Gordhan 'welcome' to approach courts over SAA report, says Parly committee

CAPE TOWN - Members of Parliament said that Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan was free to approach the courts if he was unhappy with a report calling for further investigation into the failed SAA (South African Airways) deal.

The public enterprises committee on Wednesday adopted its report on the petition by former director-general, Kgathatso Tlhakudi, on alleged irregularities in the transaction, which included calls for the SIU to investigate.

But Gordhan has again informed the committee that the deal was above board, questioning the committee’s motives.

Minister Pravin Gordhan has again written to the committee where he registered his unhappiness with the insistence that the deal was dodgy.

But committee member, Nqobile Mhlongo, said Gordhan could approach the courts if he was unhappy about the report and its conclusions.

"If the minister feels he should take this to court for review, the committee report, he’s more than welcome to do so."

Committee chairperson, Khaya Magaxa, said Gordhan might be aggrieved, but the deal must be investigated.

"The allegations are directed to him. We expect that he will have his own understanding, we expect that he will have ill feelings about the conclusion."

The committee will forward its report to the National Assembly for its consideration and adoption.