Former PRASA Chairperson Accused of Corruption by Activist Group

by
1 min read
prasa corruption #unitebehind

Former Chairperson of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) and current Member of Parliament, Sfiso Buthelezi, is facing allegations of corruption during his time at PRASA. These claims were made by Zackie Achmat, Director of commuter activist group #UniteBehind, during an interview on Radio 702 in April.

Allegations of Corruption and Defamation Lawsuit

Achmat alleged that Buthelezi and his companies personally profited from corruption amounting to at least R120-million. He also mentioned that Treasury investigations found that Buthelezi should be charged, and that charges were laid against him, but no action has been taken. In response, Buthelezi threatened to sue Achmat for defamation and demanded a written retraction, public apology, and R2-million in damages for reputational harm.

#UniteBehind Refuses to Back Down

UniteBehind has refused to back down, stating that they will not be intimidated by Buthelezi’s threats and will defend their right to freedom of speech. According to the organization, they are now the target of a strategic litigation against public participation (SLAPP) suit. They demand that the Speaker of Parliament immediately remove Buthelezi as the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Appropriations (SCOA), that the ANC remove Buthelezi as an MP, and that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) prosecute Buthelezi diligently and without delay.

Reports of Corruption at PRASA

UniteBehind has pointed to several reports detailing corruption at PRASA, including former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela’s Derailed report, findings from the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into State Capture, the Auditor-General’s report from 2022, and #PRASALeaks. They allege that the PRASA Board, under Buthelezi’s leadership, maintained almost no oversight of the many unlawful contracts concluded during this period, instead facilitating corruption.

Parliamentary Response

Parliamentary spokesperson Moloto Mothapo clarified that any allegations of wrongdoing by a member of the public against a member of parliament must be filed as a complaint with the ethics committee, as the Speaker does not have the authority to arbitrarily investigate or dismiss Members of Parliament. Last year, #UniteBehind filed complaints against six MPs, including Buthelezi, hoping that Parliament’s Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests would hold them accountable for their involvement in corruption at PRASA. In April this year, #UniteBehind launched court action against the parliamentary committee for failing to act on its complaints.

Legal Proceedings Continue

At this stage, Buthelezi’s legal representative, Gcwali Makhathini, has stated that Buthelezi has no comment on the matter. The legal proceedings continue, and it remains to be seen whether the accusations against Buthelezi will result in any concrete action or consequences.

Tags:

You might be interested in

View all

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

south africa race quota law Cape Town
Previous Story

South Africa’s Race Quota Law: An Effort to Bridge Inequality or a Threat to Job Security?

barbie greta gerwig
Next Story

Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” Smashes Records and Inspires a New Generation

Latest from Blog

early childhood education toy libraries

Cape Town’s Transformative Toy Libraries: Revolutionizing Early Childhood Development

Cape Town’s toy libraries are changing how young children learn by creating fun and exciting places to play and grow. With 24 vibrant libraries, kids can explore new stories and play with educational toys that help them develop important skills. Educators also benefit, gaining access to helpful resources that enhance teaching methods. This initiative not only supports children’s growth but also encourages a love for learning that can last a lifetime. As these libraries thrive, they inspire communities everywhere to embrace the joy of learning through play.

wastewater management urban sustainability

Innovative Urban Water Management: Embracing Wastewater Package Plants

Wastewater package plants are small, smart facilities that help cities manage dirty water in a cleaner way. They are easy to install and can be placed where big treatment plants can’t go, making them super useful for crowded urban areas. Recently, a workshop brought together many people to learn how to set up and run these plants, highlighting their importance for public health and the environment. By using these innovative systems, cities can boost their economies while making sure they take care of our precious water resources.

illegal mining south africa

Confronting Illegal Mining in South Africa: A Complex Battle

South Africa is fighting against illegal mining with a strong team of police, soldiers, and private security. They’ve recently targeted a large group of about 6,500 illegal miners in Ekurhuleni, where hidden tunnels and makeshift homes showed the extent of this underground world. While these operations can push miners away temporarily, true solutions need to address the economic struggles that drive people to these risky jobs. The goal is to create lasting change that not only protects the environment but also offers communities new opportunities for a better life.

fireworks policy public safety

Balancing Tradition and Safety: Cape Town’s Fireworks Policy

Cape Town is getting ready for exciting celebrations like Diwali and Guy Fawkes Night, but there are important rules about fireworks! To keep everyone safe, people must get permission from the police and have their event checked by the Fire and Rescue Service. While many love the colorful displays, some worry about noise and the danger to pets and wildlife. As the city balances fun traditions with safety, it’s clear that thoughtful celebrations can light up the sky without causing chaos below.