Transnet boss dies suddenly

Transnet spokesman Mboniso Sigonyela said the equipment was purchased several years ago through Transnet's governance processes and not by an individual. File photo
Image by: transnet

State freight rail agency Transnet's engineering unit has been rocked by the sudden death of its maintenance and equipment boss, who collapsed after an alleged "heated" meeting about faulty equipment worth millions.

Leo Dube, general manager for maintenance, plant and equipment, allegedly died yesterday in an ambulance rushing him to the internal industrial clinic at Transnet's Koedoespoort offices in Pretoria.

Three independent sources told The Times that Dube had just come out of a meeting with the unit's top managers at which faulty rolling stock equipment was discussed.

A senior manager said "Dube had recommended that it be purchased but it does not work".

He could not say when the equipment was purchased, from whom and at what cost.

"The equipment cost millions of rands, that is for sure, and [the top bosses] demanded answers," another source said.

Transnet spokesman Mboniso Sigonyela said the equipment was purchased several years ago through Transnet's governance processes and not by an individual.

"We find attempts to link the unfortunate passing of our colleague to the purchase of equipment as insensitive and bordering on being disrespectful to his loved ones," he said.

"Your attempt to cast aspersions on our late colleague's integrity and ability as a professional is not only distasteful but reckless."

Sigonyela said Transnet rejected "insinuations that our colleague was blamed for any wrongdoing relating to the purchase of the machine. In fact, the confrontation you are referring to did not happen."

He said Dube was an integral part of a team tasked with finding a solution to operational challenges.

"Such challenges are not unusual in a manufacturing facility.

"Transnet is deeply saddened by the loss of one of its valued colleagues and is ensuring that his family and friends get all the support during this difficult time.

"It is inappropriate to speculate on the cause of his passing," he said.

Dube joined Transnet as a chief engineer for locomotives in May 2004, and in July 2006 he became general manager for maintenance, plant and equipment.