Latest news with #GNT
The Citizen
7 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Only 24 buses running as Great North Transport nears collapse
POLOKWANE – The Premier of Limpopo, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, stressed the urgent need for intervention at the financially struggling Great North Transport (GNT) during an oversight visit to their depot in Seshego on Tuesday. The state-owned bus service has been forced to cut down its fleet due to a worsening financial situation, with many of its buses out of service due to a lack of proper maintenance. You might also want to read: R15m in road unworthiness fines for Great North Transport Only 24 out of more than 120 buses are currently running while over 100 buses sit idle due to mechanical failures. Ramathuba highlighted the need for more mechanical engineers to be hired as there are only four available to ensure maintenance for the fleet. 'The condition is disheartening. There's much work to be done. Workers must remain hopeful,' said Ramathuba. She emphasised that GNT plays a crucial role in providing affordable transport for workers from disadvantaged communities and allowing its collapse would severely affect transportation across Limpopo. You might also want to read: President orders SIU to investigate Great North Transport Ramathuba announced that the entire management team has been suspended following their failure to address GNT's long-standing operational and financial issues. In May, CEO Dr Matata Mokoele, CFO Nazeem Essa and COO Mahlaku Mogoashane were suspended with full pay amid ongoing worker protests and financial scrutiny. Among the concerns were overdue pension contributions and unpaid medical aid for more than 1,000 employees, despite salary deductions. GNT has shut down over 200 routes across Limpopo and reported a loss of over R300m in the last five years. You might also want to read: Unpaid provident fund sparks protest by Great North Transport employees In February, hundreds of commuters were left stranded when buses servicing Seshego, Mokopane, Giyani, Tzaneen, Motetema, Makhado and others were pulled from operation. At the time, Mokoele said the company was in the process of procuring a new fleet but was forced to contract buses to maintain services. 'We have been struggling to service several routes across the province due to a shortage of buses. Most of the buses are old and are experiencing breakdowns daily as a result. When the buses break down, we are already depleted in terms of the fleet it creates that problem for us. As a result, we end up using the existing buses to do multiple routes,' Mokoele said.
Leaders
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Leaders
China Condemns Israel's ‘War of Aggression' against Iran
Chinese scholar and former diplomat Dr. Victor Gao described Israel's strikes on Iran as a 'war of aggression', urging for an immediate end to the conflict, according to Al Arabiya. Strong Condemnation During his online interview with Al Arabiya English's GNT, Gao denounced Israel's attacks and missiles on Iranian nuclear facilities, describing them as a 'surprise attack' that could have global ramifications. 'China really deplores Israel's military attack on nuclear facilities inside Iran and considers it as a very serious offense against a world of peace and security,' Gao said. Israel's 'High Hypocrisy' Gao also dismissed Israel's allegations of starting the attacks for the sake of self-defense, describing the claims as 'high hypocrisy' especially when it comes to the fact that Israel owns undeclared nuclear arsenal. 'It is of high hypocrisy for a country like Israel, which violated international convention in possessing nuclear weapons, to accuse another country of trying to possess nuclear weapons,' he added. Apart from this, he accused Israel of not only undermining international norms but also creating a threat of a regional – and potentially global – catastrophe. 'In my best judgment, it is like the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in the Second World War,' he said. Iran's Right of Self-Defense Gao stressed that China believes that Iran is a sovereign nation and has full rights to defend its territory. 'Whatever Iran is doing is justified, because they are defending their own sovereignty and territorial integrity,' he said. 'They are fighting back against aggressors.' Stark Warning Moreover, he mentioned the mounting suspicions that the US is playing a secret role in Israel-Iran conflict. 'Evidence points out to a joint operation by the United States and Israel against the country of Iran,' he warned. 'If the United States really gets bogged down in this war against Iran, no one knows what will happen… in the coming years or coming decades,' he added. China's Geopolitical Benefits In this context, Gao also dismissed the idea that China could benefit geopolitically from a distracted US. 'China always benefits by protecting peace and stability anywhere in the world,' he said. 'It is time to stop Israel in this war against Iran and to prevent the United States from really joining this war… which may escalate the situation and create… consequences for mankind as a whole,' he added. A Warning for Netanyahu In a stark rebuke of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Gao warned that Netanyahu will not be able to escape from the reach of law. 'No one should allow Prime Minister Netanyahu [to try] saving his own political skin from justice at home and justice in Hague by launching this war of aggression against Iran,' Gao concluded. Israeli-Iranian Tensions On June 13, Israel launched a wave of airstrikes on Iran under the name of Operation Rising Lion. The military campaign targeted Iran's nuclear facilities and killed top military commanders and nuclear scientists. As a response, Iran launched a retaliatory wave of missiles against Israel and targeted Tel Aviv. Israel also killed three more Iranian nuclear scientists, bringing the total number of scientists slain to nine, Gulf News reported. Currently, both countries are trading missiles and attacks amid intensifying efforts to halt the conflict. Related Topics: 'Nobody Knows': Trump on US Striking Iran Iran's Natanz Facilities Were 'Badly Hit': IAEA's Chief Jordan King Warns: Israel-Iran Escalation Risks Global Chaos Short link : Post Views: 11
The Citizen
06-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Limpopo DA lays charges over GNT pension crisis
LIMPOPO – On Monday, May 26, the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Limpopo laid criminal charges against the CEO of Great North Transport (GNT) and the Limpopo Economic Development Agency (LEDA), the sole shareholder of GNT. The charges, filed at the Polokwane Police Station, relate to the non-payment of employee pension fund and medical aid contributions. Jacques Smalle, DA Limpopo provincial spokesperson for economic development, environment, and tourism, said LEDA, as the sole shareholder, holds both statutory and fiduciary responsibilities for GNT's financial management. 'The scale of the crisis became clear during an urgent sitting of the Limpopo Portfolio Committee on Economic Development, Environment and Tourism on Friday, May 23,' Smalle explained. 'This meeting, which followed the DA's repeated calls for GNT and LEDA to account, revealed unpaid contributions to three pension schemes totalling R6.78 million and affecting 945 employees. In some cases, employee memberships have already been suspended. If at least R1 million is not paid by the end of May, all memberships could be suspended, potentially resulting in permanent loss of pension benefits.' Smalle attributed the crisis to 'years of corruption, mismanagement, and lack of accountability' at GNT. He added that the company's failure to implement a viable turnaround strategy further deepened its financial troubles. 'The situation at GNT is dire; it has become an unsustainable entity,' Smalle said. 'The charges laid include theft, fraud, and violations of both the Pension Funds Act and the Medical Schemes Act, all of which are criminal offences.' In response to the allegations, Mthunzi Dlamini from LEDA acknowledged the outstanding contributions and said efforts were underway to settle the payments within the week. 'GNT has faced ongoing financial constraints in meeting its obligations,' Dlamini said. 'However, strategic steps have recently been taken, including the procurement of new buses to replace the ageing fleet and the launch of a bus lease programme aimed at increasing operational capacity.' LEDA CEO Thakhani Makhuvha said the LEDA is committed to resolving the issue. 'As the shareholder, LEDA has decided to step in and ensure that all outstanding pension and medical contributions are brought up to date,' Makhuvha said. 'We recognise the severity of the situation and apologise to affected employees. This is deeply regrettable.' At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
02-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
DA Limpopo lays charges over GNT pension and medical fund scandal
POLOKWANE – DA provincial spokesperson for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Jacques Smalle presented himself at the Polokwane Police Station on Monday morning to lay a criminal complaint against the board and executive management of Great North Transport (GNT) for the non-payment of employee pension fund and medical aid contributions. According to Smalle, the board and executive management of the Limpopo Economic Development Agency (Leda) will also be enjoined in this complaint. You might also want to read: Plans underway to resolve GNT pension fund debacle 'As the sole shareholder of GNT, Leda bears statutory and fiduciary oversight responsibilities for GNT's operations and financial conduct. They too must be held accountable and face consequence management,' Smalle explained. According to Smalle, the shocking extent of this crisis was laid bare during an urgent meeting of Limpopo's Portfolio Committee on Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, convened last Friday evening, following the DA's sustained calls for GNT and Leda to appear before the committee to explain and account. It became apparent at the meeting that unpaid contributions to three pension schemes now total R6.78m, affecting 945 employees. In some cases, employee membership has already been suspended. If a partial payment of R1m is not made by the end of May, all employee memberships will be suspended. If the default continues, employees' risk permanently losing their pension benefits. Regarding medical aid contributions, total unpaid premiums amount to R3.21m, affecting 247 employees. You might also want to read: Unpaid provident fund sparks protest by Great North Transport employees All medical aid coverage for GNT employees has been suspended, meaning employees cannot access healthcare services unless they pay out of pocket. 'While undertakings were made at the portfolio committee, and while MEC Tshitereke Matibe indicated that he wished to address the crisis privately and in confidence to the committee, this never materialised. A subsequent statement issued by MEC Matibe, in which he apologised to GNT employees and set out certain actions including placing GNT under administration, was later withdrawn. It is within this context that our criminal complaint to SAPS will be lodged,' Smalle explained. 'We urgently need resolution to the plight facing GNT's employees, and we need to see real accountability and consequence management. If we don't clean out GNT, no turnaround will succeed,' Smalle reckoned. 'In our complaint to the police we call on law enforcement to investigate the conduct of GNT and Leda officials and their board members for theft, fraud, contraventions of the Pension Funds Act and contraventions of the Medical Schemes Act, all of which constitute criminal offences,' Smalle concluded. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
27-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Limpopo agency intervenes in Great North Transport's pension fund scandal
GNT Current and retired employees of Great North Transport during a march regarding the provident fund dispute. Picture: Mashudu Sadike Image: Mashudu Sadike The Limpopo Economic Development Agency (LEDA) has announced plans to fast-track the payment of Great North Transport's (GNT) outstanding pension fund and medical aid contributions. This decision comes after the DA laid criminal charges against GNT's board and management for failing to pay employees' pension and medical aid contributions. According to LEDA Group Chief Executive Officer, Thakhani Makhuvha, the agency will step in to close the gap caused by non-payment of these employee benefits. "We have taken an important decision, as GNT's shareholder, to make the necessary payments and bring all outstanding contributions up to date. We are hopeful this situation will not recur," Makhuvha stated. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The crisis at GNT has left over 945 employees affected, with unpaid pension fund contributions totaling R6.78 million. In some cases, employee membership has been suspended. If the default continues, employees risk permanently losing their pension benefits. Additionally, 247 employees have been affected by unpaid medical aid contributions, totalling R3.21 million, with all medical aid coverage suspended. The scandal affects even workers who have been with GNT since 1990. The company has had nine administrators since 1994, including Alexander Forbes, which administered GNT between 2010 to 2017. Others included Moriting Wealth Managers and Lekana Employee Benefit Solutions. The Limpopo Treasury appointed BDO to probe the matter in 2020 after Make It Happen Foundation (Mihafo), a social and economic justice NGO, complained on behalf of affected employees in 2016. The crisis has had a devastating impact on the affected employees' lives. Patrick Kopane, a 69-year-old retiree, said: "I retired in 2003 and received R40 000 despite serving for a long time… Now I am struggling and have to hustle so I can feed my children." Ravish Thela, who also retired from GNT, added: "They took the money from us, and they failed to take it to the funds. Today I'm suffering, all because of greed. I'm going to die this way without my hard-earned money." The DA's provincial spokesperson for Economic Development, the Environment, and Tourism, Jacques Smalle, said that the crisis was a result of a much deeper rot at GNT, driven by years of corruption, mismanagement, and the absence of oversight or accountability. "All medical aid coverage for GNT employees has been suspended, meaning employees cannot access healthcare services unless they pay out of pocket. We urgently need a resolution to the plight facing GNT's employees, and we need to see real accountability and consequence management," Smalle said. Makhuvha expressed concern over the non-payment issue and extended an apology to the affected employees, describing the situation as unfortunate and regrettable. "While it is within the DA's right to pursue legal action, we want to assure the public that LEDA has been in continuous engagement with GNT to find a lasting solution to this matter," he said.
