Transnet: Maseko bows out of race for top post

[Steve Appleton]

The Transnet CEO saga continues. This in Business Day, Friday, September 11, 2009:
http://www.businessday.co.za/articles/C ... x?id=81221

Maseko bows out of race for Transnet top post
ARTWELL DLAMINI
Published: 2009/09/11 06:27:35 AM

THE man deemed Transnet’s next CEO, Sipho Maseko, yesterday withdrew his nomination for the job citing the furore surrounding disciplinary action against the Transnet Freight Rail CEO Siyabonga Gama. Both Transnet and Maseko confirmed he had withdrawn as “preferred candidate” providing the first official confirmation that it was Maseko and not Gama who was the board’s candidate for the group CEO post.

Maseko, the CEO of BP Africa, said he was “humbled” to have been part of the “process” but was no longer available “in view of the current context”.

Gama was suspended last week and, despite the internal investigation against him, has been publicly supported by the African National Congress (ANC) as its choice for Transnet group CEO.

Last night Maseko said he had not been under pressure to resign. But his withdrawal delays the filling of the CEO post and is likely to pit the Transnet board against the ANC.

Yesterday ANC spokesman Brian Sokutu said the party was watching developments at Transnet with keen interest. “Despite the disciplinary hearing, we wish to reiterate that Gama remains the ANC’s preferred choice,” he said. This despite Gama not making the short list for the post which was drawn up in June.

“For the record, I believe that the Transnet board has run a thorough and professional process characterised by unimpeachable integrity. They retain my utmost respect,” Maseko said. It remains unclear whether the Transnet board would restart the selection process.

Transnet spokesman John Dludlu said a “further announcement on this process” would be made. “However, we are doing all we can to ensure that the matter is speedily resolved,” he said.

Gama was suspended last Tuesday and is facing disciplinary action in relation to a contract awarded to a company called Sibanye Trade and Services for 50 “like new” locomotives. He also faces a charge that he exceeded his authority by granting a R19m security tender to a company reportedly linked to Communications Minister Siphiwe Nyanda.

Gama had authority to sign off on contracts of only up to R10m.