Dudu Myeni, Chairwoman of South African Airways (SAA), has been declared a delinquent director and banned for life by a Pretoria High Court Judge.

The ruling ended a five-year private legal battle, the judge Ronald Tolmay calling her dishonest.  He was robust in his findings.  “She did not have the slightest consideration for her fiduciary duty to SAA.  Her actions caused SAA and the country immense harm”. Despite having no previous experience she was appointed by her close friend, then South African President, Jacob Zuma.

William Gumede, an expert on governance, said the action against Mrs Myeni demonstrated a “lack of political will” to bring the politically connected to justice. “It is a scandal that it has to be individuals and civil society that is driving these processes” he said, “but at least we have a justice system that is playing its role effectively.”

Mrs Myeni must pay all legal costs.

President Ramaphosa, who succeeded Zuma in 2018, has initiated several inquiries into just what happened at SAA but no State prosecutions have been started.

SAA is currently in administration with all flights suspended until at least mid-June.

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