By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa), has confirmed in a statement that it has fired its Group CEO Zolani Matthews.
The board held a meeting on the 29th of November and it had “unanimously resolved to terminate with immediate effect the employment contract of its GCEO, Mr Zolani Kgosietsile Matthews”.
The board said this was due to Matthews’s “deliberately and intentionally” failing to disclose information to Prasa regarding his dual citizenship. Matthews, the son of struggle stalwart Joe Matthews, obtained dual citizenship when he lived in Britain during his father’s exile.
Matthews is the son of the late struggle stalwart Joe Matthews‚ who lived in exile in England‚ which is when the dual citizenship was obtained.
Prasa said an investigation “by seasoned senior counsel” established that Matthews had failed to disclose his dual citizenship. “Mr Matthews’s letter of appointment clearly stipulates – as one of the key requirements – that his contract of employment will only be confirmed upon him obtaining favourable security clearance. The State Security Agency (SSA) has since declined to issue Mr Matthews top secret security clearance or any other security clearance,” read Prasa’s statement.
The agency said the investigation’s findings were “adverse” against Matthews and the board viewed the report in a “serious light” and agreed with its recommendations.
It said Matthews and his legal representation are “privy to the contents of the report”.
Prasa said that it was already looking for Matthews’ replacement
Matthews is also the younger brother of international relations and co-operation minister Naledi Pandor. He was chair of the Ports Regulator and has also served as a board member of the SA Post Office.