Transnet to appoint CEO within months

Transnet should have a permanent group CEO by December, according to board chair Popo Molefe.

Molefe said Transnet recently concluded interviews for three positions – group CEO, chief treasurer and chief internal audit officer – and was waiting to interview candidates for the position of chief finance officer.

He said filling these vacancies had been delayed due to the legal battles between Transnet and its former group CEO Siyabonga Gama, who is opposing his dismissal.

“We couldn’t advertise his position because it would have appeared like we premeditated his dismissal – so that was the reason the appointment was delayed,” Molefe said. “But we are now at a point where we should be able to move rapidly.”

Gama was axed last year. His future at Transnet had been uncertain for some time after his and other senior executives’ roles in alleged maladministration were questioned in separate investigations into the workings of the company.

Tau Morwe was appointed to the position on an interim basis, and his sixmonth contract was not extended.

Mohammed Mahomedy took over as acting CEO in May.

The recommendation for group CEO should be placed before the relevant cabinet committee soon. It will then need to go through the cabinet process.

Molefe would not disclose the name of the prospective new group CEO, but said Transnet should be able to make an announcement once the recruitment process was completed.

“We are required to consult with the shareholder representative regarding the [filling of the] position of group CEO and CFO. It is because these are executive director positions – they are appointed by the shareholder [government] and not by the board.”