‘Fedusa boss must face music if he scored big bucks from PIC-Ayo deal’
If these allegations are true, George should be condemned for enriching himself from workers’ savings SA FEDERATION OF TRADE UNIONS (SAFTU)
THE Public Servants’ Association has described the allegations of corrupt dealings against Fedusa general secretary Dennis George as worrisome.
This follows claims that George appropriated almost R1 million in the R4.3 billion purchase of shares by the Public Investment Corporation in Ayo Technology Solutions.
The allegations come as the commission of inquiry into the governance affairs of the state-owned PIC – which controls more than R2 trillion in assets – is also under way.
George, who was placed on special leave since the allegations surfaced, has denied the allegations.
The PSA, which is Fedusa’s biggest affiliate, wants George to face the music if the Public Investment Corporation-linked corruption accusations against him are true.
PSA general manager Ivan Fredericks said George would have to explain himself on the allegations as they had the potential to damage the reputation of the federation if they were not addressed.
“As the PSA we are very concerned about the allegations being levelled against Mr George.
“Our stance is clear against corruption and the looting of public funds.
“If the allegations against him are true, due process has to take place because we know that Fedusa has not received any money from the PIC.
“We will not allow anyone to abuse his position in order to get funds using the name of our federation,” Fredericks said.
The PSA is the first Fedusa affiliate to speak out on the allegations, which have prompted calls from other federations, including the SA Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu), for George to be scrutinised.
Fredericks said the union would await Fedusa’s internal probe into the allegations which is under way before making a call on what should happen.
Through his lawyers, George has written to Amabhungane, which first made the allegations, accusing it of defaming his character by publishing untruths about him.
He denied that he owned shares in Ayo Technology Solutions or that he had received R900 000 from the company.
George threatened to take legal action against the publication if it did not retract the allegations against him by today.
“We hereby demand an immediate retraction of the article by your office and that your office tenders a public apology of similar prominence on the same platform by close of business Friday (today).
“Failing which, we have been instructed by our client to exhaust all available legal remedies, including seeking monetary damages, injunctive relief, and an order that you pay court costs and attorney’s fees,” his lawyers said.
Saftu described the allegations against George as of particular concern.
“If these allegations are true then George should be condemned for enriching himself from workers’ savings, including those of many of Fedusa’s own members in the public service.
“Saftu urges members of Fedusa affiliates to call for his immediate resignation,” the federation said.
George said he would organise a tell-all conference next week where he said he would provide his side of the story regarding the allegations against him.