Johannesburg - South Africa's former president Jacob Zuma denied vehemently that he pushed for Siyabonga Gama to be appointed Transnet CEO in 2009 over Sipho Maseko who was recommended by the Transnet board.
Gama, who headed Transnet Freight Rail at the time, was then put forward to take over as CEO. However, an internal investigation had unearthed evidence of misconduct against Gama, and this concerned the board, chaired by Fred Phaswana at the time. She said current Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan was once considered to head Transnet but later withdrew his candidacy and became finance minister shortly thereafter.
"I do not remember saying this...I could I say this when someone [Gama] was charged with serious charges and insist 'no, take this person'. I do not remember insisting on this. It can't be...we do not work like that. As I said, there is a process which determines that, I wouldn't have said this. Not at all."