CAPE TOWN - The Democratic Alliance (DA) in a statement on Monday said they welcome the fact that the allegations against the CEO of the Public Investment Corporation (PIC), Dr Dan Matjila have been found to be baseless.
The DA, however, said this should be the beginning and not the end of this matter.
DA Shadow Minister of Finance, David Maynier said a person using what appears to be a pseudonym, "James Nogu", and also what appears to be a fake e-mail address, "[email protected]", is believed to have circulated an e-mail.
The e-mail according to Maynier in the subject line said "PIC CEO FUNDS GIRLFRIEND", and claiming to have "uncovered a corrupt relationship between Dr Dan Matjila and his girlfriend, Pretty Louw".
Dr Daniel Majtila the Chief Financial officer of Public investment Corporation. Picture by Bheki Radebe
Maynier said: "This was not the first, and is unlikely to be the last, smear campaign by people who are desperate to get their hands on the R1.87 trillion managed by the Public Investment Corporation."
"I will, therefore, be writing to the Deputy-Minster of Finance, Sifiso Buthelezi, who is the Chairperson of the Public Investment Corporation, requesting him to launch a full-blown investigation," he added.
The investigation will be to determine who was behind the smear campaign, whether the person/persons behind the smear campaign can be charged with a criminal offence, and also if there would be grounds to lodge a civil claim for damages against the person/persons.
"We have to ensure the integrity of the Public Investment Corporation is protected and that it does not become an “ATM” for the politically connected in South Africa," Maynier concluded.