Prasa whistleblower withdraws report on corruption claims

IN A surprising turn of events, Thembinkosi Pulu, a member of the South African Communist Party (SACP) in the Vaal District, has formally withdrawn his whistleblower complaint regarding corruption at the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa).

- SIFISO MAHLANGU

Pulu, who had earlier submitted the complaint to key figures, including the Minister of Transport, Honorable Barbara Creecy, and other relevant stakeholders, has cited new information as the reason for retracting the allegations.

In a letter dated 16 March 2025, Pulu stated that the SACP Vaal District was formally retracting the letter they had sent on 14 February 2025, which outlined concerns related to alleged corruption within Prasa.

The letter was sent to several officials, including Deputy Minister of Transport Mkhuleko Hlengwa, the Prasa Board Chairperson, and the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Honorable S.D. Selamolela had raised alarm over governance issues within the state-owned transport agency.

Pulu's retraction comes after further investigations and new facts were brought to light.

He emphasized that the SACP had not been coerced or influenced by any external party in making this decision.

He further highlighted that the party is not a "faceless" whistleblower and remains committed to addressing issues of corruption within the country's public institutions.