What in the world is happening at SAMSA? Just over a year after returning from a two-and-a-half year suspension, chief operating officer Sobantu Tilayi is booked off again pending yet another investigation.
The maritime regulator, responsible for the safety of life and property at sea, is battling to sort out its affair on land, and has been for a while. An internal memo sent to staff in November says the latest precautionary suspension is “a procedural measure to ensure the integrity and transparency of the investigation process, and does not constitute a judgment on any alleged conduct”.
What remains unclear is why the allegations against Tilayi, some of which reportedly date back over a decade, were not covered by the previous investigations during Tilayi’s first lengthy suspension – on full pay. The impression created is that of a rudderless ship in need of leadership.
In the meantime the blue economy can use all the help it can get, with increased traffic around the Cape due to ongoing security concerns in the Red Sea.
Tilayi’s duties will be managed by the Acting CEO Mbalenhle Golding until further notice, SAMSA says in their memo. “Management is committed to ensure continued service delivery and operational efficiency in the delivery of the SAMSA mandate. SAMSA remains committed to upholding the highest standards of governance, accountability, and fairness in all our processes,” the memo says.