Bifm property targets P2bn
Tuesday, August 08, 2023 | 650 Views |
Landmark: Airport Junction is amongst the Bifm Property Fund's investments PIC: AIRPORT JUNCTION FACEBOOK
Giving an update on the Fund recently at Bifm’s annual seminar, Botlhe Tshukudu, Bifm’s Portfolio Manager for Unlisted Investments, said investments had slowed down during the COVID-19 era due to significant risks in the market such as depressed rental yields and uncertain cash flows.
He however said with impending changes to the pension fund rules expected to create high liquidity in the local market, there was an opportunity for the Fund to tap into this and secure opportunities. Under changes to the Retirement Funds Act, local pension funds will soon be required to invest a minimum of 50% domestically, from the current 30%, although the changes will be done in a phased manner over several years.
Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...