Transnet Freight Rail CEO Siyabonga Gama’s application to have his suspension lifted was dismissed with costs by the high court in Johannesburg on Wednesday.
Gama’s suspension followed allegations of procurement irregularities against him.
These included Gama’s alleged allocation of a contract to Sibanye Trade Services to refurbish 50 locomotives, though they lacked experience to do so.
Gama, who only had authority to sign off on contracts worth less than R10-million, also allegedly awarded a R19-million contract to a security firm with alleged links to Communications Minister Siphiwe Nyanda.
He was suspended pending the outcome of an internal disciplinary hearing.
Gama was one of five candidates in the running for Transnet’s top post of group chief executive. — Sapa