Media Release
Pretoria: 15 April 2024
The GEPF scored significantly above the median range compared to its local and global peers
of asset owners for responsible investing activities in the PRI 2023 Assessment Report.
PRI reporting is the largest global reporting project on responsible investment developed with
investors, for investors. The report facilitates learning and development by outlining how
signatories’ responsible investment activities compare year-on-year, across asset classes,
and with peers at a local and global level by providing high-level comparative data.
The GEPF scored exceptionally well across the various categories and in particular, on policy
governance and strategy, listed equity (active and passive) as well on fixed income and private
equity. The GEPF achieved scores ranging from 85 – 91%, well above the PRI median range
of between 40 – 65%, outperforming many of its local and global peers. The high scores signify
the GEPF’s commitment to include ESG factors in investment and ownership decision making
through the consistent application of fiduciary responsibility, in line with PRI Principle 6.
The impressive scores and stars achieved by the GEPF in the assessment report are listed
below:
• Policy governance and strategy: 81% and 4-stars (PRI median: 40-65%)
• Indirect – Listed equity – Passive: 91% and 5-stars (PRI median: 40-65%)
• Indirect – Listed equity – Active: 91% and 5-stars (PRI median: 40-65%)
• Indirect – Fixed income – Passive: 89% and 4-stars (PRI median: 40-65%)
• Indirect – Fixed income – Active: 89% and 4-stars (PRI median: 40-65%)
• Indirect – Private equity: 89% and 4-stars (PRI median: 40-65%)
• Confidence building measures: 85% and 4-stars (PRI median: 65-90%)
The GEPF is a founding signatory to the UNPRI and has been a member of the initiative since
its inception in 2006. PRI reporting is the largest global reporting project on responsible
investment and PRI signatories are required to report publicly on their responsible investment
activities each year. In turn, they receive several outputs, including an Assessment Report.
The scoring methodology for the 2023 Reporting Framework has an overall focus on:
• Signatories’ responsible investment implementation across their overall investment
processes;
• How specific responsible investment practices are implemented as a percentage of
assets under management covered;
• How sophisticated the responsible investment practices are for the majority of assets
under management;
• Consistency, including how policies are applied in different asset classes or subcategories, how policies are implemented by external managers or service providers;
The GEPF’s approach to responsible investment is driven by its Responsible Investment
Policy underpinned by the GEPF’ commitment and recognition that as an institutional investor,
we have a duty to act in the best long-term interests of our beneficiaries. The full report can
be found here, https://gepf.co.za/responsible-investment
Issued by:
Government Employees Pension Fund
