Limpopo Government Negotiates Pension Issues with Great North Transport Employees
The Limpopo Provincial Government has announced that it is in negotiations with current and former employees of Great North Transport (GNT).
The discussions pertain to matters concerning the pension fund administered by the Limpopo Economic Development Agency (LEDA).
The employees are represented by Mr. Harry Masindi of Make It Happen Foundation (MIHAFO).
Limpopo Provincial Government Spokesperson, Ndavhe Ramakuela said the Provincial Government has established a working team led by Director General Mr. Nape Nchabeleng.
“To facilitate these negotiations, the team includes representatives from current and former GNT employees, Limpopo Provincial Treasury, Limpopo Economic Development Environment and Tourism (LEDET), LEDA, and GNT
“The central focus of the committee is to resolve outstanding pension payments owed to both former and current employees. Following the conclusion of negotiations, both parties are set to issue a joint statement to update the public on the agreements reached,” said Ramakuela
ALSO READ : Limpopo Farmers Urged to be Vigilant After High Fire Danger Warning
This after disgruntled former employees of state-owned bus company Great North Transport (GNT) staged an overnight protest outside the Premier’s offices in Polokwane, Limpopo, demanding over R300 million in unpaid pensions.
The workers, numbering more than 800, claimed they have not received their pensions due to alleged mismanagement by the company.
A forensic report revealed that GNT deducted pension contributions from the workers’ salaries but failed to transfer the funds to the relevant pension schemes.
Worker spokesperson Harry Masindi accused the company of using “delaying tactics,” noting that many workers have passed away without receiving their entitled pensions.
“The contribution of the employer by the Limpopo government which was not given to Alexander Forbes, Sanlam and pension funds, made Alexander Forbes terminate the contract and also Sanlam, which disadvantaged those employees for them to get their pension,” said Masindi.
In response, Limpopo Economic Development Agency spokesperson Leo Gama stated that GNT is actively tracing and paying the outstanding pensions.
“We have paid 991 members out of the 1163 that were outstanding and this process has been a painful exercise, however, we are committed as GNT to ensure that this process comes to an end…” Gama says.
“The people that have not been paid so far is 172 and out of the 172 we’ve traced 45 and their application processes are being managed at GNT, and we will be paying them before the end of the financial year,” he added.