SAMSA
The South African Maritime Safety Authority said its chief operations officer, Sobantu Tilayi, was placed on precautionary suspension, effective from the 7 November, pending the outcome of an internal investigation.
SAMSA said this decision follows an extensive review by the executive management and the Board, as part of its commitment to upholding governance and financial accountability within the organization.
"The precautionary suspension is a procedural measure that allows SAMSA to conduct a fair and impartial investigation into allegations of financial mismanagement. The suspension does not imply any presumption of wrongdoing.
"Rather, it is intended to ensure that the investigation can proceed in a transparent manner, free from potential influence or disruption," said Dr Thuli Mbuli, executive for corporate affairs.
He said the investigation will focus on compliance with financial management protocols, as mandated by the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
Acting CEO, Mbalenhle Golding, emphasised the body's dedication to transparency and accountability.
"We are committed to operating in a transparent, efficient, and fiscally responsible manner. As such, we have initiated this precautionary suspension to ensure an unbiased and thorough investigation," she said.
In 2023, Tilayi was reinstated after a two-and-a-half-year suspension, after he and two other senior officials were initially suspended pending investigations into allegations of misconduct at the SAMSA.
