Solidarity urges Gupta-Denel probe

24/08/2015 Public Protector, Adv Thuli Madonsela, delivers her report on an investigation into allegationsof maladministration relating to financial mismanagement, tender irregularities and appointment irregularities against the Passanger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA). Picture: Phill Magakoe

24/08/2015 Public Protector, Adv Thuli Madonsela, delivers her report on an investigation into allegationsof maladministration relating to financial mismanagement, tender irregularities and appointment irregularities against the Passanger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA). Picture: Phill Magakoe

Published Feb 11, 2016

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Johannesburg - Question marks hang over the joint-venture partnership between arms manufacturer Denel and the Gupta family.

This prompted trade union Solidarity yesterday to write to Public Protector Thuli Madonsela, pressing her to investigate those behind the “controversial partnership” that would see the Guptas profiting from the sale of Denel’s products in the East.

Read: EFF lists 25 reasons Guptas must go

Solidarity, which claims to be the largest union within Denel, contended that the “transaction holds many negative consequences for the future of the company and that of its employees”.

Johan Botha, the union’s deputy general secretary for the professional industry, said they were concerned about the impact the partnership would have on Denel’s reputation.

“We are furthermore concerned about its impact on this year’s salary negotiations and that our members will be adversely affected by it,” he said.

The union was also concerned by the fact that the transaction was concluded at a time “when (both) Denel’s chief executive and chief financial officer had been suspended”.

Madonsela’s spokeswoman, Kgalalelo Masibi, said their registry kept track of all complaints lodged with the office, but was unable to confirm Solidarity’s as she had already left the office when The Star contacted her.

Gupta family spokesman Nazeem Howa could not be reached for comment.

THE STAR

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