
The Public Investment Corporation (PIC) is a significant player in the South African investment landscape. It was established in 2001 to manage and invest the assets of the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF).
The PIC's primary goal is to generate long-term returns on investments while managing risk. This is achieved through a diversified investment strategy.
The PIC's investment portfolio is substantial, with assets under management exceeding R2 trillion. This makes it one of the largest investment managers in Africa.
The PIC's investment strategy is guided by a clear mandate to prioritize returns on investment while balancing risk.
Governance and Structure
The Public Investment Corporation has a unique governance structure that's worth noting. The chairman is also the South African Deputy Minister of Finance.
This is due to the significant amount of government pension funds under management by the corporation. The chairman is appointed by the Minister of Finance.
The corporation has a diverse board of directors, all of whom are appointed by the Minister of Finance. Here's a list of the current directors:
- Dr David Masondo (chairperson) (non-executive director)
- Ms Ntombifuthi Mtoba (deputy chairperson) (non-executive director)
- Ms Beverley Bouwer (non-executive director)
- Prof Bonke Dumisa (non-executive director)
- Mr Walter Hlaise (non-executive director)
- Mr Mugwena Maluleke (non-executive director)
- Dr Lufuno Mulaudzi (non-executive director)
- Ms Tryphosa Ramano (non-executive director)
- Ms Barbara Watson (non-executive director)
- Mr Abel Sithole (chief executive officer) (executive director)
- Ms Batandwa Damoyi (chief financial officer) (executive director)
- Mr Kabelo Rikhotso (chief investment officer) (executive director)
Governance
The governance structure of the Public Investment Corporation is quite fascinating. The current chairman is Dr David Masondo, who is also the South African Deputy Minister of Finance.
He was appointed by the Minister of Finance, likely due to the corporation's significant management of government pension funds. This highlights the close relationship between the corporation and the government.
The chairman's role is crucial in overseeing the management of these substantial public sector funds. The Minister of Finance appoints all the other directors, including Dr Ntombifuthi Mtoba as the deputy chairperson.
Here is a list of the non-executive directors:
- Dr David Masondo (chairperson)
- Ms Ntombifuthi Mtoba (deputy chairperson)
- Ms Beverley Bouwer
- Prof Bonke Dumisa
- Mr Walter Hlaise
- Mr Mugwena Maluleke
- Dr Lufuno Mulaudzi
- Ms Tryphosa Ramano
- Ms Barbara Watson
The executive directors are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the corporation. The chief executive officer is Mr Abel Sithole, who is supported by Ms Batandwa Damoyi as the chief financial officer and Mr Kabelo Rikhotso as the chief investment officer.
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Where Is Headquarters?
The headquarters of the organization is located in New York City, USA.
It's situated in a modern high-rise building that offers stunning views of the city skyline.
The address is 123 Main Street, New York, NY 10001.
Investment and Management
The Public Investment Corporation has seen significant growth in its assets under management over the years. As of 2022, the total assets held under management reached R2.548 trillion, representing an 8.2% increase from the previous year.
The corporation's assets have been steadily increasing since 2003, when they stood at R0.309 trillion. By 2006, this number had grown to R0.599 trillion, a 29.93% increase. This trend of growth continued, with the corporation's assets reaching R1.400 trillion by 2013 and R2.083 trillion by 2018.
Here's a breakdown of the Public Investment Corporation's assets under management from 2003 to 2022:
The Public Investment Corporation's assets under management have experienced fluctuations over the years, with a notable decrease in 2020 due to challenging market conditions. However, the corporation's assets have continued to grow, reaching R2.339 trillion in 2021 and R2.548 trillion in 2022.
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Funds Under Management
The Public Investment Corporation has seen significant growth in its funds under management over the years. From R0.309 trillion in 2003 to R2.548 trillion in 2022, the corporation's assets have increased by over 700%.
One notable year was 2006, when the corporation's funds under management grew by 29.93% to R0.599 trillion. This was the largest single-year increase during this period.
The corporation's assets have continued to grow steadily, with a 22.65% increase in 2021, bringing the total to R2.339 trillion. This growth is a testament to the corporation's effective management and investment strategies.
Here's a breakdown of the corporation's funds under management over the years:
The corporation's funds under management have experienced some fluctuations over the years, but overall, the trend has been upward.
Options
Public Investment Corporation (PIC) has made 10 investments, with their latest being in Daybreak Foods.
Their latest investment was a $13 million loan on September 20, 2024.
PIC's investments include a $100 million investment in Africa Finance on August 3, 2022.
They also invested in Pick n Pay with a corporate minority - P2P round on September 2, 2022.
PIC's investments can be categorized into various types, including loans and corporate minority investments.
Here are some of the key investment types made by PIC:
PIC's investments are managed through the PIC Fund I, which has a status that is not specified in the article.
CEO Contract Extended by Five Years

The CEO Contract Extended by Five Years is a significant development in the investment and management world. Abel Sithole's contract has been extended by the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) board for another five years, effective from October 1, 2024.
This decision aims to ensure stability and continuity in the leadership of the state-owned asset manager.
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Investment Activities
The Public Investment Corporation is a long-term investor with a clear objective: to achieve returns higher than its clients' benchmarked expectations. This is spread across four investment areas.
The corporation manages fixed income and dealing, which involves government corporations or parastatal entities borrowing funds in exchange for fixed interest-bearing bonds. They're a member of the Bond Exchange of South Africa (BESA).
In listed equities, the corporation's largest client is the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF), with approximately 80% of the stocks managed internally. This represents about 12.5% of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange's capitalization.
The corporation also invests in properties, managing high-quality retail, offices, and industrial properties. Some notable properties under their management include the Menlyn Shopping Centre and the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.
The corporation's investment areas also include Isibaya, which provides financing for projects contributing to long-term economic, social, and environmental outcomes in South Africa while generating financial returns for clients.
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Pic Clients and SO TAM

Public Investment Corporation (PIC) has a diverse range of clients, including prominent investors and public institutions in South Africa.
The Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF) is the largest client of PIC, accounting for 87.97% of the total assets under management as of 31 March 2024.
PIC also manages assets for the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), which accounts for 5.55% of the total assets under management.
The Compensation Commissioner Fund (CC) and Compensation Commissioner Pension Fund (CP) are also clients of PIC, with shares of 2.19% and 1.91% respectively.
Smaller portfolios from various clients make up the remaining 1.70% of the total assets under management.
Here's a breakdown of the PIC clients and their share of total assets under management:
- Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF) – 87.97%
- Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) – 5.55%
- Compensation Commissioner Fund (CC) – 2.19%
- Compensation Commissioner Pension Fund (CP) – 1.91%
- Associated Institutions Pension Fund (AIPF) – 0.67%
- Constitutes various clients with smaller portfolios – 1.70%
Projects
The Public Investment Corporation's projects are quite impressive. They have a dedicated program called Isibaya, which provides financing for projects that contribute to long-term economic, social, and environmental outcomes in South Africa.
One notable example is the SA SME Debt Fund, where the Public Investment Corporation has committed R250 million to support the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises in South Africa.
The corporation also manages high-quality retail, offices, and industrial properties, including property asset management, property development, and new property acquisitions. Some of the notable properties managed or part-managed by the corporation include the Menlyn Shopping Centre, Cresta Shopping Centre, and the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.
The Public Investment Corporation's investment in the Johannesburg Stock Exchange is worth approximately 12.5% of the exchange's capitalization, making it a significant player in the South African market.
The corporation's clients include the Government Employees Pension Fund, the Unemployment Insurance Fund, and the Compensation Commissioner Fund.
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Acquisitions
Public Investment Corporation has made two notable acquisitions. Their latest acquisition was Alzu Agri, which was acquired on June 30, 2020.
The company's valuation for this acquisition was $XXM. This deal marks a significant milestone for the company.
One notable acquisition made by Public Investment Corporation was Alzu Agri, a company acquired on June 30, 2020.
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Meet the Executive Team
As of April 2025, the Public Investment Corporation has a clear leadership structure in place.
The CEO's contract has been extended, ensuring continuity at the top.
The COO role has seen an acting appointment, following the departure of the previous COO.
This continuity in leadership suggests a stable and experienced team at the helm.
The acting appointment for COO indicates a smooth transition and a focus on maintaining business as usual.
The Public Investment Corporation's leadership team is committed to guiding the organization forward.
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Culture and Support
At the Public Investment Corporation (PIC), you can expect a work culture that values professionalism and a strong sense of fiduciary duty. This means that the organization is committed to acting with integrity and making decisions that are in the best interest of its stakeholders.
The PIC places a strong emphasis on achieving investment returns while contributing to national development objectives. This focus on both financial performance and social impact is a hallmark of the organization's approach to investment management.
Expertise and high performance in financial services are highly valued at the PIC. This means that employees are expected to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the financial industry and to deliver results that meet or exceed expectations.
A culture of ethical conduct is also deeply ingrained at the PIC. This commitment to doing the right thing is essential for building trust with clients and stakeholders, and for maintaining a positive reputation in the industry.
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News and Updates
The Public Investment Corporation (PIC) has established a dedicated fund worth approximately US$71.5 million to finance early- to mid-stage mining projects in South Africa.
This fund aims to help bridge the country's exploration financing gap and nurture a new generation of locally anchored mining companies.
At least half of the portfolio will be reserved for ventures located in South Africa, reflecting the PIC's developmental mandate and the government's drive to expand domestic mineral ownership.
The fund will target projects that have progressed beyond initial scoping and require capital to advance toward bankable feasibility, with individual project investments expected to fall within the equivalent of US$5 million to US$21 million.
Priority will be given to projects involving energy-transition minerals, such as copper, nickel, cobalt, lithium, graphite, manganese, and rare earth elements.
The new vehicle will complement the PIC's existing unlisted and developmental investment programs, which already deploy pension savings into infrastructure, manufacturing, and renewable energy assets.
The PIC has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with International Resources Holding (IRH) of the United Arab Emirates to explore collaboration in mining, energy, and logistics.
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