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Minister Creecy Refuses to Reclaim Overpayments

Dear Editor

The DA has received whistleblower reports of former Air Traffic Navigation System (ATNS) board members defrauding the entity of hundreds of thousands of rands in overpaid board fees.

In 2021, it was allegedly discovered that ATNS had overpaid two former board members the sum of R355 084 involving fraudulent claims for their fees.

ATNS sought to recoup the funds, yet the former members reportedly refused. The DA calls for these former members of the ATNS board to do the right thing, and repay these overpayments, failing which Minister Creecy must launch an official probe into the ATNS board members for any over-claimed board fees.

It also alleged that the former Minister of Transport, before Creecy, was aware and did not intervene.

ATNS subsequently had to write off the funds as fruitless and wasteful expenditure.

Further allegations are made of a former board member also sitting on the uMngeni-uThukela Water Board, which would have required a public disclosure. Serving on the boards of two public entities must be disclosed in terms of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and Companies Act, in potential conflicts of interest, but this former board member did not do so.

When this duplicity was discovered, action was not taken.

As ATNS failures of equipment and systems at commercial airports across the country have seen flights cancelled and passengers grounded, we see the impact of broader impropriety at ATNS.

Our country cannot afford a failing ATNS. Airline passengers cannot plan travel, with uncertainty of their airport being open and functional on the day they travel. Passengers being forced to endure cancelled flights leads to the loss of enormous amounts of money: Missed connections, missed business, missed opportunities, missed events and engagement, lost time with family or family holidays. It is unacceptable in a country that has few other transport options linking many cities.

As we prepare for the festive season, ATNS must get its house in order.

If Minister Creecy acts, it will help to establish financial discipline at ATNS and will help to ensure a fit for purpose entity, where passengers can travel timeously and affordably.

Regards

Chris Hunsinger
DA Spokesperson on Transport

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