Lonrho speaks out on pending Wicks enquiry

THE BATTLE lines appear to be drawn between Ian Wicks, founder and CEO of South African Independent Liner Services (SAILS), over his recent suspension by major investor, Lonrho. At the heart of the disquiet by Lonhro is unhappiness over ‘certain performance and reporting’ areas, giving rise to Wicks’ removal and an investigation into his operating conduct, the outcome of which has yet to be determined. Speaking to FTW last week, Rob Scott, Lonrho’s country manager for Southern Africa and the man tasked with the investigation, said: “We press on, regardless. “Once we have acquired what we need, we will hold an enquiry and as a result of that, or an appeal, we will be in a position to announce something definitive.” Asked whether he had had further contact from Wicks or from his legal representative, Scott said: “He has communicated, as required, to us directly and through his attorneys. “We carry on with what we are doing: we are well within our rights from a labour perspective – no prejudice, he still gets a salary and all the perks due, so everything is by the book. “If we do believe there is anything to answer for, he will have the opportunity.”