TRANSNET has suspended nine employees implicated in alleged collusion with suppliers, the state-owned company said in a media statement today.

Disciplinary proceedings against three of the suspended employees have commenced, with charges against other implicated officials imminent. According to Transnet, the process to blacklist suppliers involved has also commenced.

In the statement, Transnet says this development marks a critical step in strengthening governance, reinforcing accountability, and safeguarding its operational and financial integrity.

Other irregularities were uncovered through an internal investigation in which 34 audits were undertaken across two Transnet operating divisions for transactions concluded in the 2024/25 financial year, in which it was found that suppliers were overcharging Transnet by between 50% and 1000% across a number of items. Further investigations are ongoing.

Transnet group chief executive, Michelle Phillips, said: “Transnet maintains a zero-tolerance stance on any form of impropriety. This extends beyond instances of overcharging, as such conduct directly undermines our operational efficiency and financial performance. We remain resolute in our commitment to eradicating corruption across the organisation and will not allow the conduct of a few individuals to derail the pursuit of our strategic objectives.”

Transnet has already approached law enforcement agencies to assist.

While the consequence management processes are proceeding, Transnet is also finalising targeted actions and implementing systemic improvements to detect and prevent the recurrence of such practices, the state-owned company said.