‘We did not approach Tiso’ - PIC

PIC chief executive Dan Matjila. Picture: Simphiwe Mbokazi/African News Agency (ANA)

PIC chief executive Dan Matjila. Picture: Simphiwe Mbokazi/African News Agency (ANA)

Published Oct 26, 2018

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PRETORIA - The PIC (Public Investment Corporation) released a statement on Friday calling for an end to the public fallout between media companies Tiso Blackstar and Independent Media. 

The investment body also refuted claims made by Tiso Blackstar in a recent statement that they (The PIC) had approached Tiso to assist them with the operation and management of Independent Media.

The statement said that it was in fact Tiso Blackstar that had approached the PIC to meet with Independent to explore ‘possible areas of collaboration.

The PIC said in a statement, "Up to now, the PIC has not expressed a view on this spat, given that it is invested in both INMSA and Tiso and always tries not to interfere in the internal affairs of investee companies to the extent reasonable. However, the sustained spat requires that the PIC deviate from this tradition." 

The statement continued to state the following: 

- That the PIC has never at any time requested Tiso to assist it with regards to the management of INMSA, as alleged in the statement issued by Tiso;

- It was Tiso that approached the PIC on a number of occasions, requesting the PIC to facilitate a meeting between Tiso and INMSA to discuss possible areas of collaboration; and

- The continued spat does not help the media industry at all and helps to entrench the belief that it is subjective in its posture.

- The PIC strongly encourages media freedom, as it is a fundamental right enshrined in the South African Constitution. PIC’s support for this freedom is practical and extends to media diversity – in terms of ownership, control and diversity of views. The PIC’s investment in the media sector is as follows.

NO MEDIA HOUSE EQUITY/ SHAREHOLDING

1. Independent News and Media South Africa - 25%

2. Tiso Blackstar - 10.999%

3. Naspers 16.585%

4. Caxton - 0.955%

5. Primedia - The PIC is exposed to Primedia through an Private Equity Fund 

"The PIC strongly believes that both Tiso and INMSA must at all times concern themselves with and focus on two fundamental issues: creating value for all investors; and informing and educating members of the public on important things that matter in their lives in the name of nation building," the PIC statement concluded. 

SUPPLIED

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