Cape Town – Acting Transnet CEO Siyabonga Gama has been appointed permanently to this role by cabinet, the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) announced on Wednesday.
Gama was made Transnet's acting CEO in April 2015 when his predecessor Brian Molefe was seconded to head up Eskom. Molefe was made permanent CEO of Eskom in October.
“Mr Gama spent the past 14 years in various executive positions at Transnet and his extensive experience in transport logistics and infrastructure as well as his commitment to transformation has been key considerations in confirming the appointment,” said DPE Minister Lynne Brown in a statement.
Gama has a BCom from the University of Swaziland and a banking diploma from the Institute of Bankers CAIB (SA). His focus at Transnet has been on innovative optimisation of supply chain logistics.
“Transnet is one of the success stories in our portfolio of state-owned companies (SOC) where the fruits of succession planning are evident. This can also be seen in the appointment of Mr Gary Pita as the Transnet’s chief financial officer in March this year.
“Transnet continues to maintain a good track record of being a sustainable SOC and the appointment further assists stabilising the executive leadership of the company."
Gama's appointment comes as South Africa looks into the financial viability of its SOCs, in the context of its developmental goals. Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan said in his budget speech in February that SOCs need to be more self-sufficient, with stronger management boards.