Editorial
What makes an experience truly remarkable? Is it the scale of the moment or the depth of its impact? Is it the destination or the shift in perspective it leaves behind? At PPS, and through the stories in this magazine, we believe that remarkable experiences are less about the spectacular and more about the meaningful – those moments that stay with us, shape us and often surprise us.
This issue explores that theme from multiple angles: the personal, the professional and the practical. In Postcards from a past life on page 8, PPS Group CEO Izak Smit recalls his student travels and how it changed his perspective on life. We travel with him from the Scottish Highlands to the Greek islands and learn how his experiences taught him three valuable life lessons.
Closer to home, we walked through the PPS head office gardens in Parktown, Johannesburg, accompanied by Biddy Miller, whose grandparents planted many of the trees and shrubs that still flourish today. Read the story on page 18 and learn how these gardens not only reflect a legacy of sustainability but also helped one individual realise an unexpected dream rooted in nature.
On page 14, PPS Life Solutions Chief Executive Wimpie Mouton shares the insights earned over three decades with PPS. He reflects on how enduring relationships deliver more than just financial security – they cultivate peace of mind and long-term, transformative value for members.
Mzwandile Mtshali, PPS Executive: Advice and Distribution, offers a refreshing take on the nature of financial advice. In The taxi driver, the artisan and the art of financial advice on page 28, he draws on the wisdom found in everyday life – from the patience of a taxi driver navigating rush-hour traffic to the precision of an artisan honing their skills. These stories show that practical experience, clear thinking and adaptability often shape meaningful financial decisions. It is a reminder that remarkable insight does not always come from formal theory – sometimes it is found on the road, in the workshop or at the market.
In From job to journey: Crafting meaningful career paths for employees, our leadership feature on page 16, Masenyane Molefe, PPS Executive: Human Resources, focuses on the employee journey. She explores how careers evolve into callings when organisations commit to personal growth, meaningful development and a purposeled culture.
At PPS, mutuality is not just a buzzword – it is the ethos that drives us. In March this year, our colleagues at PPS Investments showed what mutuality could achieve – overcoming a major challenge to help others. They participated in this year’ s Calling Cape Town challenge – a gruelling triathlon to help learners who do not necessarily have access to good education.
While on the topic of gruelling challenges, turn to page 22 for our conversation with Prof. Caspar Greeff – a nonagenarian( 90 years old) who made
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