Maritime Authority cauldron tips over after investigation

THE NIGHT of the long knives is looming at the SA Maritime Safety Authority (Samsa) following the completion of investigations into maladministration and corruption, which have raised more questions than answers, particularly on charges against its suspended acting chief executive, Sobantu Tilayi.

Disciplinary action is being considered against Tilayi for mobilising a process to transfer funds from the Maritime Fund without informing the board or obtaining the resolution of the board, and proceeding with the request to transfer funds from the Maritime fund without full disclosure to the lawful Samsa board in office at the time of the request.

A second official, company secretary Lolo Raphadu, is on the ropes in the final report for allegedly proceeding with the request to transfer funds from the Maritime fund without full disclosure to the lawful Samsa board in office at the time of the request, and for forgery/fraud, in that he used the signature of the former chairperson, Mavuso Msimang, without securing the required consent/permission.

In the initial report, an audit and accountancy firm, Morar Incorporated, was commissioned to conduct an investigation into affairs prior to the suspension of Tilayi, Lesego Mashishi, the chief human capital officer, and Raphadu.

In November, Samsa appointed Morar Incorporated to conduct an investigation into various allegations received from the Disabled People of South Africa.

Raphadu outlined numerous issues from the lack of clarity on his qualifications, interfering with the business of independent contractor South African Marine Fuels (Samf), facilitating payment for pals and improper appointment of executives, among other things.

“You abused your position of authority at Samsa by overstepping your duties and responsibilities from 2016 whilst acting as Samsa’s chief executive officer by interfering with the BEE (black economic empowerment) ownership structure of Samf, potential contractual arrangements between (Thamsanqa) Gcaba and Samf and interventions between Samf, Gcaba and other entities,” the sheet from Samsa board chairperson Nthato Minyuku states.

The charge also alleges that Tilayi abused his position of authority at Samsa in his capacity while acting as chief executive by divulging Samsa’s vision in a conversation with Gcaba, who was only one player in the industry, thus giving him an unfair competitive advantage over other players in the industry.

Meanwhile, the report now conceded haste in the assumptions of executive corporate officer Vusi September’s overseas maritime qualifications, which had been questioned.

The report now found the qualifications were verified for their veracity/authenticity, but not rated by the South African Qualifications Authority.

“In other words, there is no verified evidence to show that the qualification obtained by September is indeed on the required level,” the report said, although it conceded on the authenticity of the institutions.

However, September said yesterday that he had no access to the report as yet, but would be approaching the organisation to inquire on the processes.