Academic qualifications

BSc with distinctions in physics and applied mathematics from the University of Fort Hare in 1985, followed by a BSc cum laude in applied mathematics in 1986.

MSc in Applied Mathematics, Rhodes University, Makhanda (Grahamstown).

PhD at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 1994. 

Post Graduate Diplomas: Senior Management Programme and Advanced Management Programme at the University of Pretoria. Mathematical Finance from Oxford University in the UK, and an Advanced Management Program diploma from the Harvard Business School in the USA.

Work Experience

1996 - After years of lecturing in mathematics at the University of the North, Dr Matjila joined Anglo American as a trainee in quantitative asset management. This involved applications of mathematical and statistical theory to finance. By the time he left Anglo American, he had risen to the position of senior manager of derivatives and quantitative asset management, which entails application of mathematical techniques to finance.

2001 – Joined Stanlib Asset Management, where he held the position of senior manager of quantitative portfolio management and derivatives. In this position, Dr Matjila was responsible for some development of ground-breaking quantitative model for technical asset allocation. 

2003 – Seconded to the PIC to assist in setting up a risk management platform to ensure the prudent management of invested funds. 

2005 – After the successful conclusion of the corporatisation of the PIC, he was promoted to the position of Chief Investment Officer of the PIC in 2005.

2014 – Was appointed to the position of Chief Executive Officer of the PIC. Dr Matjila’s priority was to reinvigorate and re-energise the PIC with a new sense of purpose that all stakeholders could enthusiastically embrace. Along with his team, he developed Vision 2030 to align the PIC with the global vision that the United Nations had set. This would position the PIC higher than the organisation had ever achieved in its 100-year existence: that of a truly global investor.

2018 – Resigns from the PIC due a hostile working environment. The PIC’s board released the following statement:

“The Board wishes to state that Dr Matjila has over the years in various capacities, served the PIC with dignity and distinction. He has played an integral role in fulfilling the PIC’s vision of meeting and exceeding our clients’ mandates.

“Under Matjila’s leadership, the PIC grew from strength to strength, attracting dedicated and competent employees of world-class calibre.

“The board wishes Dr Matjila well in all his future endeavours and has no doubt that he can still contribute to the country and the continent at large.” 

Professional Accolades Awarded
to PIC during Dr Matjila’s Leadership

LCEM, a global benchmarking company, rated the PIC as one of the best asset managers who gave the GEPF positive returns at a very low cost.

Responsible Investor (RI): Commended for the Best Responsible Investing Report by an Asset Manager of Large Funds. 

European Magazine Awards: Best SOE - Africa European Magazine Awards: Best Corporate Governance - South African Business Leadership Awards: Africa Industry Personality of The Year. 

European Magazine Awards: Asset Management Firm of the Year - South Africa.

European Magazine Awards: Best SOE and Best Corporate Governance awards.

Africa European Magazine Awards: Best Corporate Governance - South Africa.

African Business Leadership Awards: Africa Industry Personality of The Year.

European Magazine Awards: Asset Management Firm of the Year - South Africa.

CEO of the Decade Award and the Presidential Award from the Association of Black Securities and Investment Professionals.