exciting plans in the wings, so watch this space!

New Initiatives – driving progress, delivering value

The Counsel Forum

Adv Lizelle Acker, who chairs our SARIPA Counsel Forum, launched a Mentorship Programme on 27 June 2025 in collaboration with Advocates for Transformation at Thulamela Chambers.

The Mentorship Programme is targeted at Counsel with 0 – 3 years’ experience. The event was a huge success, and everyone is looking forward to the next event.

SARIPA Trade Union Committee

George Nell, a member of our Trade Union sub-committee, addressed NUMSA leadership on the practical workings of Business Rescue – its purpose, its process, and its potential to preserve businesses and jobs in times of financial distress. This engagement underscored the value of constructive dialogue between restructuring professionals and labour representatives. In the upcoming weeks, our Trade Union sub-committee will be speaking to all of our regional committees imparting knowledge on strengthening the regional relationships.

SARIPA Women’s Forum

We’re proud to announce the launch of the SARIPA Women’s Forum – a dedicated platform to support, connect and amplify the voices of women in restructuring and insolvency. The SWF will kick off with its inaugural event in Port Elizabeth, bringing together professionals from across the region to share insights, build networks and drive meaningful dialogue around gender, leadership and transformation in our profession. We are proud that Exco member, Joelene Brown, will spearhead this initiative. Watch out for future regional events.

Lenders’ Forum

The second meeting of 2025 took place on 5 June. Lenders heard from a shareholder activist regarding their motivations, lessons learned and how to explore opportunities for synergies and partnerships between lenders and shareholders.

Fancourt 2025 – let’s level up!

We have already sold out for our flagship annual conference, taking place this 23 – 24 October at the world-class Fancourt Estate! Our impressive speaker line-up promises rich insight and debate, complemented by a range of networking events and ancillary functions. This is more than just a conference – it’s the premier gathering of South Africa’s turnaround, restructuring and insolvency community. Don’t miss out!

Kind regards,

Jo Mitchell-Marais
SARIPA Chairperson