The appointment of Brian Molefe as Transnet's new CEO has become a sore point within the ANC-led alliance, with labour federation Cosatu most unhappy about not being consulted.
Molefe is disliked by Cosatu because of his perceived association with former President Thabo Mbeki's allies during his tenure as the head of the Public Investment Corporation.
But what seems to have annoyed the workers even more is the belief that Molefe's appointment was influenced by the politically connected Gupta family.
Last week the Sunday Times reported that Rajesh Gupta, Duduzane Zuma and Lazarus Zim were shareholders in a joint venture with a Chinese company that is the frontrunner in the government's mooted R550-billion rail infrastructure programme.
The Sunday Times has learnt that Molefe's appointment became the main topic at Cosatu's Central Executive Committee committee on Wednesday with affiliates blaming the Guptas for his employment.
In a statement, Cosatu also expressed its "anger at the growing trend of lack of consultation by the ministers".
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