Who we are
Founded in 1992 as a pioneering black-owned company, Thebe Investment Corporation (Thebe) opened for business in July 1992 with an initial capital investment of only R100 000. Sole shareholder at the time was Batho Batho Trust, a community based trust which included Nelson Mandela (Chairman), Walter Sisulu and Reverend Beyers Naude as original Trustees and Dr Enos Mabuza as the first Chairman of Thebe.
Where we come from
To fully appreciate the essence of Thebe, we have to begin at its origins and foundation to identify some of its key birthmarks that, taken together with other foundation stones that were laid at its inception, tell us who Thebe is, its reason for being, how it came about and some of the principles accompanied by moral obligations that underlie the foundation and operations of Thebe, which continue to shape its identity and character. The origin of the word Thebe, is a Sotho word meaning ‘shield’- this positions Thebe as a force of protection and defense that filters through our work and reason for being.
Our story begins with some of South Africa’s most visionary leaders — former President Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, and Reverend Beyers Naude, all sitting as Trustees, and Dr. Enos Mabuza as the inaugural chairman.
Thebe’s shareholders
Thebe has become a diversified investment management company with a mixed portfolio of mature and green-field investments across a range of industries.
Thebe engages actively in the management of the companies that it controls. The group strives to be a trusted world class African company that develops and invests in businesses for the long-term benefit of the community and all other stakeholders, fulfilling social objectives using economic means. Thebe`s equity is held 70% by the Batho Batho Trust, 30% by management and founder shareholders.