Gordhan reveals dodgy SA Express deals
Minister of Public Enterprises Pravin Gordhan has revealed suspicious dealings between airline South African Express and Trillian Capital.
Briefing the media in Cape Town on Thursday, Gordhan said the ailing airline did not follow due process in its dealings with Trillian.
“Our intervention team has found proof of payment to Trillian for R5.7 million of advisory services and capital raising fees. No due processes was gone through to hire Trillian and it appears that no capital was ever raised.
Gordhan said the dodgy deals did not end with the Gupta-linked company.
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“There is also a dodgy fuel supply contract that was stopped recently, that contract was for R67 million per month, also no due process. This matter is being investigated at the moment in terms of pricing.”
SA Express is in dire financial straights with the Civil Aviation Authority announcing hours later that it had suspended the airlines operation permit due to safety concerns.
When reporting to Parliament earlier this month, the airline told MPs that banks are no longer willing lend it money unless a clear turnaround plan is put in place.