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We have proof SAA boss lied - DA

Cape Town - There is "prima facie" (at first sight) evidence that Nico Bezuidenhout, acting CEO of South African Airlines (SAA) lied about his qualifications, Netwerk24 reported on Monday.

In its annual report for 2011/2012 SAA indicated that Bezuidenhout has a BCom and an MBA degree. He actually only has matric.

SAA admitted that annual report is incorrect, but is adamant that Bezuidenhout has never misled the airline about his qualifications.

In terms of the Right to Information Act the DA has obtained Bezuidenhout's CVs.

According to Natasha Michael, DA spokesperson on public enterprises, in whose possession this "confidential document" is, it shows that Bezuidenhout has lied.

"In his 2006 CV Bezuidenhout alleges he completed a BCom degree through Unisa. In the adjusted version presented in 2010 - after Bezuidenhout had already been in his position for four years - he claims the completion of his degree had been delayed," said Michael.

The CVs were handed in by the aviation licensing board in 2006 as part of an application to start SAA's low cost airline Mango.

Bezuidenhout, who was appointed acting CEO after Monwabisi Kalawe had been suspended last year, said in November that he has never kept the fact that he only has matric a secret.

"My staff, the shareholders (of SAA), my board and everyone I am involved with have always known that I do not have a degree and they have always supported me," Bezuidenhout told the media.

"What robs me of respect and harms my credibility are false accusations that I lied and manipulated information."

Michael said she has written to the parliamentary portfolio committee to demand that Bezuidenhout and the SAA board appear in front of the committee to explain the contradictions.

Tlali Tlali, SAA spokesperson, said SAA won't react to the DA's "evidence" about Bezuidenhout lying.

"We shall answer questions when we appear in front of the portfolio committee," he said.

Tlali said SAA stands by its statement issued in November in which the SAA board defends its decision to appoint Bezuidenhout despite his lack of qualifications and said it has "the utmost confidence" in him.

* Ellen Tshabalala, former SABC chair, resigned last year after it was revealed that she had lied about her qualifications.

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