The Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF) is extremely perturbed by the latest announcement by the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) that it has suspended its Executive Head of Listed Investments, Mr Fidelis Madavo and the Assistant Portfolio Manager, Mr Victor Seanie, following a preliminary investigation report that reflects the flouting of governance and approval processes with respect to the Ayo Technology Solution transaction. 

Of serious concern to the GEPF is that the PIC had assured the GEPF on numerous occasions and in correspondence that correct governance processes were followed with respect to the Ayo Technology Solutions transaction. The GEPF views this as a serious breach of trust. 

The PIC invested in Ayo Technology Solution as part of the listed portfolio mandate. Thus at the time of its listing, the investment in Ayo fell outside of the unlisted investment portfolio within which there are set governance processes and there are limits set for the PIC to engage the GEPF. 

Although the total unlisted investments portfolio comprises less than 5% of the total assets of the Fund, it represents a significant amount of funds. These are funds that the GEPF invests into, contribute to the real economy of the country and to drive transformation but still aiming to realise it main objective of maximising returns. When the actions of officials bring this intention into question, it undermines the objective to invest in the real economy of the country and may lead to a review that may deprive the economy of greatly needed investment. 

Despite the apparent failures on this and other investments, the overall performance of the PIC as an asset manager remains positive and in line with agreed criteria. Nonetheless, the GEPF continues to heighten its monitoring and oversight. 

The GEPF requests of the PIC Board to urgently finalise its investigations of alleged impropriety with respect to the Ayo transaction and others and take appropriate action where it is warranted. END/