Reprieve for Myeni despite a no-show

Despite being a no-show for a third consecutive day at the High Court in Pretoria yesterday, former South African Airways (SAA) chairperson Dudu Myeni’s legal defence team asked for a postponement from Judge Ronel Tolmay, in the case brought against her by the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) and the SAA Pilots Association.

This was granted after an adjournment in which the judge made Myeni’s legal team commit to not withdrawing from the case.

Myeni’s defence argued that they needed more time to prepare for the case, to which it was highlighted in court that the matter was brought forward in March 2017.

Tolmay highlighted that there had been previous postponements due to Myeni changing counsel, which could also pose further delays if the matter was postponed.

Should Myeni change representation, her counsel could again argue that they needed more time to prepare as they were new to the case, Tolmay said.

It was reported this week that Myeni’s previous lawyer, Dan Mantsha, had withdrawn from the case.

Tolmay said he wanted assurances from Myeni’s defence that they will not withdraw as legal representation for Myeni. He provided Myeni’s defence with time to confirm they will not withdraw or be fired by Myeni, and adjourned proceedings for a short recess, after which the postponement was granted.

Outa’s head of legal Stefanie Fick had said that although Myeni’s counsel wanted a postponement, they still maintained that the request was not reasonable. She had hoped Tolmay would have agreed with Outa.

Court has been adjourned to October 21 at 10am.

The two organisations want Myeni declared a delinquent director as a result of her conduct while she chaired the SAA board, from December 2012 to October 2017.

Outa, in a statement on Monday, said Myeni called to inform their team that she could not afford to get to Pretoria for the case against her, despite the trial date already set in February 2018.

Myeni, who is also the chairperson of the Jacob Zuma Foundation, also believes she is being targeted for her proximity to Jacob Zuma.

The former SAA chair wants SAA to fund her legal bills using insurance it has for its directors.

There had been postponements due to Myeni changing counsel, which could pose further delays

Ronel Tolmay Presiding judge