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Transnet's announcement of the dismissal of two senior officials for manipulating a tender awarded to a company associated with communications Minster Siphiwe Nyanda follows closely after Juli Kilian, COPE MP submitted a substantive complaint for investigation by the Public Protector on Wednesday.

Welcoming the decisive action by Transnet to act against officials involved in corruption and irregular tender practices Kilian said that the beneficiary of the illegal contract must now also be held accountable.

"The next step would be for Minister Nyanda to refund the R 55 million proceeds from what was essentially a highly irregular if not blatantly corrupt transaction," Kilian said.

In terms of the Executive Member's Ethics Act, the Public Protector now has 30 days to investigate COPE's complaints and report to the President. Thereafter the President must report to parliament.

Kilian said this case should be seen as an acid test for the independence of the newly appointed Public Protector and the validity of the President's often declared resolve to stamp out corruption.

It also underscores the urgency of lifestyle and in depth asset declaration of political executives in influential positions in all spheres of government, including that of their immediate family and business associates.