Parliament, Tuesday, 24 February 2026 – The Select Committee on Petitions and Executive Undertakings has raised concerns that former directors of South African Express Airways may not face any consequences for their role in the airline’s collapse.
The committee met today with the South African Human Rights Commission, business rescue practitioners and liquidators to examine the impact of the airline’s liquidation, particularly on workers.
The committee is considering a petition from former SA Express employees calling on the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) to intervene in what they allege are government’s failure to challenge the airline’s liquidation. The petitioners say that workers were not paid their salaries, overtime, leave pay and retrenchment benefits following business rescue and eventual liquidation.
Committee Chairperson Mr Ofentse Mokae said the process raised serious concerns about accountability and the protection of workers and that the state appeared to have distanced itself from responsibility through departments such as Transport, National Treasury and Public Enterprises.
“This matter raises important questions about whether the liquidation process prioritised assistance to workers. When a public entity collapses, employees must be protected, rather than executives being prioritised,” said Mr Mokae.
The committee also expressed concern about gaps in legislation that leave workers vulnerable when state-owned entities go into liquidation. “SA Express was an entity of the state, and this situation is deeply concerning. While relevant departments were involved, their lack of urgency in resolving the challenges faced by affected workers leaves much to be desired,” Mr Mokae said.
The committee was also concerned by the liquidators’ claims that they are struggling to trace former employees. “It is concerning that liquidators say they cannot trace workers, yet they inherited the company’s records. It should not be difficult to locate affected employees,” Mr Mokae added.
The committee will now deliberate and finalise its report on the petition before submitting it to the NCOP for consideration and adoption.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC PETITIONS AND EXECUTIVE UNDERTAKINGS, MR OFENTSE MOKAE.
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