Court Dismisses Former SAA Board Member Kwinana’s Appeal Against SAICA Decision

Yakhe Kwinana, a former board member of South African Airways (SAA), has suffered a major legal blow as the North Gauteng High Court recently dismissed her application to review a decision by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA).

The ruling means Kwinana will remain struck off the roll of chartered accountants after SAICA concluded that she was unfit to continue in her professional capacity.

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SAICA’s decision followed a referral from the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, which cast doubt on Kwinana’s professional integrity.

In 2023, SAICA imposed a hefty fine of R6.1 million on Kwinana and took disciplinary action due to her failure to meet the ethical and competency standards required of chartered accountants.

Kwinana did not challenge the findings at the time, instead walking out of the disciplinary hearing, which the court cited as a detrimental decision.

Judge Elmien du Plessis stated that Kwinana’s departure from the hearing undermined her case, leaving the disciplinary committee’s evidence unchallenged.

New Criminal Charges Surface For Kwinana

Kwinana’s legal troubles have deepened as she faces new, serious charges.

On March 12, 2025, Kwinana was arrested in Midrand, Gauteng, in connection with multiple charges, including extortion and malicious damage to property.

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Allegations suggest that she orchestrated a campaign of terror in East London, extorting money from locals while accompanied by armed accomplices.

In addition, she allegedly directed the demolition of properties owned by her victims.

Kwinana briefly appeared in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on March 12, where the prosecution confirmed that her case would be forwarded to the Eastern Cape for further proceedings.

She is due to appear in the Eastern Cape on March 24, 2025.

Ongoing Investigations Into SAA Fraud Allegations

In November 2024, Kwinana was released on R20,000 bail after being accused of fraud related to her time at SAA.

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The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) alleges that she failed to disclose past relationships with entities PwC and Nkonki Incorporated, which were awarded a R59 million tender by SAA.

As the chairperson of the SAA audit committee, Kwinana is accused of violating fiduciary duties and causing prejudice to SAA’s operations by not disclosing these connections.

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