“What was meant to be a rescue has turned into a bloody legal battlefield, while NTI’s once world-class depots like Durabuild and Dana Viljoen lie vandalised and abandoned,” said North West community safety and transport management portfolio committee chairperson Freddy Sonakile. Sonakile, leader of the DA’s caucus in the legislature and the party’s provincial chairperson, reacted after a two-day oversight visit to the beleaguered NTI.

He added they weren’t going to sugarcoat what is happening at NTI, which is not poor management, but a criminal capture dressed up as a business rescue.

The provincial transport entity had been trapped in a business rescue process for the past four years. The NTI had become a symbol of systemic failure, neglect, and, as Sonakile warned, of deliberate criminal capture.

Three NTI buses were reportedly torched just hours after the committee was briefed on the potential to revive the fleet. “We condemn, without hesitation, the burning of NTI buses. This is not vandalism; it is sabotage. That is not a coincidence. That is a calculated strike to bury NTI once and for all.”

The Committee was confronted with damning reports, including allegations of irregular property sales and a department of labour report indicating NTI’s noncompliance with key labour laws. This includes the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act, UIF obligations, and Occupational Health and Safety regulations.

These cases have now been referred to the CCMA and the magistrates’ court. “This entity has been hijacked in broad daylight, metsi a shele re shebile,” said Sonakile.

Even more disturbing was the human cost. At least 14 employees of NTI-affiliated bus companies allegedly took their own lives after prolonged periods without pay.

Meanwhile, the committee has taken a firm stance with a series of resolutions aimed at restoring accountability. This includes:

• Former business rescue practitioner Thomas Sammons, accused of controlling NTI’s finances without oversight, will be summoned under the Powers, Privileges and Immunities Act after failing to appear before the committee twice.

• Several providers alleged to have held dual roles as both contractors and signatories on NTI accounts will be summoned.

• The committee has directed the treasury, the department of community safety and transport management, and the office of the premier to consider a conditional bailout using Sections 38 and 66 of the Public Finance Management Act, with funds to be recovered through the business rescue process. This would provide immediate relief to unpaid workers and unsettled creditors.

Despite the dire state of affairs, Sonakile acknowledged some movement in criminal investigations. 

“We note some progress from Hawks and SIU investigations into NTI-related cases,” he said, adding that the committee will finalise its recommendations following further engagements.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi CVS