Johannesburg – Chief Executive of the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) Pepi Silinga has taken a leave of absence to allow investigations of alleged impropriety to proceed without the perception of interference.
On Saturday, Transnet confirmed the development saying it had accepted Silinga’s offer to take a leave of absence.
The struggling State-owned company, which received an R47 billion bailout – under a guarantee facility -from the Treasury, said in a statement that Advocate Phyllis Difeto will be assuming the role of Acting Chief Executive of TNPA “with immediate effect”.
Transnet, which professes to have a zero-tolerance stance on corruption, and malfeasance, said it has received several allegations regarding activities at TNPA.
Earlier this week, the SA Transport and Allied Workers Union (SATAWU) demanded Silinga’s dismissal, alleging he was likely to interfere with investigations into his alleged irregular picking of close associates to a lucrative ports fencing upgrade tender.
SATAWU accused Silinga of having irregularly appointed Coega Development Corporation, a company he previously worked for, as the implementing partner for a fencing contract, whose costs the union said had increased spectacularly.
Transnet said it has initiated an investigation into all allegations and has briefed an independent law firm to investigate, peruse all relevant documentation, interview individuals relevant to the investigation, and provide a report on its findings and recommendations.
“These investigations are at an early stage,” said the statement issued on behalf of acting Group Chief Executive, AdvocateMichelle Phillips.
