The Gauteng High Court in Pretoria has reserved judgment in suspended Public Investment Corporation CEO Patrick Dlamini’s urgent application for reinstatement. Dlamini argues that the board’s decision to suspend him was unlawful and that only the Finance Minister holds the authority to take such action. The case was heard by Judge Mandla Mbongwe on 28 July 2026.
Dlamini contends that the suspension breached the Public Investment Corporation Act, the memorandum of incorporation and the delegation of authority, which vest sole power to appoint, discipline or suspend the CEO in the minister. He also claims the board violated procedural fairness by leaking the decision to the public before serving formal notice.
Civil society group Public Interest SA, which joined the proceedings as a friend of the court, expressed satisfaction with the arguments presented. Chairperson Tebogo Khaas said the judge had not anticipated the strength of the submissions and that the matter now rests with the court.
Dlamini stated that immediate reinstatement is necessary to provide stability for the institution’s 1.7 million government sector worker beneficiaries. The board maintains it acted within its fiduciary duties to investigate serious allegations contained in a whistleblower complaint.
