SA funds have only 2% invested in infrastructure

Institutional investors are allocating only around 2% to the infrastructure asset class, despite Regulation 28 effectively allowing for a maximum infrastructure investment exposure equivalent to as much as 45% of fund assets. This can be achieved by a 15% fund exposure to unlisted infrastructure through infrastructure private equity funds; a 15% exposure to unlisted infrastructure […]
The water crisis – there is some movement

In this thinkpiece on water, Chito Siame, Investment Principal at Mergence Investment Managers, takes a look at the water situation in SA. While the crisis is dire, there is some movement on the part of the authorities. Chito also explains that Public Private Partnerships are a way to mobilise capital and that the PPP that […]
SA’s only private coal-fired power station attracts new investors

Zungu Investments Company and Mergence Investment Managers have invested in SA’s only privately owned coal-fired power station, Kelvin Power Station. Located in the City of Ekurhuleni, Kelvin Power is said to provide 10%-14% of Johannesburg’s power. The Competition Commission has approved the purchase of Aldwych by Harith InfraCo — whose shareholders are the Government Employees […]
SA’s connectivity challenge

Internet connectivity and digital transformation are a major catalyst for economic growth. Read about Mergence’s investment in fibre company Linteg in the annual Financial Mail Infrastructure Report. Chito Siame, Mergence Private Markets Investment Principal, points out that through Linteg and other fibre investee companies Mergence has helped to fund up to 35,000 end points. He […]
Due diligence: A social return on impact for an affordable housing investment

In this podcast on Classic Business, well-known anchor Michael Avery talks to Tshepiso Appie, Investment Associate at Mergence Investment Managers, and Jeffrey Froome, co-founder of the Live Easy affordable rental housing lifestyle brand. They discuss the EY research report commissioned to quantify the social return on impact (SRIO).
SROI study for an affordable housing investment

The SAVCA Conference is a highlight of the investment services calendar. This year, an article from Mergence was carried in the conference magazine. It focused on the Live Easy investee company where Mergence and Live Easy commissioned EY to do a first-of-its-kind report in SA on quantifying the social return on impact created by this […]
Mergence sees opportunity in infrastructure

How does one broaden the scope of infrastructure into portfolios given liquidity constraints and a limited universe in public markets? Private market investments are the best route for now, explains Kasief Isaacs, Head: Private Markets at Mergence Investment Managers.
Africa Global Funds : A “water-type” REIPPPP?
Mark van Wyk, Head of Unlisted Investments at Mergence, asks if SA’s REIPPPP model could be applied to the water sector.
Financial Mail: Infrastructure Report June 2017 – thinkpiece by Mark van Wyk
Mark van Wyk, Mergence Head of Unlisted Investments, talks about the democratisation of capital in the annual Financial Mail infrastructure report.
Africa Global Funds: Mergence calls for more institutional investment in infrastructure
Mark van Wyk, Head: Unlisted Investments at Mergence, calls on institutional investors to increase their allocations to infrastructure.
Classic FM: The case for infrastructure investing
Kasief Isaacs, portfolio manager for the Mergence Infrastructure & Development | Equity Fund, chats to Classic FM’s Michael Avery.
Business Day TV: Impact investments alleviate infrastructure shortfall

Kasief Isaacs, Portfolio Manager: Unlisted Investments (SADC) at Mergence, spoke to Stephen Gunnion about impact investing for boosting infrastructure development.