Press Statement dated 5 July 2018
The main sponsor of the Durban July, Vodacom as well as the regulating body, National Horseracing Authority (NHRA) have assured the Public Servants Association (PSA) that Markus Jooste’ s horses will not partake in the upcoming prestigious Durban July on 7 July 2018.
The PSA, in letters to both Vodacom and NHRA last week demanded that the two bodies exclude Steinhoff’s former CEO’s horses in the event, which could earn him millions should horses registered in his colours partake. Markus Jooste was instrumental in what was dubbed as “accounting irregularities” at Steinhoff International Holding which lost billions of public servants’ pensions invested through the Public Investments Corporation (PIC) on behalf of Government Employees’ Pension Fund (GEPF).
In response to the PSA’s demand, both Vodacom and NHRA wrote to the PSA and confirmed that no horses under Jooste’s colours are currently registered with the NHRA and therefore his horses will not be participating in the Vodacom Durban July.
“The PSA, represents more than 240 000 public servants which mostly belong to the GEPF. Given the assurance from Vodacom and NHRA, the PSA will call off its intended protest march at the Durban July horserace. However, the PSA’s resolve to hold Markus Jooste and the executive of Steinhoff accountable for the loss of public service employees’ investments still stands. The PSA has a responsibility to its members and the nation to use whatever means legally, to recoup the losses and more so to play a bigger part in rooting out corruption and maladministration which enrich the elite, while the hardworking public servants and the poor continue to suffer,” said PSA General Manager, Ivan Fredericks.
Issued by Ivan Fredericks, General Manager, Public Servants Association (PSA)