DA concerned at implications of Transnet cyber-attack
The Democratic Alliance (DA) says the impact of the cyber-attack on Transnet’s systems cannot be understated.
Transnet announced on Thursday that its IT system was disrupted, which halted key operations for the state-owned freight rail and logistics company.
Acting Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said government is investigating whether the outage was part of the unrest that recently hit Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
The DA's spokesperson on Public Enterprises Ghaleb Cachalia believes the cyber-attack is aimed at destabilising the economy.
"The implications of the recent cyber-attack on Transnet IT system that have led to the shutdown of ports and other key operations are of considerable concern.
"We need transparency on this, and the nation needs to know what is going on and the economic lifeline and spine of our country appears to be at risk here.
"In the event of this attack being part of a sabotage plot by ANC factions within key SOEs, the implications are further compounded to levels affecting the very security of the state and its key economic operations."
Cachalia says they were ignored when demanding answers from the transport entity.
"Attempts by the DA to ascertain further information from Transnet’s Media Desk were met with a simple reiteration of the statement issued.”
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