DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC ENTERPRISES
REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
QUESTION FOR ORAL REPLY
QUESTION NO.: PQ 334
DATE OF PUBLICATION:

Mrs N W A Michael (DA) to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises:

(1) Why were the financial statements for SA Express Airlines dating back to the year 2009 withdrawn;

(2) whether any disciplinary action has been initiated against any officials found to be responsible for providing incorrect information in respect of SA Express Airlines; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) what are the reasons for the Auditor-General being unable to audit the 2011-12 financial statements of the South African Airways (SAA)? NO3645E

Reply:

(1)  SA Express (SAX) 2010-11 financial statements were withdrawn when it became apparent that the financial statements were misstated by an amount of R16 million related to amounts owed by South African Airways and R32 million Value Added Tax recoverable.

(2)  Disciplinary action was taken against the officials who were assumed to be responsible for the errors by issuing them written warnings. In addition, steps have been taken to ensure that the errors do not recur in the future.

(3)  The Auditor-General was able to conduct an audit for South African Airways' 2011-12 financial statements. However, the signing off of the financial statements and audit report was delayed to 28 September 2012 due to the need by the airline to secure guarantee to address the going concern status.  

Issued by Parliament, November 5 2012

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