SA Express grounded due to cost of state capture – Gordhan

Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan on Thursday said the suspension of SA Express operations was a direct cost of the state capture, which would be a challenge to reverse.

“Today’s suspension of the airline is a classic example of the impact of corruption and malfeasance on the country’s national assets. The grounding of the airline comes as a result of consistent deterioration of the airline’s performance over the years that compromised the safety operation of the airline,” Gordhan said in a statement.

“This impact is informed by actions of the previous executive management that resulted in looting of resources without being held accountable during their tenure in the airline.”

Gordhan has taken various steps over the past few weeks to change the way SA Express operates, including establishing an intervention team to support the executive management and announcing Tryphosa Ramano to chair the airline’s board.

Gordhan said all those involved in the malfeasance and weakening of the airline would face the necessary consequences.

Meanwhile, SA Express said it would accommodate passengers on other airlines and refund their tickets in a bid to ensure the least amount of inconvenience.