North West Legislature Portfolio Committee on Transport Management Demands Urgent Action Amidst Allegations of Suspension of NTI Business Rescue Practitioner

The North West Provincial Legislature Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management chaired by Hon. Freddy Sonakile has noted with concern a circulating document allegedly from the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), suspending the Senior Business Rescue Practitioner (BRP) license of Mr. Thomas Sammons, the practitioner assigned to Northwest Transport Investment (NTI), a government entity.

“The Department of Community Safety and Transport Management must immediately verify the authenticity of the document and confirm whether Mr. Sammons has indeed been disqualified from practicing as BRP pending the outcome of the leave to appeal matter. If the document is legitimate, the department must act without delay to install a new practitioner as NTI remains under business rescue and requires decisive leadership to secure its future. It is worth noting that the department previously won a legal battle to have Mr. Sammons removed as NTI’s BRP, a ruling he subsequently appealed. The matter was heard earlier this year, and judgment is still pending,” said Hon. Sonakile.

He also said the department must also account for actions taken since the letter, dated 28 February 2025, was issued. “If Mr. Sammons has continued operating as a BRP despite the alleged suspension, this could constitute misrepresentation and fraud, as the letter explicitly prohibits him from practicing. The Portfolio Committee demands a full report within seven days detailing the department’s findings and response to the serious matter.

“Should it emerge that officials have failed in their duties, consequence management must be enforced to hold them accountable. NTI must be saved, not only to preserve jobs but also to revive the province’s economy. The Committee remains resolute in its oversight role and will ensure that government fulfils its responsibility to protect this critical entity. We will also be calling the department to appear before us to provide a comprehensive update on NTI’s status since the court case,” said Hon. Sonakile.

He further said decisive action is required as the time for delays and negligence is over.

Ends

Issued by: North West Provincial Legislature: Media & Communications Unit on behalf of the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management – Hon. Freddy Sonakile.