BL Premium reports that a fight for the heart and soul of Transnet is brewing, with Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) boss Siza Mzimela reliably understood to be reluctant to fall on her sword amid pressure from the board to resign.

According to business and government insiders, the writing is on the wall for Mzimela and she is widely expected to be the next high-profile departure at Transnet after Friday’s abrupt announcement of the departure of CEO Portia Derby and CFO Nonkululeko Dlamini. But those close to Mzimela said she would not leave quietly, adding that she felt she was being pushed out by big business over disagreements about a bid to concession “key and profitable” Transnet corridors. Her detractors allege that Mzimela’s attitude is at the heart of the problem, as well as her alleged reluctance to consider recommendations from the private sector — made through the national crisis committee on logistics set up by President Cyril Ramaphosa — on how to resolve challenges on SA’s rail corridors. Labour federation Cosatu at the weekend added its voice to calls for Mzimela to be axed. “The change needs to cascade down to TFR,” said Cosatu’s Matthew Parks. The Minerals Council SA previously called for her resignation. Business for SA’s Martin Kingston noted that it was essential “the executive at Transnet is stabilised as soon as possible to implement a Transnet turnaround plan.” When asked specifically about the need for Mzimela’s resignation, Kingston suggested that it was necessary.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Hajra Omarjee & Thando Maeko at BusinessLive (subscriber access only)
• Lees ook, Transnet se Mzimela moet ook trekpas kry, by Maroela Media

Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page