South African Airways CEO Vuyani Jarana says the majority of the national carrier’s operations are sound and the airline is on track for a turnaround.
According to Jarana the board has developed and approved a clear strategy and five-year plan to turn the airline around and the airline is working closely with the board and the shareholders to ensure it succeeds. “SAA has had many previous turnaround strategies which have not been implemented before. This time it is different: we believe the vision outlined by the board is absolutely correct, and we are committed to ensuring it is put into practice,” he explained. “We need a clean break with the past and a new approach to the future, and that is precisely what we are doing. We are acting with urgency to ensure the viability and sustainability of this crucial national asset,” said Jarana on Tuesday.Qualified audit
The CEO pointed out that the Auditor General’s report was the first since it was appointed as SAA’s auditors, having been appointed as part of the airline’s commitment to audit firm rotation. The report released last week covers the financial year ending March 2017. Jarana said the report has “provided a fresh pair of eyes, particularly as the team went a number of years back where they were required to establish an appropriate baseline.”Auditor General (AG) Kimi Makwetu tabled his audit reports in Parliament on Thursday showing that the airline had received a qualified report.
“The AG has given us a comprehensive diagnosis into key areas of our business and this has provided deep insights which will contribute to a fit for purpose group of businesses.”
