President orders SIU to investigate Great North Transport
The investigation will cover improper service provider appointments, questionable contract extensions, and bus procurement and maintenance.
POLOKWANE – The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is set to investigate allegations of corruption and maladministration involving Great North Transport (GNT), a Limpopo-based bus service.
President Cyril Ramaphosa signed a proclamation notice this week, granting the SIU permission to probe the state-owned entity, which is said to be in administrative turmoil.
You might also want to read: Plans underway to resolve GNT pension fund debacle
GNT, owned by the Department of Economic Development, is one of four public institutions under investigation, with the probe second in line to the Lepelle Nkumpi Municipality in Limpopo.
Ramaphosa said there was a need for the investigation into possible misconduct by board members, officials, and employees, including unlawful spending, negligence in handling public funds, and damage to public property.
The investigation will focus on several issues, including the improper appointment of service providers, questionable contract extensions, and procurement of buses and maintenance services.
You might also want to read: Limpopo Treasury implements plan for missing GNT funds
The inquiry will also cover financial mismanagement, such as unnecessary legal and fleet management expenses, as well as fruitless and wasteful expenditure, including unnecessary interest payments and settlement agreements.
Additionally, the investigation will address issues related to mismanagement of fuel supplies and the failure to collect debts owed to the entity.
GNT spokesperson Leo Gama declined to comment, only stating that the entity would not respond until management issued further instructions.
You might also want to read: Disgruntled ex-GNT employees picket for unpaid pension funds
The DA in Limpopo has reacted cautiously to the news. Jacques Smalle, a DA representative, expressed disappointment that the investigation took so long to be initiated.
He noted that some of the alleged activities under investigation date back to 2002, and pensioners who had their contributions misappropriated have sought justice for decades.
“Justice delayed is justice denied,” he said, “as some individuals have passed away without seeing any resolution.”
