Pikitup MD cleared and back

11-02-2015

 

The City of Johannesburg has lifted the suspension of Pikitup’s Managing Director, Amanda Nair, following a lengthy inquiry into allegations of impropriety in the awarding of a multimillion tender.
 

Announcing the lifting of the suspension, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Environment and Infrastructure Services Councillor Matshidiso Mfikoe said she was glad now that the City had closed this “difficult chapter”.

“It has been very difficult for the company, for the City and I think even for Amanda and her family,” the MMC said.

Nair was suspended on 17 March last year after the National Treasury recommended the institution of an inquiry into the awarding process of the R263 million tender in December 2013.
 

Nair will resume her duties on Thursday February 12. Financial Director Suren Maharaj has been serving as Acting MD since the suspension took effect.

“The bidding process for this tender was initiated before Nair’s appointment. The previous board, in consultation with the City of Johannesburg, took the view that it would best serve the interests of all stakeholders to allow an independent process regarding the awarding of the tender,” MMC Mfikoe said.
 

“After a lengthy inquiry presided over by Advocate P Pauw SC, Nair was cleared of all charges. The findings and recommendations arising from the inquiry coincided with the appointment of the new Pikitup board, which met on Monday February 9 and agreed unanimously to implement the recommendations of the presiding officer.
 

“As Nair resumes her duties, she does so with the full support of the City of Johannesburg and the board. We would also like to appeal to management and staff of Pikitup and all stakeholders to welcome the finalisation of this matter and focus their energy and attention on the core mandate of the company.”

MMC Mfikoe added that the new Pikitup board, led by Dr Trish Hanekom, had scheduled meetings with employees to relay the board’s decision and to urge them to give her their full support.
 

“All hands must be on deck as Nair returns to steer the ship in the right direction. But the City would also like to commend the previous board under the leadership of Dr Nomonde Mabuya, acting MD Suren Maharaj, management and staff of Pikitup for the improvement in operational and excellent financial results under the circumstances,” she said. 

She added that one of Adv Pauw’s recommendations was for Pikitup to strengthen its supply chain management processes.