SAPO business rescue practitioners under fire in Parly for failing to appear to give updates
Members of the National Council of Province’s Select Committee on Economic Development and Trade said the struggling entity’s business rescue practitioners are 'shirking' their duties to account to Parliament.
The South African Post Office. Picture: Ashraf Hendricks/GroundUp
CAPE TOWN - South African Post Office (SAPO) business rescue practitioners have come under fire in Parliament for failing to appear for four months to provide an update.
Members of the National Council of Province (NCOP)’s Select Committee on Economic Development and Trade said the struggling entity’s business rescue practitioners were "shirking" their duties to account to Parliament.
The Post Office’s rescue team was set to present before the committee and brief members on the entity’s financial sustainability.
The Post Office business rescue team was set to appear to give members an update after its requests in 2024 for a R3 billion bailout.
By the end of September 2024, the rescue practitioners had also cost the state R176 million, after about a year of being appointed.
Committee chairperson Hildegard Boshoff said their failure to appear on Tuesday was unacceptable considering the urgency of the matter.
"The business rescue practitioners are really shirking their responsibilities. They had since 13 November, when they were meant to present, requested a deferment, they should have been ready by now."
The African National Congress (ANC)’s Solomon Mabilo said: "I think we should subpoena them that they must come and answer questions in person, so we are able to question them directly."
The committee cancelled its meeting and will consult with legal advisors before deciding whether to subpoena the rescue team.