By Thapelo Molefe
Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) has applied to the National Treasury to blacklist seven companies implicated in fraud, bribery, theft, and other forms of corruption following forensic investigations supported by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).
According to a statement issued on Thursday, the investigations uncovered a range of irregularities involving the companies, including financial misconduct, kickback schemes, bribery, theft of company assets, collusion, and the submission of false information.
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The companies are to be placed on the National Treasury’s list of restricted suppliers, preventing them from doing business with Transnet, Transnet Port Terminals, and other public entities for 10 years.
TPT Chief Executive Jabu Mdaki said the entity was committed to maintaining high standards of governance and accountability.
“Unlawful conduct will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” said Mdaki.
He added that TPT had also instituted disciplinary action against employees who colluded with the seven companies over several years.
Mdaki said rooting out corruption was essential to rebuilding the organisation and improving South Africa’s competitiveness in global trade.
“TPT has a mammoth task of enabling South Africa through our specialisation in maritime logistics, where the country trades with over 100 markets in the world. As a team, we are united in understanding that we exist to serve and there’s no room for anyone who does not share in that mission,” he said.
Transnet said it was working with relevant authorities to recover money allegedly embezzled from the company by those implicated.
The company said investigations were continuing across its operating divisions.
Earlier this week, Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) suspended four employees over similar allegations of misconduct, while processes to restrict suppliers implicated in wrongdoing are also underway.
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Earlier this year, Transnet suspended nine employees accused of colluding with suppliers. Six of those employees have since left the company following disciplinary action, while proceedings against the remaining employees are still ongoing.
Transnet said it was also implementing broader systemic improvements to strengthen internal controls and prevent similar incidents from occurring in future.
The company appealed to members of the public to report suspected fraud, corruption or other irregularities involving Transnet through its whistleblowing channels.
