State-owned freight company Transnet has secured approval from the National Treasury to blacklist seven companies found guilty of unethical and unlawful conduct following forensic investigations.

The companies, which face a 10-year ban from doing business with Transnet and other public entities, were implicated in financial misconduct, kickback schemes, bribery, theft of company assets, collusion and submitting false information.

The investigations, conducted with support from the Special Investigations Unit, focused on irregularities at Transnet Port Terminals, which handles maritime logistics for South Africa’s trade with more than 100 countries worldwide.

Transnet Port Terminals chief executive Jabu Mdaki said the organisation would not tolerate unlawful conduct. “Transnet Port Terminals remains committed to upholding the principles of good governance and conducting its business with the highest standards of integrity, transparency and accountability,” he said.

The blacklisted companies will now appear on the National Treasury’s list of restricted suppliers, preventing them from securing contracts with any state-owned enterprise or government department for the next decade.

Disciplinary action has been instituted against employees who worked with the seven companies over several years. Mdaki said it was crucial to act against anyone who compromised the business’s integrity.

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“TPT has a mammoth task of enabling South Africa through our specialisation in maritime logistics. As a team, we are united in understanding that we exist to serve and there’s no room for anyone who does not share in that mission,” he said.

The company is working with relevant authorities to recover money allegedly embezzled by those implicated.

The crackdown extends beyond Transnet Port Terminals. Earlier this week, Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager suspended four employees on similar allegations, with restrictions against implicated suppliers also underway.

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In a separate case earlier this year, nine Transnet employees were suspended for alleged collusion with suppliers. Six have since left the company following disciplinary proceedings, while cases against the remaining three continue.

Transnet has urged members of the public with information about suspected fraud or irregularities to come forward. Reports can be made through the company’s whistleblowing channels: toll-free number 0800 003 056, email Transnet.Reportit@outlook.com or SMS 063 786 7403.

The freight operator said it is implementing systemic improvements to detect and prevent similar incidents in future.

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