Prasa Ends Zolani Matthews Tenure Anew as Legal Battles Subside

After a series of legal tussles and court mandates, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) has terminated the employment of Zolani Matthews for the second time. This decision underscores an ongoing struggle within the company to stabilize its leadership while striving to enhance its rail services.

Last month, the Labour Court ruled that Matthews should be reinstated to his former role as CEO, a position from which he had been previously relieved due to non-disclosure of his dual citizenship, which affected his security clearance. Despite this ruling and Matthews' reinstatement after compliance with the court's order, the Prasa board, led by Chairperson Nosizwe Nokwe-Macamo, has concluded that his continued employment is incongruent with the agency's strategic interests.

The board's directive comes after efforts to resolve the issue amicably reached an impasse. According to Nokwe-Macamo, these negotiations were critical but ultimately unsuccessful. Having re-engaged Matthews and paid him backdated wages as per the Labour Court judgment, Prasa opted for contract termination upon realizing that settlement was no longer a viable option.

It appears that Matthews will receive compensation for the duration of his contract, signaling an end to the contentious period while allowing Prasa to return its focus to operational priorities. Nosizwe Nokwe-Macamo emphasized that the rail agency has made notable strides in improving passenger rail services, with the majority of rail corridors now functional, albeit at reduced capacity.

The board's intent is to not let internal management disputes hinder the progress in refurbishing stations and ensuring the safe, cost-effective transport of commuters. The tumultuous relationship between Matthews and Prasa, with its pendulum swing from dismissal to reinstatement and back to termination, has been a significant chapter in the ongoing narrative of the rail company's struggle to stabilize its executive leadership.