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It is deeply problematic that a PIC investment associate appears in an AmaBhungane story, also published in News24 and Daily Maverick, supporting March and March.

Tshepo Mathibela listed under the,“Supporters Speak” heading of this article is quoted as saying “I believe we need to sit and map a way forward in terms of taking over businesses that they occupied, it shouldn’t be only about driving them away… I firmly believe that as a movement you have thought about life after illegal foreigners therefore we must not look like we are chasing them away to create a conducive economic environment for the white man to thrive.” 

Mathibela’s statement is deeply problematic. He seems fine with driving people away and taking over businesses abandoned by those who flee in terror. Amongst those that remain, he also believes certain groups shouldn’t thrive.

His comments raise several questions. 

Do his views reflect the position of the PIC? If not, why is he as an identifiable PIC staffer, making such comments? Do Mathibela’s views on foreign nationals and white people affect his investment work at the PIC? Do the PIC’s policies permit Mathibela to make these statements?

The DA has written to the leadership of the PIC. They need to investigate this matter and breach of conduct. The institution’s reputation is already haemorrhaging. It cannot allow its own employees to conduct themselves in a divisive manner when division is the last thing our country needs.

Issued by Dr Mark Burke MP - DA Spokesperson on Finance