Gordhan accuses Parly committee of creating 'distortions' about SAA/Takatso deal discussions

CAPE TOWN - Minister Pravin Gordhan has accused the public enterprises committee of creating “distortions” about discussions on the majority sale of South African Airways (SAA).

Gordhan and members of the public enterprises committee clashed this week during discussions on whether to hold the meeting on the SAA/Takatso deal in-camera, due to sensitive and confidential material.

Members of Parliament (MPs) also slammed Gordhan for requesting that they sign non-disclosure agreements before he shares key documents related to the sale of a majority stake to the Thakatso consortium.

Last week, public enterprises committee chairperson Khaya Magaxa, wrote a strong letter to Minister Gordhan where he addressed requests by the minister on how to conduct the meeting.

Magaxa and other committee members expressed their reservations on requests for non-disclosure agreements before documents on the SAA deal are shared. But Gordhan said reports around his interactions with the committee have been distorted and are “detrimental” to the reputation of the department.

Spokesperson Ellis Mnyandu:

"The DPE [Department of Public Enterprises] is aware that the country is in electioneering season where distortions lies and outright propaganda abound in a competition for votes."

Mnyandu said at no point did the DPE or Gordhan make an “undue or unlawful” request to the Committee for the purposes of “abrogating” its responsibility to account.

Mnyandu said Rule 184 of the National Assembly makes provisions on matters that are “confidential in terms of legislation, the nature of which is such that its confidential treatment is reasonable and justifiable”.