Seven companies implicated in fraud, theft, corruption and other unlawful conduct at Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) have been blacklisted from doing business with Transnet and other public entities for ten years.
TPT said it had successfully applied to the National Treasury for the companies to be added to its list of restricted suppliers following forensic investigations supported by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).
The investigations uncovered irregularities including financial misconduct, kickback schemes, bribery, theft of company assets, collusion and the submission of false information.
TPT has also instituted disciplinary action against employees who colluded with the seven companies over several years.
“TPT remains committed to upholding the principles of good governance and conducting its business with the highest standards of integrity, transparency and accountability. Unlawful conduct will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” TPT chief executive Jabu Mdaki said. TPT was working with relevant entities to recover money embezzled from the company by implicated individuals, he said.
Transnet widens anti-corruption action
Transnet was continuing investigations across its operating divisions, with Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) suspending four employees earlier this week over similar allegations, TPT said. Restrictions against suppliers implicated in the TRIM investigations are also being pursued.
Earlier this year, Transnet suspended nine employees implicated in alleged collusion with suppliers. Six have since left the company following disciplinary action while proceedings against the remaining employees are continuing.
Transnet said it was implementing systemic improvements to detect and prevent the recurrence of fraud and other misconduct while consequence-management processes continued.
