SAA Board won’t cover up criminality but follow due process

SAA Board won’t cover up criminality but follow due process

1.     South African Airways (SAA) Board of Directors has noted a series of stories recently published which appear to be based on internal reports leaked to the media and would like to assure the public that it does not condone nor will it cover up any acts of impropriety at SAA. 

2.     Any action the board could take against anyone accused of criminality must have factual basis and be legally sustainable.

3.     It is important to understand the status these reports enjoy within the business and the processes the company has embarked upon before conclusions are made on the basis of any aspect of such reports.

4.     Investigations were previously commissioned by SAA to look into financial losses incurred by the company. Areas of focus included among other things, procurement (specifically contract negotiation and management) and asset management. A number of reports were subsequently generated and must be finalized as soon as possible.

5.     The Board has looked into those reports and concluded that, as matters stand, they are incomplete. The process of finalizing these reports, including soliciting input from all affected parties and executive management, has since commenced. This is not only standard practice, but a requirement in accordance with principles of natural justice. 

6.     Once the reports are finalized, they will be presented to the board for consideration and action. 

7.     We caution against making conclusions hastily and discourage casting aspersions against any individuals on the strength of incomplete reports. 

8.     The board will inform the nation of the outcomes and any action necessary once the outstanding work has been concluded and the final reports tabled.