Nazir Alli appointed interim chair of Prasa board

Transport Minister Dipuo Peters on Monday threw down the gauntlet to axed Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) chairperson Popo Molefe.

This followed his warning to her on Sunday night not to appoint an interim board, threatening that he would add a contempt of court charge when the two square off in the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria later this week.

But Peters revealed her new interim board would be headed by former South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) CEO Nazir Alli.

He is joined by general secretary of the National Union of Mineworkers Frans Baleni, Ronny Mkhwanazi (for his legal expertise), former transport spokesperson Tiyani Rikhotso, Natalie Skeepers (specialising in occupational health), Constance Maleho, Xolile George from the South African Local Government Association and a representative from the National Treasury, who is yet to be announced.

Peters explained the board members were carefully selected based on expertise, including technical and communication skills, corporate governance, legal, finance, risk management and human resources and communication skills.

Speaking of Alli’s appointment as chair, Peters said: “Mr Alli was the CEO of Sanral and an executive board member there, and did a good job.

“He is on the board because of his technical expertise. Remember, this is an interim board. I did indicate we are busy with the process of establishing a permanent board.

“This team will make sure whatever is remaining that needs to be done is done. By the time we get the new board, everything will be in place.”

But Molefe was opposed to this move.

“You will be aware that our clients, comprising the directors the minister dismissed from Prasa on or about March 8, have served legal papers on you on Monday seeking, among other things, an interdict to prevent the appointment of any ‘interim’ or replacement board,” read the letter from Molefe’s attorney, Vlad Movshovich.

“In the event of such unlawful behaviour – at Monday’s briefing or otherwise – our clients reserve their right to alert the court and seek contempt of court and punitive costs orders against you.”

It was unconfirmed if Peters or the seven other people to whom the e-mail was addressed received it.

Zodwa Manase, Mashila Matlala, William Steenkamp, George, Clement Manyungwana and Tefetso Phitsane are applicants in Molefe’s court action, which seeks to overturn Peters’ decision to fire the board.

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