unquote" South Africa Private Equity Congress 2009 - Date and venue confirmed!

Key highlights at the 2008 unquote" South Africa Private Equity Congress

In marked contrast to the shaky relationship between regulators and the private equity community in Europe and the US, South African policy makers are working closely with the industry to ensure the asset continues to boost the emerging economy. This was the theme at the unquote" South African Private Equity Congress held on 7 February in Cape Town. The event, held in association with the South African Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (SAVCA) attracted 170 delegates to the Radisson SAS Waterfront.

"Private equity and especially venture capital should be underpinning the investment drive into South Africa," said the director general of South Africa's National Treasury, Lesetja Kganyago. The government has a target investment-to-GDP ratio of 25%; it has grown from 15% four years ago to 22% today.

The political issues that have come to the fore in South Africa are those that have become all-too familiar in Europe and the US - namely those of transparency and regulation. SAVCA is working closely with regulators to try to push forward an agreeable solution. "It would be a shame to see the industry fall because an adequate framework was not in place," Kganyago stressed. "The global private equity market has reached a turning point, but this does not mean we are on the way down. This is not the time to throw hands up. It is not a doomsday scenario. We, as policy makers, offer a partnership that means the growth of your industry should complement our own growth trajectory. We must ensure that any issues are confronted and dealt with so that the industry can continue to play an important role in South Africa's economy."

Here¡¯s what our 2008 attendees at our South Africa Private Equity Congress have said:

"We thought it went really well..Thanks very much for all you time, effort and energy."
LEAD SPONSOR: Sean Dougherty, BRAIT

"Thanks, we really enjoyed the conference. Conference and delegates were excellent¡­look forward to next year."
SPONSOR: Phillip Myburgh, MEZZANINE PARTNERS

"Congratulations on a very well organised conference. I really thought for a first conference the calibre of attendee and the fact that all stayed to the bitter end (which is a first for me) was a great sign. I look forward to next year's conference, although you'll probably need a venue with capacity for thousands!"
SPEAKER: Warren Hibbert, MVISION

"Thank you for all you efforts I think as a 1st time event we should be very very proud."
ASSOCIATION: JP Fourie, SAVCA