Great North Transport Suspends its Top Executives
- GNT suspended its CEO, CFO, and COO for three months with pay amid allegations of financial misconduct.
- The company failed to pay over R9 million in pension and medical aid contributions, leaving hundreds of employees without benefits.
- Political parties and the public have demanded accountability, with the DA laying criminal charges and the ANC Youth League calling for the board’s dissolution.
The board of directors of Great North Transport (GNT) has placed three top executives – Chief Executive Officer Dr. Matata Mokoele, Chief Financial Officer Nazeem Essa, and Chief Operations Officer Mahlako Mogoshoane – on three-month precautionary suspension with full pay, following serious allegations of financial mismanagement and governance failures.
The suspensions came after a high-level board meeting held in Polokwane on 29 May 2025, where executives were accused of failing to ensure proper financial oversight and allegedly mismanaging over R9 million in employee benefits.
The funds were meant for pension and medical aid contributions but were not paid over a period of several years, despite consistent monthly deductions from employees’ salaries.
“The board decided to put these executives on special leave so that an investigation can determine the root causes of the company’s challenges,” a GNT spokesperson said.
“We must follow PFMA [Public Finance Management Act] regulations to ensure a credible investigation that benefits the company.”
Scope of the Crisis
According to a forensic investigation, GNT allegedly failed to pay pensions to retired workers for over a decade, with some employees dying before receiving their entitled benefits. The unpaid contributions include:
- R6.78 million in pension fund arrears affecting 945 employees, with some retirement benefits at risk of being permanently lost.
- R3.21 million in medical aid debt, resulting in the suspension of medical aid coverage for 247 employees, who are now forced to cover medical expenses out of pocket.
The company confirmed that a R9 million payment was made last Tuesday to settle part of the outstanding amounts, following mounting pressure from employees, trade unions, and political stakeholders.
Political Reactions and Legal Action
The scandal has triggered widespread political and social backlash.
On Monday, the Democratic Alliance (DA) laid criminal charges against the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET) and the Limpopo Economic Development Agency (LEDA) – the sole shareholder of GNT – at the Polokwane Police Station.
“The board and executive management of LEDA, as the sole shareholder of GNT, bear statutory and fiduciary oversight responsibilities for GNT’s operations and financial conduct,” said Jacques Smalle, a DA member of the provincial legislature.
“They, too, must be held accountable and face consequences.”
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Smalle warned that unless a partial payment of R1 million was made by the end of May, all employee pension memberships could be permanently suspended.
LEDA responded by confirming that the R9 million shortfall had been settled on Friday, covering both pension and medical contributions.
The ANC Youth League (ANCYL) in Limpopo welcomed the suspensions, calling them a necessary step toward justice for affected workers.
“This viable transport mode for our people has been disconnected from communities due to financial mismanagement,” said Provincial Secretary Phineas Sebola.
“As the ANCYL, we view this as an opportunity for our parents, brothers and sisters who worked for the company for years to receive justice and ultimately obtain what is due to them.”
Sebola further criticized the existing GNT board, arguing that it had failed in its governance responsibilities and should be dissolved.
“The inclusion of young people will bring fresh perspectives and energetic engagement to the table, offsetting potential fatigue among older members and facilitating the efficient operation of the company.”
The GNT board says it has appointed an interim CEO and CFO, and has engaged a reputable external firm to conduct an in-depth investigation into the company’s financial governance failures.
“This resolution was taken in response to serious concerns related to financial governance, operational delivery, and executive accountability,” the company stated.
“We appeal for cooperation and support from all stakeholders during this transitional period and will provide further updates as necessary.”