Labour is sending mixed signals over the reinstatement of Siyabonga Gama to Transnet’s executive committee, with Cosatu calling on the Transnet board to reverse its decision while its sectoral affiliate, the SA Transport and Allied Workers Union (Satawu), has distanced itself from this position and reaffirmed the union’s support for Gama.
The trade union federation said yesterday that it was concerned about the reappointment in particular because there had been no consultation with either itself or Satawu.
While Satawu has previously raised the issue about not being consulted, it has always said it was happy that Gama was back.
Yesterday Esrom Mabyana, the president of Satawu, said its position on Gama had not changed, it was pleased that he was back at Transnet because the union never had confidence in the process that had handled his disciplinary hearing.
Cosatu spokesman Patrick Craven said: “Cosatu believes that Gama’s reinstatement, despite evidence of negligence and mismanagement, is in conflict with the government’s commitment to root out incompetence in the public service and state-owned enterprises, and calls on the Transnet board to reverse their decision.
“This decision will feed into the perception among many workers that there are people in South Africa who are untouchable because of their political connections.”
Mabyana said that Satawu was not aware of Cosatu’s statement and did not know who had put it together.
Gama’s return to Transnet was announced last month following a settlement reached between the board and his legal team, which had challenged his dismissal as Transnet Freight Rail chief executive on the grounds that he had never been found guilty of corruption, fraud or gross negligence.
His contract was terminated after being found guilty on all misconduct charges that were brought against him, including that of authorising an R18 million security tender awarded to GNS, a firm linked to Siphiwe Nyanda, the former communications minister. He was only authorised to approve contracts for up to R10m.
Transnet said it had noted Cosatu’s comments and would discuss the matter with Satawu. This week, Malusi Gigaba, the Minister of Public Enterprises, said he supported the board’s decision on Gama.
Cosatu added that the trade federation was also angry at the growing trend of a lack of consultation by ministers when making appointments. - Business Report