No real clarity on SAMSA COO suspension

Second suspension for SAMSA COO

SOUTH AFRICA: The South African Safety Authority (SAMSA) has not revealed any details surrounding the precautionary suspension of their Chief Operations Officer, Sobantu Tilyai, as they confirmed that an internal investigation would be launched.

The suspension, which is effective as of 7 November, comes after Tilayi returned to the Authority in October last year following an extended absence resulting from a previous suspension. At the time, the SAMSA board hailed his return to duty as a move that would help stabilise the leadership in Pretoria.

Tilayi had stepped into leadership as Acting CEO when Commander Tsietsi Mokhele suddenly stepped down in 2016 and was amongst the contenders to take up the permanent position.

Five years later, in April 2021, Tilayi was suspended from the position and an investigation into irregularities at SAMSA was commissioned.

Today’s statement from SAMSA does not reveal any details, but notes that the precautionary suspension is a “procedural measure that allows SAMSA to conduct a fair and impartial investigation into allegations of financial mismanagement.”

It further states that 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.”

The investigation will focus on compliance with financial management protocols, as mandated by the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).

SAMSA Acting CEO, Mbalenhle Golding who is holding fort until the newly appointed CEO, Captain Rufus Lekala assumes his duties, emphasised SAMSA’s dedication to transparency and accountability:

“SAMSA takes its responsibility to the South African public very seriously. 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.”

Boetse Ramahlo will step into the role of Acting COO during this period. Further updates will be provided upon the conclusion of the investigation. SAMSA requests that the privacy of all parties involved be respected throughout this process.