Pretoria – Transport Minister Joe Maswanganyi said that the department’s lawyers will be responding to a letter received from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) calling for certain directors at the Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) to be removed.
Maswanganyi was speaking at a briefing on the performance of 12 state-owned entities under the department for the 2015/16 financial year. These include Prasa, the Road Accident Fund and the South African National Roads Agency, among others.
Responding to a question, Maswanganyi explained that the letter had been received from the EFF. The political party said Acsa is captured by the Guptas and called for the minister to remove certain directors, BusinessLive previously reported.
“We have received letters of demand from EFF, through our lawyers we are responding. There is nothing strange about anybody litigating our department. We will respond accordingly,” he said.
Maswanganyi said that Acsa and the other entities follow prescripts set out in legislation. “Where we have erred, we will make sure we correct that.”
He said that aviation is doing well, and is almost number one in the continent in terms of safety. “We will deal with Acsa and make sure airports are fully functional.”
Acsa met 96% of its performance targets, up from 89% in the previous year.
READ: Why minister axed Acsa board members
Earlier this year, Maswanganyi’s predecessor Dipuo Peters dismissed four board members at Acsa, based on a Board Evaluation Report. A spokesperson confirmed that this was to ensure people with required skills and expertise held positions on the board.
During the briefing Maswanganyi reiterated that there are processes to be followed in appointing board members which are adhered to.
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