SAMSA suspended senior official from duty again

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SAMSA

The South African Maritime Safety Authority said its chief operations officer, Sobantu Tilayi, was placed on interim suspension from November 7, pending the outcome of an internal investigation.

SAMSA said this decision follows a comprehensive review by senior management and the Board of Directors as part of its commitment to supporting governance and financial accountability within the organisation.

“The injunction is a procedural measure that allows SAMSA to conduct a fair and impartial investigation into allegations of financial mismanagement. The suspension does not imply any presumption of misconduct.

Manager responsible for corporate relations, Dr. “Rather, it aims to ensure that the investigation can proceed in a transparent manner, free from potential influence or disruption,” Thuli Mbuli said.

He said the investigation would focus on compliance with financial management protocols mandated by the Public Financial Management Act (PFMA).

Acting CEO Mbalenhle Golding emphasized the organisation’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

“We are committed to operating in a transparent, efficient and fiscally responsible manner. That is why we have initiated this precautionary suspension to ensure an impartial and thorough investigation,” he said.

In 2023, Tilayi was reinstated following a two-and-a-half-year suspension after he and two other senior officials were suspended from office while investigations into allegations of misconduct at SAMSA continued.