Deputy President Mashatile welcomes Public Protector findings on SAA CEO allegations

The Office of the Deputy President welcomes the Public Protector's findings that cleared Deputy President Paul Mashatile and Transport Minister, Barbara Creecy, of any alleged wrong doing regarding the appointment of outgoing South African Airways (SAA) CEO, Professor John Lamola.

According to the Public Protector, an investigation found no evidence that Deputy President Mashatile and Minister Creecy improperly interfered in the recruitment process or breached the Executive Ethics Code.

This ruling confirms and reiterates the Deputy President's assertion that the media reports regarding the matter were misguided, misleading and mischievous to suggest that Deputy President Mashatile and Minister Creecy held "private interviews" outside of the formal selection process for the position of SAA CEO.

The Office of the Deputy President remains committed and supports any internal recruitment and appointing processes of qualified candidates for any positions in the SEOs.

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President, on 066 195 8840

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria