TRANSPORT
Prasa’s court bid to overturn contract fails on a technicality
The decision on the R4bn Siyangena contract a blow to the Passenger Rail Agency of SA’s board
The High Court in Pretoria has dismissed the bid by the Passenger Rail Agency of SA (Prasa) to overturn a R4bn contract awarded to Siyangena Technologies. The decision was a blow to the Prasa board, which successfully overturned its month-long dismissal earlier in 2017. The board argued it needed to return to the agency to conclude legal battles it had initiated, including this one against Siyangena. On Wednesday, the court ruled that Prasa failed to make its application to challenge the contract within the required 180 days. The Promotion of Administrative Justice Act requires judicial proceedings to be launched "without unreasonable delay" and within 180 days. The merits of whether Siyangena had won a "rigged tender" for security systems were not tested in court. Board chairman Popo Molefe said it was still considering its legal options. The ruling was not expected to affect a challenge brought by the Prasa board against Swifambo Rail Leasing for trains that were found to be unsui...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.