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Minister Pravin Gordhan’s Commitment to Upholding the Law
Minister of Public Enterprises, Pravin Gordhan, has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to upholding the law and adhering to the necessary policies regarding his judgment on state-owned Mango Airlines.
Resisting External Pressure on Mango Airlines Decision
Minister Gordhan has made it clear that he will not yield to external pressure from certain parties who seem to disregard the public interest. These elements attempted to influence him and the department regarding the business rescue process of Mango Airlines, a subsidiary of South African Airways (SAA).
Court Judgment on Mango Airlines Sale
On September 6, 2023, the Pretoria High Court issued a judgment in which Minister Gordhan was directed to make a decision on the proposed sale of Mango by the business rescue practitioner within 30 days.
Minister’s Response and Legal Considerations
In response to the court’s ruling, Minister Gordhan stated that he is reviewing the judgment and will proceed based on the legal advice he receives. He emphasized his duty as the executive authority to safeguard the interests of South Africans, vowing not to compromise his fiduciary responsibility to ensure that any decision concerning Mango aligns with legal requirements and serves the public’s best interests.
Request for Information from Business Rescue Practitioner
The Minister requested specific information from the business rescue practitioner to enable an informed decision under the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) Section 54 (2) application. This information includes a detailed business plan to assess the viability of the consortium, comprehensive due diligence, and foreign ownership details to comply with South African laws.
Challenges in Decision-Making Process
Reportedly, despite multiple requests, the Minister did not receive the requested information, rendering it impossible to make a decision based on inadequate data. While respecting the court’s decision, the department remains committed to following legal requirements to ensure the stability of all state-owned companies (SOCs).
Minister Gordhan reiterated his dedication to executing the government’s responsibilities diligently, without compromising the integrity of the process.
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