Corporate governance: Shareholder activism, responsible investment and understanding ESG 2025

Since the first King report in 1994, shareholder activism has been recognised as an integral part of the overall corporate governance ecosystem and increasingly so with the current focus on ESG (environmental, social and governance).

The strong recurring theme in the progression of corporate governance is the need for institutional investors to play a significant and proactive role within the context of the overall corporate governance framework. 

Shareholder activism is particularly relevant at present as the Code for Responsible Investing (CRISA) has recently been updated (i.e. CRISA 2) subsequent to reviewing current international best practice and engaging with stakeholders to understand concerns, challenges and opportunities in order to make the code more effective, and to bring the code into better alignment with King IV to inter alia drive ESG, improving stewardship over investments and enhancing governance in investee companies.

This four-hour course will unpack what shareholder activism is, understanding responsible investing, including sustainability and ESG, the legal rights that flow from these, plus expectations from a best practice corporate governance perspective.

When and where?

We are pleased to present this course twice in 2024:

• 2 May 2024, 9:00 to 13:00 SAST
• 14 November 2024, 9:00 to 13:00 SAST

We are pleased to present this course twice in 2025:

• 9 May 2025, 9:00 to 13:00 SAST
• 4 November 2025, 9:00 to 13:00 SAST

Who will benefit from this course?

investment professionals, investors, business owners, CEOs, corporate lawyers, company secretaries, directors, board committee members

Presenter

Richard Foster is a corporate governance advisor and professional independent director/chairman. He is a chartered governance professional and a chartered director and his qualifications and professional designations include CD(SA), FCG (CGP), HFinstD, HDip Company Law (Wits), HDip Tax Law (RAU); PG Dip Corporate Governance (RAU) with distinction. 

How much?

2024 fee: R1,650 per person

2025 fee: R2, 200 per delegate

CPD accreditation

This course has been registered with the Institute of Directors of South Africa (IoDSA) and entitles you to 3 CPD points on completion.

Certificate

A certificate of attendance from UCT will be issued to those who attend the full course.

SIGH UP HERE: Corporate governance: Understanding ESG and the role of responsible investment and shareholder activism | UCT Law at Work