SIKHONATHI MANTSHANTSHA, Former Deputy Editor: Financial Mail

Loading player...
Day one of former Public Investment Corporation (PIC) chief executive Dan Matjila’s testimony at the commission of inquiry got off to an uneventful start on Monday, with the former head focusing mainly on the role he played in turning the PIC into South Africa’s biggest asset manager.

Matjila had been at the PIC for 15 years after being seconded to the institution as a risk manager by then CEO Brian Molefe in 2003. He became chief investment officer in 2005, and CEO in 2014.

He took the commission through the state asset manager’s corporatisation, and how he was instrumental in turning the institution from managing just over R300 billion when he arrived to having over R2 trillion in assets under management at the time of his departure in 2018.

Late submissions

However, Matjila’s much-anticipated testimony was cut short because he had only provided the commission with his final 227-page statement on Friday afternoon. On Monday, the commission said it was yet to receive his complete bundle of annexures, after Matjila’s counsel faced difficulties obtaining the relevant documents from the PIC.
9 Jul 2019 12PM English South Africa Business News · Investing

Other recent episodes

The Unseen Household Tax of Global Tensions

Old Mutual’s Financial Education Programme Manager, Thabo Hollo explains how global geopolitical tensions — from oil supply shocks to inflation risks — are silently eroding household budgets. He outlines the four steps consumers should take now to protect their financial wellbeing.
30 Apr 4PM 9 min

How Online Gambling Is Reshaping SA Spending

Online betting has overtaken casinos as South Africa’s biggest gambling channel. Reona Chetty from Vouch SA explains the data behind the boom, the behavioural patterns emerging in card transactions, and the financial red flags households should watch for.
30 Apr 4PM 15 min

How to Stay Financially Afloat in 2026

With inflation rising, fuel costs climbing, and real salaries slipping, more households are using credit just to get through the month. Momentum’s Salem Nyati breaks down the behavioural shifts, the warning signs of debt distress, and the practical steps families can take to regain control.
30 Apr 4PM 9 min

SA Salary Index: Why Real Earnings Are Falling Behind

South Africans are earning slightly more on paper — but losing ground in reality. Economist Elize Kruger unpacks the latest PayInc Net Salary Index, the 1% real decline in earnings, and why rising fuel prices and corporate caution could squeeze households even further in 2026.
30 Apr 4PM 15 min

How Currency Volatility Is Hitting South African SMEs

A new Verto report warns that currency volatility is now a bigger threat to SME margins than logistics. Rumbi Shoniwa from Verto SA explains how FX swings erode profits and the practical steps SMEs can take to protect themselves.
29 Apr 3PM 11 min