– Actuarial report confirms R18.546 million GNT pension liability
– DA demands funded compensation plan for affected GNT employees
– DA demands accountability, consequence management and recovery for prejudice caused
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Limpopo will write to the Chairperson of the Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism Portfolio Committee, Ms Mapula Mokaba, requesting that the Committee be provided with an implementation plan and an accountability report identifying those responsible for the pension and provident fund scandal affecting hundreds of employees and former employees of Great North Transport (GNT), which has resulted in an estimated compensation exposure of R18.546 million.
This follows the tabling of an actuarial report in the Portfolio Committee on a matter that has been allowed to fester for over 20 years. Those who have suffered this injustice, and the public, deserve to know who caused or allowed the prejudice suffered, who failed to prevent or correct it, and who will ultimately carry the cost.
The DA therefore calls for:
- A funded compensation plan for those affected;
- An indication of who will cover the compensation due;
- The accountability of GNT executives, successive GNT boards, the trustees of the relevant retirement funds, LEDA, the Provincial Government and responsible MECs;
- Disciplinary, civil recovery or criminal action warranted by the evidence; and
- Confirmation of whether Provincial Treasury implemented the 2021 forensic investigation’s recommendations, including referral of the matter to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in terms of section 34 of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act (PRECCA).
Affected employees, former employees, beneficiaries and their families have spent decades seeking answers and redress.
The actuarial review found repeated late payment of contributions and inadequate late-payment interest, against a broader backdrop of poor administration, deficient record-keeping and serious governance and oversight failures.
The DA is adamant that GNT, its governance and oversight structures, and the ANC-controlled shareholder and provincial executive must account for allowing this matter to remain unresolved and festering for years.
As public funds are now required to finance this compensation, the Limpopo Provincial Government must explain why years of unchecked poor administration, inadequate oversight and failed consequence management under the ANC have become a burden on the public purse.
Employees deserve justice. Taxpayers deserve accountability. Those responsible must answer.