The Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) is sympathetic and deeply mindful of the plight of South African Airways (SAA) employees who have not received salaries for several months and call upon employees to be patient while departmental officials are working with stakeholders to find solutions.

Government believes the key to solving the difficulties facing SAA is the finalisation of the business rescue process.

That is why the department is working with Business Rescue Practitioners (BRPs) to find the best restructuring solutions for the airlines, including payment of salaries.

Any updates of the finalisation of the BRP process will be communicated as and when details are available.

In the past the DPE has worked with SAA management to restore good corporate governance and combat corruption at the national carrier.

As one of the key focus areas, SAA has looked into major contracts relating to logistics, Information Technology, transactional advisory services, ground handling and security.

The DPE is aware that the airline took disciplinary steps against the employees implicated. This resulted in termination of employment for some senior and executive managers involving in misconduct.

Thirteen other employees were found guilty of misconduct and were served with final written warnings while nine were dismissed and another four resigned.

All stakeholders, employees and union members are encouraged to come forward and provide credible information to the Department about instances of possible corruption, collusion, theft or fraud, that have occurred within the airline and amongst its service providers.

Issued by Department of Public Enterprises