Transnet probes Port Authority boss over claims of corruption

JOHANNESBURG - The state transport and logistics giant – Transnet – is facing yet more woes.

It says it has launched an investigation into claims of corruption against the CEO of the Transnet National Ports Authority, Pepi Silinga, and his team.

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Silinga has been accused of irregularly appointing his former employer – the COEGA Development Corporation – to build fences around the ports of Durban, Richards Bay and Saldanha Bay.

The costs have reportedly escalated from around R80-million to around R300-million.

In a statement on Wednesday Transnet only refers to the flouting of procurement processes.

It says that the matter has also been referred to the Special Investigating Unit, the SIU.

It follows a mass exodus of leaders of Transnet last year who were under pressure due to deteriorating rail and ports and the organisation’s finances.

The then CEO, Portia Derby, the CFO and the head of Transnet Freight Rail all resigned in a week in October.

The Head of Ports, transport and Logistics at Bowman’s Law Firm, Andrew Pike discussed this with eNCA.