ANC Youth League statement on the court ruling against minister Pravin Gordhan
19 December 2023
The ANC Youth League (ANCYL) stands in solidarity with the recent court ruling against Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan, affirming our commitment to justice, accountability, and the protection of the interests of the South African people. The ruling, which stemmed from the Department of Public Enterprises' attempt to appeal a previous judgment, compelling Minister Gordhan to make a timely decision regarding the sale of Mango Airlines, is a clear indictment of his inability to fulfill the responsibilities of his office. The High Court's decision underscores the gravity of the situation, declaring that the minister's 10-month delay was not only unreasonable but also unconstitutional.
The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) played a pivotal role in opposing the ministry's attempt to appeal, and we commend their efforts in ensuring that justice prevails. The humiliating defeat suffered by Minister Gordhan in the Gauteng High Court is a testament to the failure of leadership within the Department of Public Enterprises.
Mango Airlines, a critical entity under the minister's purview, faces an uncertain future due to Gordhan's reckless decisions. The court's directive for a prompt decision on the business rescue bid was not only a legal necessity but a safeguard for the livelihoods of the airline's employees, who have been left in limbo by the minister's irrational actions.
It is alarming that instead of implementing the court's order, Minister Gordhan chose to waste taxpayers' money on a futile application for leave to appeal, a decision that further demonstrates his disregard for fiscal responsibility and accountability. Numsa rightly points out that this not only negatively impacts the workers at Mango Airlines but also exposes the minister's lack of concern for the well-being of the airline and its preferred bidder.
The ANC Youth League echoes Numsa's assertion that this ruling is a victory for the interests of workers and the future of Mango Airlines. Minister Gordhan's inexplicable behavior and his failure to provide a logical explanation for his actions underscore the urgent need for his removal from office. President Cyril Ramaphosa must act decisively to safeguard the integrity of the Department of Public Enterprises and the State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) under its jurisdiction.
The ANCYL calls on President Ramaphosa to assess the broader implications of Minister Gordhan's tenure on SOEs, recognizing the cascading effects of his leadership on entities like Mango Airlines. It is evident that Gordhan's continued presence in office poses a threat Social Chmge. not to the stability and success of state-owned entities, and the president must exercise his authority to remove the minister in the best interest of the nation. The ANC Youth League remains resolute in its commitment to accountability, transparency, and the welfare of the South African people. We stand with Numsa and all stakeholders advocating for responsible leadership and a prosperous future for our nation.
Issued by the African National Congress Youth League, 19 December 2023
