Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) chief executive, Pepi Silinga, and two general managers have been placed on “precautionary suspension” while allegations of wrongfully awarding a R300-million tender are being investigated.
Transnet chairman Andile Sangqu announced the decision on Friday.
“Transnet would like to reassure stakeholders that the company is fully committed to dealing decisively with allegations concerning activities at Transnet National Ports Authority,” Sangqu said in a statement.
“The Transnet board and TNPA board have been fully briefed and made the decision to place the chief executive of TNPA and two general managers on precautionary suspension while the allegations are investigated,” he said.
“Transnet will do everything to expedite these investigations, which are being conducted by an independent law firm and a forensic firm. Transnet will take any further action as necessitated by the outcome of the investigations,” Sangqu said.
He added that every effort would be made to ensure that fair labour processes are followed and that the interests of Transnet and its employees are protected.
Transnet announced at the end of January that it had accepted Silinga’s offer to take a leave of absence “to allow the investigation to proceed without the perception of interference and to ensure that the integrity of the process is not compromised”.
The logistics entity said it had initiated an investigation into all allegations and had briefed an independent law firm “to investigate, peruse all relevant documentation, interview individuals relevant to the investigation and provide Transnet with a report on its findings and recommendations”.
This was after the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (Satawu) called for his immediate suspension alleging that it suspected he had wrongfully allowed the award of a R300m tender to a former employee.
In response to Satawu's claims, Transnet CEO Michelle Phillips said at the time that the matter had been referred to the relevant legal representatives. She stressed Satawu had failed to provide evidence to substantiate its claims against Silinga.
Advocate Phyllis Difeto assumed the role of acting chief executive of TNPA with immediate effect in January.
In other news on Friday afternoon, March 1, it emerged that President Cyril Ramaphosa has suspended Small Business Development Business Dipuo Peters for a month.
ENCA reported that it follows after a sanction was adopted by Parliament’s Joint Committee on Ethics and Members' Interests against Peters.
The Committee found she had breached the Code of Ethical Conduct in her former portfolio as Transport Minister.
Civil society organisation Unite Behind asked that she be fired for dismissing the entire board of passenger rail agency Prasa after it uncovered corruption within its ranks.
She was also accused of using Prasa buses for ANC events that were never paid for.
The Zondo Commission fingered her for the manner in which she handled her portfolio during the state capture years when Jacob Zuma was president.
It’s the first time Ramaphosa has acted against a minister for enabling corruption, despite repeated undertakings that he will root out the rot within parliament.
Peters has been suspended for a month without pay.
