ROB CHILDS, Portnet's m.d. for the past 17 months, has resigned 'to pursue other options', but he has done so after achieving his major aim of having the organisation split into port authority and operations.
It was on the cards right from my appointment in February 1998 that my role would be overtaken by new, more appropriate structures, he says.
I am satisfied, however, that much has been achieved during my time with Portnet, and they now have a good team nationally who can steer the port authority into the future.
In stating this, Childs has made it clear that the path is now open for the privatisation of the port operations. This, however, will take some time before reaching fruition.
Public enterprises minister Stella Sigcau has stated that both divisions will retain all port assets under Transnet's control for the present.
The authority will co-ordinate, regulate and develop national port policy, strategy, economic activity as well as land and infrastructure, while operations will be responsible for all cargo handling.
Rumours of a pending resignation by Childs had been prevalent among senior Portnet personnel for the past six months, and were increased when an audit team was established recently by Transnet m.d. Saki Macozoma to investigate allegations of corruption and nepotism, following the awarding of contracts to international companies called in to assist in the development programme.
Childs had made it clear at the time that he had negotiated certain contracts in order to speed up proceedings, but there were complaints from within senior management ranks that Transnet policies had been ignored in the process.
The audit team exonerated all persons of corruption, but stated that there were instances where management had displayed weaknesses which needed improvement.
Childs has declined to reveal any details of his future plans at this stage. Prior to joining Portnet he held a senior position with South African Breweries, in which direction he may be returning.
By Leonard Neill
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