The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Limpopo welcomes the belated launch of an SIU investigation into Great North Transport (GNT) and calls for the immediate removal of its CEO and Board of Directors.
For years, the DA has been at the forefront of exposing the crisis at GNT and advocating for urgent action. The ongoing collapse of GNT disproportionately affects the most vulnerable members of our society.
While we welcome the proclamation of the SIU investigation, we are deeply concerned about the excessive delay in taking concrete action despite glaring evidence of corruption, maladministration, and malfeasance. Some of the matters under investigation date back more than 20 years to 2002. Pensioners of GNT, whose pension fund contributions were misappropriated, have sought justice for decades—some, tragically, passing away without resolution. Justice delayed is justice denied.
In terms of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), the GNT Board serves as the Accounting Authority of the corporation. Had the Board exercised its accounting and fiduciary duties with the diligence expected of a public sector entity, it is unlikely that GNT would be in its current state of collapse. Under the Board’s watch, millions owed to creditors remain unpaid. As the Accounting Authority, the Board must be held accountable for the breakdown of internal controls within the entity. If the Board is not removed, then the MEC of LEDET and the ANC-led administration must be held accountable.
Furthermore, we question the reinstatement of Dr. Matata Mokoele following his suspension on charges of maladministration, underperformance, and the intimidation of witnesses.
The DA will not rest until all those responsible for the collapse of this critical public service face the consequences of their actions or inaction.