Point of view: a night of excellence at the Raging Bull Awards

Last Friday evening, the Cape Town International Convention Centre shimmered with anticipation as the investment industry gathered to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Raging Bull Awards. Hosted by Personal Finance and Business Report, the ceremony once again reminded us why these awards are regarded as the “Oscars” of the collective investment schemes industry.

Guiding the evening with warmth and professionalism was Lance Witten, seasoned media leader and editor of iol.co.za. As MC, his presence brought energy and gravitas to the stage, ensuring the ceremony flowed seamlessly and that every winner’s moment in the spotlight was celebrated with flair.

As a coordinator of Personal Finance, I felt immense pride watching the country’s leading asset managers and funds recognised for their consistency, innovation, and resilience. The data underpinning the awards, meticulously compiled by Iress and Apex, provided the foundation for fair and transparent recognition of excellence. It was a reminder that behind every trophy lies rigorous analysis and a commitment to empowering investors with trusted benchmarks.

The highlight of the evening was the address by Dr Leila Fourie, outgoing CEO of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Her words resonated deeply: “2025 was remarkable, not because our challenges disappeared, but because risk was repriced.” In that single line, she captured the essence of the past year in South African markets, a year defined not by the absence of obstacles, but by the courage to reassess, recalibrate, and move forward with renewed confidence.

Adding to the richness of the evening was Niël Pretorius, CEO of DRDGOLD Limited, who spoke passionately about the importance of resilience and long-term vision in South Africa’s investment landscape. His remarks underscored the role of responsible leadership in navigating uncertainty and highlighted how the mining sector’s lessons of endurance can inspire the broader financial industry.

The awards themselves reflected this spirit. Alexforbes Investments clinched the coveted title of South African Manager of the Year, while other winners across categories showcased the breadth of talent shaping our investment landscape. Each accolade was more than a celebration of performance; it was a testament to the resilience of an industry that continues to serve South African investors with integrity and vision.

Walking away from the ceremony, I was struck by how the Raging Bull Awards have evolved over three decades. They are not just about recognising numbers on a spreadsheet, they are about honouring the people, ideas, and strategies that help ordinary South Africans build financial security. For me, the night was both a celebration and a call to action: to continue telling these stories with clarity, impact, and originality, ensuring that our readers see not only the winners but the meaning behind their success.

And for those who want to relive the evening in detail, we’ve included a special supplement in this edition of Personal Finance to showcase what went down on the night, from the winners to the atmosphere that made the 30th Raging Bull Awards truly unforgettable.

PERSONAL FINANCE