DA submits questions on HR battle brewing at SAA
10 May 2016
Reports today that SAA Chairperson, Dudu Myeni recently unceremoniously suspended the head of human resources at the troubled airline, Thuli Mpshe, are cause for serious concern. Ms Mpshe has a reputation as one of the airline’s most principled senior employees, and was often at odds with Ms Myeni.
As such the DA will submit a series of parliamentary questions to determine the details of Ms Mpshe’s suspension and subsequent investigation.
According to the SAA, Ms Mpshe has been suspended pending the outcome of an undisclosed (and suspicious) investigation into her conduct. Considering the contentious nature of Ms Mpshe and the current Chairperson’s relationship, it is highly unlikely that Ms Mpshe will receive a fair shake.
Ms Myeni is clearly emboldened by President Jacob Zuma’s recent visit to the airline and subsequent suggestion that SAA would not be sold and that Ms Myeni’s position was secure. All this despite Finance Minister, Pravin Gordhan’s recent intention to rescue the airline by engaging a minority equity partner and provide financial support only once a new board, CEO and CFO had been appointed at SAA.
At the same visit President Zuma also stated he would be taking a personal interest in efforts to turnaround the ailing airline which is quite bizarre considering that President Zuma and Ms Myenis’ very relationship has contributed to the dysfunction of our national carrier.
President Zuma’s decision to once again pay erroneous favour to Ms Myeni instead of placing a healthy economy at the apex of his administrations agenda will add to the airline’s long list of woes.
SAA needs to be privatised to prevent this loss-making airline from dragging the fiscus into junk status - which we narrowly staved-off last week.
In the meantime the DA will continue to fight for growth and job creation for the 8.9 million unemployed whilst stabilising our economy.
Issued by Natasha Mazzone, DA Shadow Minister of Public Enterprises, 10 May 2016
