Transnet accuses insiders of misleading allegations

The board of the parastatal transport group, Transnet, has accused what it terms an “anti-Transnet” brigade in its staff contingent of misleading the press over allegations of a “R5.4-bn cover-up” carried by a national newspaper group. In turn, Transnet acting-chairman, Geoff Everingham, accused the anonymous internal whistleblowers of issuing incomplete and sometimes “doctored” documentation and “misrepresenting the true situation”. “Based on the inaccuracies in the article,” he said, “it is clear that there is a well-orchestrated campaign being mounted by anonymous employee(s) to bring the company into disrepute. This appears to be part of a campaign to discredit company processes, including its internal audit function, and divert the public’s attention from the conduct of some individuals. “The board will continue to uphold the highest standards of corporate governance in line with leading practice. To this effect, we will investigate and take action against any Transnet employees who do not uphold these standards.”