South African Airways faces potential bailout amid deepening governance crisis and leadership instability
via The Citizen4 min read
South African Airways SAA may require another taxpayer-funded bailout, with a source indicating funding could be available by May. This development follows Transport Minister Barbara Creecy's denial of a R1 billion share sale to the government last year, which financial experts consider a capital injection. The airline's financial and governance issues are under scrutiny after its 2025 annual report was criticized, and CEO John Lamola resigned shortly after the chief financial officer quit and key board members departed. Minister Creecy, who previously expressed satisfaction with SAA's audit progress, now states dissatisfaction with entities under her authority receiving disclaimed audit opinions, though her department denies a U-turn. An SAA pilot anticipates the airline's closure, and a source close to former CEO Lamola confirmed the airline's liquidity problems before his resignation. Aviation analyst Guy Leitch questions SAA's continued financial distress, given its relaunch after business rescue with no debt and a reduced payroll, and criticizes ongoing excuses for its losses. Wayne Duvenage, chief executive of Organisation Against Tax Abuse, places accountability on the minister for leadership appointments and criticizes the selection of Lamola over more qualified candidates. Leitch also highlights concerns about political interference and the controversial appointment of acting chief executive Matshela Seshibe, suggesting a prolonged leadership vacuum. He predicts futu
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Former National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula pleaded not guilty to 12 counts of corruption and money laundering as her trial began before the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. The state alleges she solicited R4.55 million in bribes from South African National Defence Force SANDF contractor Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu between December 2016 and July 2019, during her tenure as minister of defence and military veterans. The case was initiated after a criminal complaint by United Democratic Movement UDM leader and current Deputy Defence Minister Bantu Holomisa. Mapisa-Nqakula, who stepped down from Parliament after her arrest in April 2024, acknowledged that construction and upgrades were carried out at her home while she was minister but denied soliciting or accepting bribes. Advocate Paul Louw, presenting the state's case, outlined alleged payments through a detailed PowerPoint presentation, stating that Mapisa-Nqakula made 12 separate cash requests after contracts were awarded to Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu鈥檚 company, Umkhombe Marine. These requests allegedly resulted in payments totaling R2.15 million, with a further R2.4 million in requested payments unfulfilled. The prosecution detailed a timeline of contracts awarded to Umkhombe Marine, including a R1.5 million tender in 2013, a R24 million contract in 2016, and a R79 million contract in the same year. The state argued that the awarding of the third contract coincided with the first alleged payment r
The South African Union of Students Saus has called for an independent assessor to investigate governance issues at the University of Venda. This follows Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela's announcement that he would appoint an assessor after the precautionary suspension of the university鈥檚 vice-chancellor and principal, Prof Bernard Nthambeleni, and chief operating officer, Botwe Kraziya. The suspensions occurred amid corruption allegations and after a 16 July council meeting failed to resolve the matter internally, leading to fears of litigation. Saus emphasized the importance of the independent assessor approaching the responsibility with impartiality, professional integrity, and a commitment to evidence-based findings.
The trial for the 1985 murder of anti-apartheid activist Bathandwa Ndondo has been postponed again after the presiding judge, Judge Buyiswa Majiki, recused herself. The Mthatha High Court, sitting in Cacadu, postponed the matter until Monday, 27 July, to allow for the appointment of a new judge. National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Luxolo Tyali confirmed that Judge Majiki agreed to step aside after the defense for former Transkei Security Branch officer Gcinisiko Dandala, 68, raised concerns about her impartiality. The defense argued that Judge Majiki had been a student activist at the University of Transkei and participated in protests calling for the arrest of those responsible for Ndondo鈥檚 murder. Ndondo was also a student activist at the institution at the time. Judge Majiki stated she arranged for another judicial officer to preside to avoid delays from a protracted recusal application. Ndondo was abducted from his home in Cala by members of the Transkei Security Branch and Vlakplaas askaris, then shot and fatally wounded. Dandala鈥檚 previous application for amnesty before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was refused, with the TRC ruling the killing was politically motivated. The case is one of several unresolved apartheid-era murders being prosecuted under the TRC legacy framework, with Dandala arrested as the only surviving suspect after an extensive investigation.