Two urgent court applications brought by former Transnet Port Terminals suppliers challenging their blacklisting have been struck off the roll by the Durban High Court.
The ruling means the court has not considered the merits of the suppliers’ challenges, although the restrictions remain in place for now.
The applications relate to action taken by TPT following forensic investigations into procurement irregularities, Transnet said in a statement on Friday.
The investigations, which were supported by the Special Investigating Unit, resulted in seven suppliers being blacklisted by the National Treasury.
The suppliers were restricted following findings of alleged financial misconduct, bribery, kickbacks, theft, collusion and the submission of false information.
The restrictions prevent the companies from doing business with Transnet and other public entities for ten years.
TPT said 46 employees had also been dismissed following the investigations, which were continuing.
Litigation would not deter the terminal operator from acting against suppliers or employees implicated in wrongdoing, TPT chief executive Jabu Mdaki said.
“We will not allow TPT to be exploited by corrupt suppliers or employees,” he added.
“Although litigation may follow a restriction decision, it will not prevent us from taking appropriate action to protect the organisation and uphold strong standards of governance and integrity.”
Transnet said it would continue to act where wrongdoing was established and cooperate with the relevant authorities, subject to continuing investigations and applicable law.
