Unified call to probe Transnet

Allegations of state capture, dodgy contracts worth billions

ANOTHER round of explosive allegations of state capture could be on the cards if MPs get their way in a push for an inquiry into contracts at Transnet amounting to billions of rand.

Yesterday, ANC and opposition MPs were left fuming after Transnet bosses failed to provide answers about some of the transactions at the freight and logistics company.

Members of the standing committee on public accounts (Scopa) across party lines yesterday backed the inquiry.

Scopa chairperson Themba Godi even asked Hawks acting head Lieutenant-General Yolisa Matakata, who was present at the meeting, to next week bring more cases they were investigating against Transnet.

Godi said a final decision on whether to conduct the inquiry would be taken next Wednesday.

MPs said the Gupta leaks and other revelations had indicated the extent of state capture.

The parliamentary inquiry into Eskom has lifted the lid on shocking allegations of interference by the Gupta family at the power utility, and had former Eskom board chairman Zola Tsotsi directly linking President Jacob Zuma to the capture of the organisation.

Now ANC and opposition MPs say a similar inquiry should be urgently conducted into Transnet.

The Guptas allegedly received R5.3 billion in kick- backs to help a Chinese company win the multibillion-rand locomotives contract.

ANC MP Nyami Booi said that given the level of alleged corruption at Transnet, there must be an inquiry.

“Transnet has misled us. Transnet is happy to investigate itself. It does not care about Parliament and does not respect the executive. We can’t be run by Transnet. Can’t we investigate Transnet?” asked Booi.

This was after Transnet chief executive Siyabonga Gama told Scopa that internal forensic investigations were being conducted into some of the contracts, and that they had referred some cases to the police.

But Booi said Transnet was moving in circles with endless investigations, and Scopa should launch an inquiry.

He was backed by DA MP David Ross, who said the probe would unearth the rot at Transnet.

“I would like to support a full investigation to be done at Transnet. You have a R16bn turnover, but you are undermined by dubious contracts,” said Ross.

Mkhuleko Hlengwa of the IFP also backed the inquiry, saying it must start in January because there would be more time then.

“In pursuing this inquiry, let’s dedicate January and February. There is no smoke without fire,” said Hlengwa.

He added that the file they had received on Transnet showed it required an extensive investigation.