Media Statement by SAA Board of Directors

Johannesburg, 23 May 2014. The Board of Directors at South African Airways (SAA) stands firmly behind the airline’s Group CEO, Monwabisi Kalawe. This is consistent with the sentiments expressed by the shareholder Minister Malusi Gigaba at a media briefing on Thursday at the SAA headquarters at OR Tambo International Airport.
 
Wrong and/or inaccurate information has been placed in the public domain using the media by individual(s) whose identity we have to ascertain. If this is left unchallenged, it will tarnish our brand and the business; blemish the image of the shareholder and government and cause irreparable harm to the good name and reputation of individuals against whom these allegations are made. They not only impugn their personal and professional integrity but subject them to trial by the media.
 
At the outset we would like to clarify that the report referred to in the media does not enjoy any official status in the company. Its contents, regardless of the conviction of those who authored it, remain untested. Those who believe in the accuracy of the claims contained therein must act in a mature and responsible manner and present such claims at appropriate forums for consideration and deliberation.  We condemn placing of any company information in the public domain without following proper channels. Even more, we condemn the association of the company name and the tittles of office bearers in pursuit of any business not sanctioned by SAA management or the Board of Directors as the case may be.  
 
Since our appointment in October 2012 by the Public Enterprises Minister Malusi Gigaba, we have always understood our obligations towards the shareholder and the people of South Africa as a whole. We remain committed towards discharging our fiduciary responsibilities in accordance with the law and good business ethics. We will remain unflinching in the execution of our oversight responsibilities and will continue to hold SAA management to account.
 
We have confidence in the abilities of and the capacity of governance infrastructure at SAA. The existence of the whistle blowing system and the internal audit to conduct investigations on all matters that require attention have proven to be effective.  
 
We would like to reiterate that nothing untoward about conduct of the CEO has not been brought to the attention of the Board and as such the Board has never taken any resolution to have the CEO investigated by anyone including any external agencies with investigative mandate.
 
Ends
 
For more information contact:
SAA
Tlali Tlali (Mr)                                                                          
SAA spokesperson                                                                                                          
Mob:     +27 82 333 3880                                                     
Email:    TlaliTlali@flysaa.com