BEE Commissioner to look at SAA instruction to Bidvest to hand 30% of its subsidiary to a black-owned company

3 September 2015

The request of the SAA to Bidvest to hand over 30% of its subsidiary to a black empowerment partner of the SAA’s choice, has been referred to the BEE Commissioner for consideration, Adv. Anton Alberts, the FF Plus’ parliamentary spokesperson on trade and industry said.

The request of the SAA raised the eyebrows and Adv. Alberts directed a request to Dr. Rob Davies, the minister of trade and industry to have the matter investigated. Dr. Davies has now confirmed that the case will be referred to the BEE Commissioner.

According to Adv. Alberts, the request of the SAA is very suspicious and in addition a breach of the Black Economic Empowerment Act and Codes.

Bidvest said in reaction to SAA’s request that its subsidiary BidAir Services already has black ownership of 63,42% and that black women has an interest of 24,85% in the enterprise. This exceeds the prescribed BEE provisions by far.

The provisions states, amongst others, that a turn-over of R10 and R50 millions should have at least have 25% black share-holding.

Adv. Alberts says the instruction of SAA boils down to Bidvest having to hand over nearly the whole of its subsidiary to black owners.

“It appears as if Yakhe Kwinana, the non-executive director of the SAA, is holding a knife to the throat of Bidvest as Bidvest’s future participation in SAA tenders are threatened should it refuse this instruction.

“Kwinana has to way which the black empowerment company it is and what ties she has with the company,” Adv. Alberts said.

Statement issued by Adv. Anton Alberts, FF Plus parliamentary spokesperson: Trade and Industry, September 3 2015