On, Saturday, 4 May 2013, the North West Provincial Legislature's Portfolio Committee on Public Works, Roads and Transport expressed a vote of no confidence in the Chairperson of the North West Transport Investment (NTI) board, Mr Thapelo Makhetha, during a meeting held with the Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport and the current board members at NTI Offices in Hammanskraal.
The purpose of the meeting was for the current Board Members to brief the Committee on the financial status quo of the North West Transport Investments, total Assets and liability of the NTI, the number of employees at NTI at the end of February 2013, the names of Board Members and Management and current challenges that exist at NTI.
The Committee, resolved that Mr Makhetha, who also turned out to be the Chief Executive Officer of NTI, must make sure that in all decisions he is taking as the CEO and Chairperson of the board of NTI, the MEC for the Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport, MEC Raymond Elisha must be informed.
Committee members accused Mr Makhetha of lacking vision and competence to rescue NTI in the mismanagement crisis it is currently on. Hon. Nikiwe Num called for his removal stating that he is not taking the institution anywhere.
“What change has he brought to this institution since he was appointed? We need leadership here otherwise this will be another sinking ship,” said Hon. Num.
Chairperson of the Committee, Hon. Galeng also questioned the department and NTI about using the same board members that have failed in other state entities like Housing Corporation.
In his presentation on the current financial status quo of NTI, the Chief Financial Officer, Mr Rannona Rantao said the company had projected to make a profit of R13 million in the last financial year but only made R2 million. He blamed the loss in profit in things like the ongoing industrial action, where also busses have been torched by commuters.
The company is a holding company for North West star and Atteridgeville Bus Services (ABS). Mr Rantao blamed ABS for the loss in profit, stating that it is a liability to the company and is not making any profit. MEC Elisha also added that some busses are ageing and servicing them has become more costly to NTI. He said there is a need for recapitalisation of busses.
The Committee will again call NTI next week, a date will be announced in due course as, due to time constraints, not all matters were discussed in the meeting.
For more information contact:
Namhla Luhabe
Cell: 079 527 0628
