PODCAST: ‘ListenUP’ – should the PIC be closed down?

Mark Barnes and Tim Cohen gallop through the week’s events, offering thoughts, opinions, and perspectives on local and international affairs. Here, they ask existential questions about the beleaguered PIC. With special guest Leon Louw.
July 28, 2026
1 min read

Since the Public Investment Corporation, the nominal investor of more than R3-trillion in retirement savings of the entire civil service, now has no board or permanent CEO, not to mention a broadly poor investment record, would this not be a great time to do away with it entirely and hand the mandate to the professionals? Merchant banker Mark Barnes and journalist Tim Cohen discuss this issue with special guest and free-market proponent Leon Louw. You might think the answer is obvious, given the panel’s pro-business make up. But it is not. Plus glass half full journalism.

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Tim Cohen

Tim Cohen is a long-time business journalist, commentator and columnist. He is currently senior editor for Currency. He was previously the editor of Business Day and the Financial Mail, and editor at large for the Daily Maverick.

Mark Barnes

Mark Barnes is a South African businessman, investment banker and entrepreneur. He held senior roles at various institutions including Standard Bank, Capital Alliance and Brait. He is also known as the cofounder of the Purple Group, owner of EasyEquities.

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