Court overturns Transnet's tender to fraud-accused company, awards it to another
The tender awarded to Aqua Transport for critical port equipment has been revoked by the Pretoria High Court.
Picture: Rejoice Ndlovu/Eyewitness News
Bruce Whitfield speaks to Carol Paton, editor-at-large at Fin24.
The High Court in Pretoria overruled the awarding of a tender for the supply of critical port equipment to a fraud-accused company.
In 2022, Transnet awarded Aqua Transport the contract for work at the Richards Bay port, despite the company being accused of defrauding the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government of R1.6 million.
"The company that...Transnet awarded the tender to is on trial for fraud, for another tender rigging case in KwaZulu-Natal."
- Carol Paton, editor-at-large - Fin24
Portia Derby was the CEO at Transnet at the time. Her three-year stint ended in September 2023.
In February this year, Michelle Phillips was appointed as its new head, after serving in an acting capacity following Derby's resignation.
Carol Paton, editor-at-large at Fin24 says there are major red flags regarding Transnet's procurement processes.
"There's definitely an alarm bell, to continue to defend your appointment of a whose directors are actually undergoing a fraud trial, for ripping off the public sector in KwaZulu-Natal."
- Carol Paton, editor-at-large - Fin24
"...there is actually a big problem at Transnet with their procurement, and I think they seem to be not doing anything about it."
- Carol Paton, editor-at-large - Fin24
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