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Johannesburg - Instead of revealing the reason for his dismissal as Prasa CEO, Lucky Montana on Friday paid tribute to his family, whom he said had been humiliated.
"I know my family is going through difficulty at this point in time for the humiliation that they have been subjected to, but I want to say to them that today, I'm walking tall," he told reporters in Johannesburg.
"I've been so privileged and I want to thank my family sincerely for having made me what I am today. They have shaped my values and in fact the last two days they reinforced my determination to serve this beautiful country. My resolve is unshaken."
Montana had been expected to brief the media on his sudden removal as CEO of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa, which the agency's board announced in a statement on Thursday. He said he had received "frantic calls" from government and was asked not to speak out yet.
'I will never accept it'
He did however say that he believed his dismissal was unfair. He was disappointed, but said the decision was not unexpected. The board had taken the decision at a meeting which he had to leave because his uncle had died.
"I've got no doubt in my mind that this decision... remains unlawful and I will never accept it.
"But as I was standing outside, there was a lot of frantic calls made and I have made the commitment to the leadership that I will not get into the details of this particular matter."
He hoped to be able to brief media with the details next week.
Earlier on Friday, Prasa cancelled a separate press briefing in Pretoria, at which it had been expected to explain the reasons for firing Montana.
Spokesperson Sipho Sithole said that after consultation with Transport Minister Dipuo Peters and the board, it was decided that the statement issued on Thursday was sufficient.
Prasa has faced questions over the purchase of new diesel locomotives from Spain, and over a R51bn tender for the purchase of 600 trains for its fleet renewal programme.
The agency had reportedly ignored warnings from engineers that the 13 Afro 4000 locomotives, imported from Spain for R600m, were too high for local railways and could damage overhead cables.
'We have bought one of the best locomotives'
On July 6, Montana and Prasa’s chief engineer Daniel Mthimkhulu denied this.
“We meet the safety standards," Montana said at the time.
"We have bought one of the best locomotives in the world and we are not even apologetic about that."
Prasa bought 20 diesel Afro 4 000 locomotives, plus another 50 hybrid ones, for a total of R3.5bn.
The Prasa board said that it had resolved on Wednesday that Montana would not have to work the remainder of his notice period, which started on June 1, until December.
Until the board had found a suitable replacement, Prasa COO and Autopax acting CEO Nathi Khena would step into the role.
"As a board, we want to appeal to all of you (employees) to remain focused on your day-to-day functions and the responsibility that you have been entrusted with by the company.
"It is imperative that we remain professional and committed to deliver on the broader mandate of this organisation," the board said.
Montana thanked government and the ANC for allowing him to serve his country. He saluted Prasa workers, whom he said had educated him, and thanked the people of South Africa.
