In a powerful call to action, Dick van Ommeren, Managing Director of Triodos Investment Management, challenges investors to rethink how and why they invest—urging a shift from short-term profits to long-term, purpose-led value creation.
By Dick van Ommeren – Triodos Investment Management
Drawing a striking parallel between parenting and investing, Van Ommeren suggests that the same qualities that define responsible parenting—care, foresight, commitment, and resilience—should also guide our financial decisions.
“A parent doesn’t walk away when the road gets tough. They stay. They adapt. They invest in the long run,” he writes. “What if we treated our investments the same way?”
The analogy lands at a critical time. As inequality, climate crises, and systemic exclusion continue to escalate, Van Ommeren’s message underscores the need for a new kind of capital stewardship—one that places people and planet at the centre of every financial choice.
For South Africa’s growing impact investment ecosystem, the message is clear:
- It’s not just about where we invest, but how we hold those investments accountable.
- It’s not just about risk and return—but about legacy, inclusivity, and regeneration.
- True impact means walking the journey—not just buying the ticket.
