Gama moves in as Spoornet caretaker

JOY ORLEK TRANSNET’S BELEAGUERED rail utility was dealt another blow by the sudden resignation of CEO Dolly Mokgatle last week after just 18 months in office. While no reason was given for her sudden departure, failure to deliver appears to be a central issue, evident from a statement issued by Minister of Public Enterprises, Alec Erwin on her resignation. “The improved performance of Spoornet and its restructuring into an efficient rail transportation provider is a central priority for the economy and needs management that can carry out the task,” Erwin said. Media speculation has also suggested a possible rift between Mokgatle and Transnet CEO Maria Ramos. Transnet group communication head Tami Didiza told FTW that initiatives currently underway to effect a sustainable turnaround in the division would be given added impetus. National Ports Authority CEO Siyabonga Gama will act as Spoornet CEO until a replacement is found, while Khomotso Phihlela, the Transnet group executive: portfolio management, will temporarily replace Gama. Mokgatle’s departure has delayed further news of the fate of Spoornet’s suspended managers – national operation centre GM Ravi Nair and corporate affairs GM Harry Mashele. They were suspended last year pending the outcome of an investigation, but no reasons were given at the time. Nair and Mashele were part of a five-man team appointed by Mokgatle in May last year to realise her 5-year turnaround plan to upgrade aging assets and infrastructure. When she was appointed in April 2003, the post had been vacant for almost a year following the departure of Zandile Jakavula over claims that he had acted inappropriately when he purchased a Spoornet-owned house. He paid R83 000 for the Port Alfred holiday home, which was considered to be well below market value. Chairman of the recently established Container Rail Operators’ Forum, Peter Lewin, said the group had been hoping to set up a meeting with Spoornet top management early this year. “We look forward to seeing who will be appointed to replace Mokgatle so that we can work together with Spoornet to jointly resolve issues of mutual concern.”