Cape Town - Siyangena Technologies was awarded contracts worth R1.9 billion for gates and security processes at the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) without proper procurement processes being followed, the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into state capture heard on Tuesday.
Group Executive of Legal Risk and Compliance at Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) Martha Ngoye made the revelations as she took the stand for a second day.
Ngoye has previously claimed she did not have access to documents and was not involved in the drafting of certain contracts. According to Ngoye, the agency’s former CEO Lucky Montana dismissed her from her position without giving any reasons.
Ngoye said Montana approved the project for Siyangena to supply gates to the agency’s stations despite various issues being raised to him.
During her testimony, Ngote said one of the Prasa officials, Luvuyo Gantsho pointed out to Montana that Siyangena’s prices were too excessive but had “a change of heart” on the matter after a telephone conversation with Montana.
Ngoye told the commission that Prasa extended the contract with Siyangena without due processes being followed.
Ngoye, who has been head of the department since 2014, was the fourth official from the rail agency to testify about Prasa.