Durban - The chief executive (CEO) of Durban’s Dube TradePort Corporation (DTPC), Saxen van Coller, has been suspended – less than two years after she took the reins at the industrial development zone.
Her suspension follows the outcome of an “organisational risk assessment” where allegations against her emerged.
Van Coller declined on Tuesday to comment.
Her suspension was confirmed in a letter sent by DTPC’s board to stakeholders on Monday, in which it sought to reassure investors that operational issues and programmes would not be affected as a result of the news.
DTPC, a business initiative of the provincial government, is aimed at foreign and local investment, and developing KwaZulu-Natal’s biggest infrastructural project.
While the letter did not provide specific details leading to the suspension of Van Coller, it did allude to these being related to governance issues.
It said the risk assessment and due diligence had been done in terms of its mandated responsibility. It was apparently done by an external firm.
“This exercise was an internal process necessitated by fulfilling prudence over governance and oversight and related to improvements which DTPC needs to make, so that it continues to apply best practice, improve compliance and enhance its service offering to its most valued clients, investors and stakeholders,” it said.
“In this respect, the Board would like to assure all stakeholders of its commitment to adequately respond to the findings and has already begun a process in this regard.”
Other findings related to Van Coller, and these required that there be sufficient and satisfactory responses provided.
“The Board has, in light of these findings, resolved to suspend the CEO with immediate effect, pending the outcome of a formal disciplinary enquiry. It is hoped that this process will be concluded shortly.” Van Coller would remain on suspension until the disciplinary process had been finalised, it said.
The continuity of work at DTPC would not at all be affected as the board had full confidence in the capabilities of its executives, who would continue to ensure that none of its programmes would be compromised, read the statement.
Sources said senior staff members were called in to a management meeting at short notice yesterday where the suspension was announced.
“We were not given any details but just told that the CEO was suspended and would not be allowed back into her office pending an investigation against her... It took less than three minutes and we were back at work,” said one.
Van Coller also allegedly irked many staff when she appointed controversial forensics expert Paul O’Sullivan to investigate internal issues around the spread of malicious emails and certain operational concerns.
Approached for comment, O’Sullivan, presently in Tunisia, described the suspension as “crazy and unfair”.
DTPC’s property executive, Hamish Erskine, has been appointed acting chief executive pending the outcome of the investigations.
When Van Coller was announced, Dube TradePort board chairwoman Bridgette Gasa spoke of her experience.
“With expertise in manufacturing, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals and fast-moving consumer-goods, Ms Van Coller is well positioned and looking forward to heading one of KZN’s flagship economic development projects,” she said.
Chairwoman of the board, Dr Bridgette Gasa, said on Tuesday: “Since the process is imminent, the board has elected not to divulge the details therein (the risk assessment) – so that there is fairness applied and the integrity of the process is upheld.”
Daily News