A confident Delport has set the record straight regarding the subcontract awarded to a company called Comicro. A confident Delport has set the record straight regarding the subcontract awarded to a company called Comicro.
Image: Henk Kruger / Independent Newspapers
Chris Delport, the managing director of Maziya General Services, has recently addressed a series of inquiries raised by the media regarding the company’s operations and subcontracting arrangements. The questions, largely stemming from concerns over the awarding of contracts and potential conflicts of interest, followed a now discredited Passenger Road Agency of South Africa (Prasa) whistleblower report.
A confident Delport has set the record straight regarding the subcontract awarded to a company called Comicro. Delport has confirmed that Comicro was indeed awarded a 1% subcontract through the Macre Joint Venture (JV). Comicro operates as a legally separate entity from Maziya and is permitted to conduct business within the Republic of South Africa.
"There is no conflict of interest," Delport emphasized, explaining that Comicro's business operations are entirely independent of Maziya. He clarified that the payment amount to Comicro would depend on the specific scope of work defined by the design and bill of quantities, just as it would for any other subcontractor. On the question of payments, Delport clarified that no payments had been made to Comicro as the projects they are involved with are still in the design phase.
"How can any subcontractors be paid when they are not yet on site? I think it’s important that the media familiarises itself with business concepts and the tendering and functioning of the locomotive industry before pursuing a headline. We are in the design phase, which is the work of engineers and designers for many years. There cannot be subcontractors at a design level,” he said.
Furthermore, when asked if the Crig Maziya JV had contracted Comicro for the KZN signaling contract, Delport confirmed that Comicro had been appointed as a tier-one subcontractor, but all parties are still awaiting the completion of the design phase and bill of quantities before further progress can be made.
“Comicro has the highest grading, the highest. But like other contractors, Comicro hasn’t been has not been paid as they have not begun to work”
Delport confirmed Maziya's involvement in various contracts, including the reconstruction of 3kV DC Traction and AC Distribution Substations between Langlaagte and Maraisburg, which had been successfully completed and handed over years ago. The same was true for other projects such as the refurbishment of substations in Naledi and New Canada, as well as the Mabopane to Pretoria line, all of which Delport described as "completed successfully and within budget and time-frame"
When asked about the whistleblower report claiming that a company called Ground Transportation System Maziya (GTS Maziya) was paid R250 million in December last year, Delport firmly denied the accusation. He pointed out that this claim is categorically false and could be verified directly with Prasa. "The GTS Maziya JV has been working on the Western Cape resignaling safety system for over 14 years, providing jobs and contributing to a critical infrastructure project," Delport noted, highlighting that the initiative has created more than 5,000 jobs over the years. He also expressed frustration over the apparent misinformation surrounding GTS Maziya’s role in the project, suggesting that the whistleblower's selective reporting may be part of an orchestrated smear campaign.
Delport maintained that Maziya General Services and GTS Maziya's long-standing partnership with Prasa is a testament to the success and integrity of their operations. While the financial details of these contracts remain private, Delport was keen to emphasize the company's transparency and successful collaborations with Prasa, ensuring that trains are running and benefiting South African commuters.
He concluded, "This partnership has been incredibly successful, and the work we have done together is a true reflection of the positive impact we can achieve."
Delport says he remains resolute in defending Maziya General Services’ reputation, pushing back against any false allegations while reiterating the company's commitment to quality work and public service.
“I need you, the media, to understand the significance of the design stage. If we make one mistake and the train makes one wrong move, hundreds of lives will perish. The quality of our draftsmanship is world class, this is how we’ve been in business for three decades. I understand my detractors and competitors want to see my back, and they may be unhappy that they weren’t awarded the work, but that’s the nature of the business. Again, as I’ve done for many years, I’ll invite you to the opening ceremony of more corridors and trains,” Delport said.
The Star
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