Minister demands turn-around strategies from SOEs
Transport Minister Joe Maswanganyi says all state-owned entities which fall under the department need to present turn-around strategies.
Maswanganyi briefed the media about the quarterly performance of the twelve state-owned enterprises (SEOs) he is responsible for.
"We expect our entities to fulfil their mandate as delegated by the shareholder to them. Identifying and understanding the stakeholders as well as their needs, should be the focus of the turn-around strategies."
He lauded the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) for receiving an unqualified audit report from the Auditor General for a 13th consecutive year.
"It attained 99% of its performance target."
Maswanganyi was less forthcoming when asked about letter of demand from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), calling for the removal of certain board members of the Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA). The EFF believes there could be undue influence by the Gupta family on the ACSA board.
"We received the letter from the EFF and we are responding in regard to that case," he said.
The minister says he is not aware of any ACSA board member with any links to a business family in South Africa.
"Let the matter be referred with relevant matters that deal with investigations."
Maswanganyi also refused to comment on the dark cloud hanging over the heads of board members Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa), except to deny allegations that he is trying to cover up corruption.
"There is no cover-up. How will I cover up an investigation. No minister has ever interfered with the investigations of the Public Protector," he said.