SAA says Gordhan was instrumental in getting it back in the sky
Gordhan, who died earlier on Friday, has been remembered as a dedicated public servant during his time as a veteran Cabinet minister.
The late former minister Pravin Gordhan. Picture: Jacques Nelles/Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - South African Airways (SAA) said former Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan was instrumental in getting the airline back in the sky after a difficult period of financial and operational challenges.
Gordhan, who died earlier on Friday, has been remembered as a dedicated public servant during his time as a veteran Cabinet minister.
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Before retiring from active politics and public office, he oversaw the turnaround strategy of embattled parastatals, including SAA.
In 2021, SAA took off again after being grounded for 18 months.
While it staved off liquidation at the height of COVID-19, the company still needed considerable intervention to become a viable business.
Earlier in 2024, SAA reported a loss of R776 million, sparking more concerns that the state-owned enterprise (SOE) had not turned the corner despite optimism about its future.
After that, Gordhan shouldered some of the blame for SAA’s troubles.
In his final months in office, Gordhan was accused of mishandling the failed equity deal, which would have seen Takatsa Consortium take a majority stake in the SOE.
But SAA interim CEO John Lamola said his work at SAA was unmatched.
"His watchful eye and sharp intellect will be missed as we continue to build SAA into a leading, world-class African airline."
Lamola also described Gordhan as a patriot extraordinaire and champion of human rights.