SAA did not axe me, says Dudu Myeni

Former controversial South African Airways chairperson Dudu Myeni claimed she was not fired from the airline.

Last month, SAA’s board saw numerous changes, including the appointment of six new board members and Myeni’s replacement, Johannes Bhekumuzi Magwaza.

In November 2016, Myeni’s term was extended by another year. She maintained that Magwaza only replaced her because her term had expired.

“I’ve come to the end of my term at the SAA. Indeed‚ the news said I was fired. I’ve finished my term. I’ve been the chairperson of the board for the past four years. I joined SAA in 2009 as a member of the board at the time, and then I was asked to act as a chairperson at the time and then‚ in 2013 June‚ I was confirmed the chairperson of the board of SAA.

“Last year‚ the former minister of finance extended my term by one year‚ which today is the 1st of November‚ it has come to an end.”

Myeni’s statement follows reports that she was fired from SAA by President Jacob Zuma at the behest of Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba after the loss-making national carrier was bailed out by government.

She dispelled this by affirming her term as chairperson with the airline had come to an end.

“I do not believe I could have been fired‚ but I believe that when the term comes to an end‚ it comes to an end. It depends on which side somebody else looks at it‚” she said in an interview with ANN7.

“If it gives someone comfort to say I’ve been fired‚ it is okay. And if it gives someone comfort to know the truth‚ the truth is‚ my term came to an end.”

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