The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) in Parliament has written to the Speaker of Parliament Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula to request an urgent motion to debate the failing state of South African state-owned entities.

The IFP was reacting to the news that Transnet Group CEO Portia Derby surrendered to pressure from several quarters and resigned from the embattled ports and rail state-owned group.She will leave at the end of October. Derby was the second most high-ranking executive at the company, Group Chief Financial Officer (GCFO) Nonkululeko Dlamini who resigned earlier, she apparently resigned at the beginning of September.IFP National spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa said that the motion was aimed at addressing the deteriorating state of state-owned entities (SOE). "South Africa's SOEs have been facing immense challenges in recent years, including financial mismanagement, corruption and operational inefficiencies. These issues have not only led to significant financial burdens on taxpayers but have also had a detrimental impact on the delivery of essential services to our citizens. The IFPs call for an urgent motion for debate to highlights the urgent need for parliamentary intervention to address the critical situation surrounding SOEs," he said. Hlengwa further said that the motion seeks to open a comprehensive discussion on the financial mismanagement, corruption and maladministration, service delivery, accountability and governance. "Many SOE's are grappling with financial instability due to mismanagement, leading to huge losses and financial burdens on the state. There is rampant corruption and maladministration within SOEs has eroded public trust and hindered their ability to fulfil their mandates effectively," he said, adding that their deterioration has directly affected the delivery of essential services such as energy, transportation, and healthcare, impacting the quality of life for South Africans.

The IFP says this is a matter of national concern and that it is crucial that Parliament takes immediate action to address the issues and hold those responsible accountable. "Our citizens deserve efficient and accountable public enterprises that can contribute positively to our nation's development," he said. Hlengwa further said that the IFP is committed to working collaboratively with other political parties to find sustainable solutions to the challenges facing SOEs. "The urgent motion for debate will provide an essential platform for Members of Parliament to deliberate on these issues and propose practical solutions for the benefit of all South Africans. This urgent motion for debate on the failing state of SOEs underscores the IFP's commitment to good governance, transparency, and accountability in South Africa's public institutions," he said. Trade unions and opposition parties welcomed Transnet CEO Portia Derby's resignation but want more heads to roll at the struggling SOE. "We welcome the resignation. We think it needs to go a bit further also to deal with the issue of Transnet Freight Rail, which is really at the heart of the crisis," said Cosatu spokesperson Matthew Parks. DA public enterprises spokesperson, Ghaleb Cachalia, said Minister Pravin Gordhan should also vacate his position. "Actually, the minister needs to go. Under his aegis, every single SOE has failed," said Ghaleb.