Untouchable Myeni’s the issue

THE airline industry the world over is experiencing a turbulent period, beset by unstable oil prices and weak economic growth. Our national carrier, SAA, is not immune to this trend. In fact, due to factors of its own making, SAA is in a more precarious situation than most of its peers.

Even the government, the sole shareholder, appears to have lost its appetite for constantly bailing out SAA. Public Enterprises Minister Lynne Brown has been talking tough, stressing the urgent need for a sustainable funding model.

The fundamental problem at the airline is its chairwoman, Dudu Myeni, who is clearly unqualified and unsuitable for such a position.

Myeni has misled the public about her academic record, listing a bachelor’s degree that was never completed as her highest qualification. She has also been a source of conflict at SAA board level, with former board members accusing her of neglecting her duties, interfering in operational matters and using President Jacob Zuma’s name to drive through her decisions.

She suspended the CEO on spurious grounds and refused to lift the suspension, even after being instructed to do so by Brown. Such arrogance and defiance can only come from someone who is sure she has the backing of a power greater than Brown.

Her close relationship with Zuma is a matter of public record. She is chairwoman of his foundation, but the association goes much deeper. Her son used to live with Zuma in Joburg and some of his businesses are listed under the president’s old residential address.

All this raises questions about Myeni’s appointment and her continued protection in the face of incompetence.

If Zuma is not using SAA to provide a job for a friend, he should act immediately and encourage Brown to remove Myeni from the post.