DA notes Gama guilty verdict

The Democratic Alliance (DA) notes the guilty verdict brought against suspended Transnet Freight Rail chief executive Siyabonga Gama over charges involving the irregular award of a R18 million tender to a company owned by Minister of Communications, Siphiwe Nyanda. The DA hopes that this ruling by a Transnet internal disciplinary committee will encourage other parastatals to clean up their act and take decisive action against corruption and widespread mismanagement.

Gama was suspended in September 2009 pending the outcome of the disciplinary process, which has now found him guilty on all charges related to the case, including one relating to an ‘irretrievable breakdown in relationship with Transnet'. The ruling sends a clear message to both parastatals and the ANC government: if you engage in corrupt activities, you will be found out and charged.

It speaks well of Transnet that it does not seek to carry favour with the ruling party.

The DA hopes that this ruling will illustrate for the ANC that using patronage to make appointments to top posts in key state-owned enterprises (SOEs) will only lead to further collusion and corruption. It also emphasises just how important it is that the ANC government honours its call for a comprehensive review of the structure and management of the SOEs - a proposal that was first put forth by the DA.

I will be writing to Public Enterprises Minister Barbara Hogan to ask her how she plans to ensure the right people are appointed to the rights posts.

Statement issued by Manie van Dyk, MP, Democratic Alliance shadow minister of transport, June 7 2010

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