Official allegedly got R81m from MalaMala deal (Dr.Mabunda)

[ExFmem]

Isn't Mr. Sibiya the one who didn't know about the trucks transversing Kruger, and didn't think it appropriate? Maybe this is a good step...time will tell.

[Richprins]

Mr Sibiya came up through the ranks from Mpumalanga Parks Board as ranger, so feel far more comfortable with him! Also, as said, he disapproved of the trucks, although still no confirmation of that.

But he is only temporary...will have to wait and see, as he is now second "acting CEO"...

[H. erectus]

But he is only temporary...will have to wait and see, as he is now second "acting CEO".

This can carry-on forever conveniently, till the CCMA comes too terms with
said dispute, only to be re-instituted,....for lack of technical labour law issues!!!

[Richprins]

Heard a lot of interesting stuff from an old colleague on Monday. It sort of confirms David's stuff and change.

This story is far from over...

[Toko]

Mala Mala: SANParks was informed of Mabunda’s BEE involvement

Lowvelder can report today that Mabunda had indeed made a full disclosure to the board in 2009 in which he specifically stated that he had been offered an opportunity to buy shares as an equity partner, but would not be involved in the day-to-day running of the business


Irma Green and Nicolene Smalman | 4 April 2014 06:36

NELSPRUIT – It has been a week of controversy at SANParks since its board made it known that the contract of CEO Dr David Mabunda, would not be renewed for a third term.This announcement was made only two days before the end of his second term and since then conflicting media reports have been published about his departure.Mabunda’s involvement in the Mala Mala land claim deal has been fingered as the reason for the decision. Although the board said it had been informed of Mabunda’s role in the deal, Dr Gert Dry, spokesman for the board, told some media houses that members had not known about his shares or the Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) involvement. Dry maintained that Mabunda’s departure had nothing whatsoever to do with the deal.Lowvelder can report today that Mabunda had indeed made a full disclosure to the board in 2009 in which he specifically stated that he had been offered an opportunity to buy shares as an equity partner, but would not be involved in the day-to-day running of the business. In the same year Mabunda received written confirmation from the chairman of the board, Mr Kuseni Dlamini, to the effect that the matter had been discussed with all relevant parties, including the minister of environmental affairs and that all had given their approval for him to proceed.Since Sunday a few newspapers have reported that Mabunda would financially benefit from the most expensive land claim in South Africa’s history – that by which the N’wandlamhlarhi Community Property Association (CPA) in Lillydale village near Hazyview recently reclaimed ownership of the 13 184 1601 hectares of Mala Mala Game Reserve, worth R939,6 million.Mabunda had been director of the Kruger National Park (KNP) for six years before he was appointed SANParks’ CEO in 2004, a position he occupied for the past 10 years. “I knew I had a five-year contract which had been renewed once under stringent legislation and protocol on renewals, so chances for a third term were always slim. I made an alternative provision,” Mabunda explained his involvement with the reserve.“This deal is a normal business transaction. I am a BEE partner and non-executive director. I have other BEE deals in the energy and tourism retail sectors which are in the process of being activated. It was not a secret swept under the carpet, hence the unambiguous declarations. My name appears on the Mala Mala letterheads and I’ve been involved in the board’s activities – but not running it on a daily basis,” Mabunda added.Asked how he would benefit financially from the deal, he explained that, as a shareholder or BEE partner, it would comprise share dividends. “We don’t pay board fees to non-executive directors, except for direct expenses incurred.”In a media statement issued by Mabunda and Mala Mala, it was further noted that he had been compensated for a share option he enjoyed in a company in the group. “This transaction was legitimate and had been fully disclosed to the necessary authorities,” the statement read.It was, however, no secret that Mabunda and Dlamini had not seen eye-to-eye on numerous issues but Dry said, “With regard to an assumed dispute, the board wishes to state that there was no dispute declared and that the so-called conflict of interest was an employer/employee relations matter, which would have been dealt with through applicable internal processes.”Further allegations that the CEO’s history in the land-claims environment cast a shadow on the deal, were refuted in the media statement – “Mabunda was formerly employed as deputy director of settlement support in the Department of Land Affairs from 1995 to 1997. Since his employment with the department ceased some 16 years ago, he has not represented it, nor been responsible for any of its obligations. Any suggestion that such former employment constitutes a conflict of interest in the resolution of the Mala Mala land claim, is completely baseless and without foundation.”According to the release, his involvement in the finalisation of the claim was confined to the attendance of some meetings in the presence of other directors. “Mabunda’s position as non-executive director was never confused with his role as CEO of SANParks and this was disclosed and known to all who attended such meetings. At no stage throughout the land claim process, did conflict of interests as CEO of SANParks and a non-executive director of Mala Mala, ever arise.”During his tenure as CEO the organisation has received clean audits and experienced many highlights, the most recent being a R255 million donation from the Buffet Foundation to assist in the fight against rhino poaching.
The resignation of SANPark’s CFO, Mr Themba Mabilane, immediately after the announcement of the CEO’s departure, sent more shock waves through the organisation. Staff who did not want to be identified, said Khoza’s action was interpreted as a protest against the board.A sombre mood prevailed at Mabunda’s farewell function at Pretoria during the week.

[H. erectus]

Informed or not, the situation remains ethically wrong!!!
.Gov officials and suchlike should not be seen as profitting
because of a higher status in portfolio. As is, they are earning
lucratively being state servants,......

[Richprins]

NELSPRUIT – It has been a week of controversy at SANParks since its board made it known that the contract of CEO Dr David Mabunda, would not be renewed for a third term.

This announcement was made only two days before the end of his second term and since then conflicting media reports have been published about his departure.

Mabunda’s involvement in the Mala Mala land claim deal has been fingered as the reason for the decision. Although the board said it had been informed of Mabunda’s role in the deal, Dr Gert Dry, spokesman for the board, told some media houses that members had not known about his shares or the Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) involvement. Dry maintained that Mabunda’s departure had nothing whatsoever to do with the deal.

Lowvelder can report today that Mabunda had indeed made a full disclosure to the board in 2009 in which he specifically stated that he had been offered an opportunity to buy shares as an equity partner, but would not be involved in the day-to-day running of the business. In the same year Mabunda received written confirmation from the chairman of the board, Mr Kuseni Dlamini, to the effect that the matter had been discussed with all relevant parties, including the minister of environmental affairs and that all had given their approval for him to proceed.

Since Sunday a few newspapers have reported that Mabunda would financially benefit from the most expensive land claim in South Africa’s history – that by which the N’wandlamhlarhi Community Property Association (CPA) in Lillydale village near Hazyview recently reclaimed ownership of the 13 184 1601 hectares of Mala Mala Game Reserve, worth R939,6 million.

Mabunda had been director of the Kruger National Park (KNP) for six years before he was appointed SANParks’ CEO in 2004, a position he occupied for the past 10 years. “I knew I had a five-year contract which had been renewed once under stringent legislation and protocol on renewals, so chances for a third term were always slim. I made an alternative provision,” Mabunda explained his involvement with the reserve.

“This deal is a normal business transaction. I am a BEE partner and non-executive director. I have other BEE deals in the energy and tourism retail sectors which are in the process of being activated. It was not a secret swept under the carpet, hence the unambiguous declarations. My name appears on the Mala Mala letterheads and I’ve been involved in the board’s activities – but not running it on a daily basis,” Mabunda added.

Asked how he would benefit financially from the deal, he explained that, as a shareholder or BEE partner, it would comprise share dividends. “We don’t pay board fees to non-executive directors, except for direct expenses incurred.”

In a media statement issued by Mabunda and Mala Mala, it was further noted that he had been compensated for a share option he enjoyed in a company in the group. “This transaction was legitimate and had been fully disclosed to the necessary authorities,” the statement read.

It was, however, no secret that Mabunda and Dlamini had not seen eye-to-eye on numerous issues but Dry said, “With regard to an assumed dispute, the board wishes to state that there was no dispute declared and that the so-called conflict of interest was an employer/employee relations matter, which would have been dealt with through applicable internal processes.”

Further allegations that the CEO’s history in the land-claims environment cast a shadow on the deal, were refuted in the media statement – “Mabunda was formerly employed as deputy director of settlement support in the Department of Land Affairs from 1995 to 1997. Since his employment with the department ceased some 16 years ago, he has not represented it, nor been responsible for any of its obligations. Any suggestion that such former employment constitutes a conflict of interest in the resolution of the Mala Mala land claim, is completely baseless and without foundation.”

According to the release, his involvement in the finalisation of the claim was confined to the attendance of some meetings in the presence of other directors. “Mabunda’s position as non-executive director was never confused with his role as CEO of SANParks and this was disclosed and known to all who attended such meetings. At no stage throughout the land claim process, did conflict of interests as CEO of SANParks and a non-executive director of Mala Mala, ever arise.”

During his tenure as CEO the organisation has received clean audits and experienced many highlights, the most recent being a R255 million donation from the Buffet Foundation to assist in the fight against rhino poaching.
The resignation of SANPark’s CFO, Mr Themba Mabilane, immediately after the announcement of the CEO’s departure, sent more shock waves through the organisation. Staff who did not want to be identified, said Khoza’s action was interpreted as a protest against the board.

A sombre mood prevailed at Mabunda’s farewell function at Pretoria during the week.



Sorry, Toks!

Just a bit more readable!

[Richprins]

It just borders on the inconceivable that a CEO of SANParks can start ducking a month before his end of tenure, without any warning, and then the CFO resigning as "protest".

With both apparently not really being bothered and having perfectly fine backups financially.

How could this happen in a normal company?

[H. erectus]

How could this happen in a normal company?

Well RP, ,.. normal company rules and regulations are not applicable
here,..being a state run organ,.. so ethics will go by the s***shute ie: N/A,...


And even worse a dismal situation!!! try get together a group of people, in
those areas, in dispute!! Those dwelling in Mala Mala simply will get a small
pay hike and in all fearness why would they nay???

[H. erectus]

Mala Mala is a foregone conclusion!!!

So sad to see a landmark, on this planet,
go to waste!!!