The South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (SATAWU) firmly rejects the misleading claims made by NTI Business Rescue Practitioner (BRP), Mr. Thomas Samson, during his interview on Power FM on 2 September 2025.
Mr. Samson failed to present any factual or constructive information. Instead, his statements were riddled with falsehoods, baseless accusations, and deliberate misrepresentation. Most notably, he ignored a Gauteng North High Court ruling that ordered NTI to pay workers’ salaries within 48 hours. Workers remained unpaid for over a week and only received their salaries today, 4 September 2025. This blatant disregard for the court order is not only disrespectful—it is an insult to workers and a direct affront to the South African judicial system.
Mr. Samson claims the entity is operating at a loss. Yet, it is his own conduct—marked by non-compliance, corruption, nepotism, maladministration, and mismanagement—that has driven NTI into crisis. Appointed in 2022 to rescue the entity, he has failed dismally. Despite a court ruling declaring him unfit to hold the position, he continues to appeal, seemingly to buy time and protect his own interests at the expense of workers and the public.
His ties to service providers—many of whom are reportedly his personal associates—raise serious concerns. While workers go unpaid, millions of rands are funnelled monthly to these so-called service providers. This is not rescue—it is exploitation.
Mr. Samson also alleged the existence of ghost employees at NTI. If there are any, they are likely among his own circle of service providers. We challenge him to publicly disclose the number of ghost employees. After three years in office, such claims only reveal his ignorance of NTI’s daily operations.
It is no surprise that Mr. Samson has not set foot in NTI offices for over two years. Yet he continues to call himself the BRP of Northwest Transport Investment. His absence speaks volumes.
SATAWU also notes his reckless suggestion that retrenchments are necessary. We categorically reject this. No worker will be retrenched at NTI—not while SATAWU remains the majority union. The entity is capable of functioning and paying salaries—provided individuals like Mr. Samson step aside and allow competent leadership to take over.
Thomas Samson is the enemy of progress at NTI. We will continue to fight for his removal and are confident that his appeal will be dismissed. He must stop wasting taxpayers’ money and vacate his position. He has nothing to offer.
To our members and all NTI employees: SATAWU remains committed to ensuring that every outstanding salary is paid. NTI is a public entity—not Mr. Samson’s personal enterprise. We will keep you informed as this matter unfolds.
Issued by SATAWU