|
Transnet, the State freight logistics group has confirmed that Sipho
Maseko (ex BP South Africa) who was the group's preferred contender for
the vacant CEO position, had withdrawn his candidature.
Maseko had reportedly withdrawn in light of the "furore" surrounding
the internal disciplinary process initiated against Transnet Freight
Rail CEO Siyabonga Gama, who had also been suspended. Although
apparently not on the formal list of candidates for group CEO, Gama had
a number of well-connected supporters, including the governing African
National Congress (ANC). He has also received vocal backing from
Justice Minister Jeff Radebe, from the powerful South African Transport
and Allied Workers Union, and from the South African Communist Party, a
political ally of the ANC.
Gama's supporters believe he is the best positioned replace acting CEO
Chris Wells, as well as to formally succeed the highly-regarded Maria
Ramos, who departed the group nearly six months ago for the top job at
the Barclays-linked and JSE-listed banking group, Absa.
Disciplinary proceedings against Gama had reportedly been triggered by
indiscretions in relation to two contracts: one involving the upgrade
of locomotives and the other a security contract. However, Gama
supporters describe the process as a "witch-hunt" and have also raised
questions about the timing of the process. Gama himself had indicated,
through his lawyer, that he would be challenging his suspension in
court.
In a statement, Transnet said that, under the circumstances, Maseko,
who works for fuel giant BP Southern Africa, would no longer be
available as the preferred candidate for the vacant position of the
group CEO. "Whilst we are obviously saddened by his decision, we
empathise with his reasons for doing so and wish him well in his future
endeavours," Transnet said in a statement issued from its Johannesburg
head office.
It was unclear whether the two other candidates, whose names were
submitted to Public Enterprises Minister Barbara Hogan for
consideration, were willing to continue to make themselves available
for the contested position. The names of these candidates have also not
been formally released. The issue was likely to receive
significant fresh attention again this week when Parliament's portfolio
committee on public enterprises hosts Minister Hogan for a briefing.
PetorlWorld 140909
|
