Tau Morwe has taken over from Siyabonga Gama who was axed for misconduct and maladministration.
Tau Morwe, who worked for Transnet for 17 years, until his departure in 2015, has taken over from Siyabonga Gama as CEO of the rail, port and pipeline SOE.
Gama was fired following investigations that implicated him in misconduct and maladministration in the acquisition of locomotives worth R54 billion from General Electric, Bombardier Transport, China South Rail and China North Rail in 2012.
Morwe has been the group’s acting CEO from 1 November and his appointment runs until 30 April 2019. He will also serve as a member of the Transnet board.
Pravin Gordhan, Minister of Public Enterprises, approved Morwe’s appointment.
In a statement issued on Monday, chairperson Popo Molefe said that Tau brings a wealth of experience garnered during his previous tenure at Transnet.
“Mr Morwe’s crucial appointment will ensure that Transnet strengthens and consolidates its governance procedures, adding much-needed impetus in ensuring that our state-run institutions are well-governed and serve the people of South Africa. We wish him well in his new role.”
Tau joined Transnet in 1997 and has served as the chief executive of three of the Transnet divisions: National Ports Authority, Freight Rail and Port Terminals. He also led the Port Management Association of Eastern and Southern Africa, strengthened relations among member ports and promoted regional cooperation and integration.
He has served on various company boards, including KwaZulu-Natal Trade and Investment, the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Agriport Partnership.
Subsequent to his departure from Transnet in 2015, he has served extensively as a transport and logistics consultant in South Africa as well as on the rest of the continent.
