The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Limpopo has laid criminal charges against the board and management of Great North Transport (GNT), the provincial government’s bus company, following allegations that the entity failed to pay employees’ pension and medical aid contributions for six months.
Unpaid Contributions Burden Workers
According to the DA, GNT owes over R10 million in unpaid medical aid contributions for 247 employees and an additional R6 million in pension fund contributions for 900 workers. The party claims the company has been defaulting on medical aid payments since December 2023, leaving employees without critical benefits.
“The financial woes of GNT are becoming worse, and they are failing to pay their creditors—at the expense of workers,” said a DA representative. “Today, we are standing up for the workers and holding government accountable. That is why we are laying criminal charges against Great North Transport’s personnel.”
GNT Admits Financial Struggles, Promises Payment
GNT officials have acknowledged the payment delays, citing financial difficulties. A company representative assured that outstanding contributions would be settled soon, stating:
“We can assure viewers that before the end of today, we will settle all outstanding payments, including medical aid and pension contributions.”
However, skepticism remains as workers continue to face uncertainty over their benefits.
Broader Corruption Probe Underway
The scandal deepens as the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and the Hawks investigate allegations of corruption and maladministration at GNT. This follows reports that over R300 million in pension funds—deducted from former employees’ salaries—has gone missing.
“A fraud case was opened and transferred to the Hawks for investigation,” confirmed a source close to the matter. “Former employees did not receive their pension funds despite monthly deductions from their salaries.”
Government Vows Disciplinary Action
The Limpopo Department of Economic Development, which oversees GNT, has pledged to take disciplinary action against executives for alleged mismanagement of worker funds.
As investigations unfold, employees and opposition parties demand accountability, stressing that workers should not suffer due to financial mismanagement and possible corruption within the state-owned entity.