DA Calls for Independent Enquiry to probe GNT’s irregularities

LIMPOPO

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has issued a call to action for an independent and public commission of enquiry into the collapse of Great North Transport (GNT), a vital public entity in Limpopo.

According to Jacques Smalle, DA Provincial Spokesperson for Limpopo Economic Development, Environment, and Tourism (LEDET), only a transparent enquiry can uncover the truth behind GNT’s downfall and prevent similar situations in the future.

The DA alleges that GNT was captured under the ANC’s watch, citing the Zondo Commission’s definition of state capture as a project to divert resources for personal gain.

“Only a transparent enquiry in the full gaze of the public will uncover how and why this vital public entity was captured, who enabled it, and how to prevent it from happening again. Without such a process, GNT will remain trapped in a cycle of corruption and wasted public funds,” he said.

Smalle stated that the ANC’s policy of cadre deployment has led to the placement of incompetent individuals in key positions, shutting down accountability and entrenching corruption.

“Hundreds of millions are being wasted because of years of corruption, looting, and incompetent governance under the ANC’s watch. Even with this spending, GNT will not be restored to its former standing,” he said.

Smalle has outlined several conditions for sustainably rescuing GNT, which includes establishment of an independent commission of enquiry to lay bare the truth and make binding recommendations and the involvement of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to provide a full update on its investigation.

“Those guilty of corruption and maladministration must face consequences. Cadre deployment must be halted, and competent individuals appointed. A full disclosure of the turnaround plan, including its financial model and sustainability, must be tabled, interrogated, and monitored,” explained Smalle.

The party had also expressed concerns over the current turnaround plan, describing it as opaque and unsustainable.

Smalle highlighted that leasing buses and entering into Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) agreements with private companies will drain GNT’s revenue.

“Already, 205 buses are being leased at R26 to R29 per km for five years. Where SPVs exist, GNT forfeits its passenger transport subsidy to private partners. The DA is calling on the Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba to admit that GNT was captured and to take immediate action to address the situation,” he said.

Smalle emphasized that Limpopo cannot afford another two decades of corruption and mismanagement at GNT and that the truth must come out through an independent enquiry.