Pravin Gordhan Warns DA MP Not To Threaten Him Over SAA Deal

The ongoing public spat between Minister Pravin Gordhan and the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises has taken a new turn, with Gordhan warning a DA member of the committee not to “threaten” him.

The parliamentary committee is currently investigating the deal between South African Airways (SAA) and Takatso, which has since been terminated.

Gordhan was accused by former Public Enterprises Director-General Kgathatso Tlhakudi of handpicking Takatso for the SAA deal.

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Despite Gordhan’s insistence that the proposed sale of SAA was above board, the parliamentary committee called for the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate any irregularities in the deal.

In response, Gordhan sent a letter to the committee stating his intention to take legal action if the matter was referred to the SIU.

However, the threat of legal action did not sway the MPs. The Sunday Times has now reported that Gordhan has written a letter to DA MP Mimmy Gondwe, criticizing her for using public funds to review the parliamentary report into the SAA deal.

In the letter, Gordhan asserts that he has not appeared before parliament in his capacity and that the review of the report will be done in his official capacity as the Minister of Public Enterprises.

He also states that it is his legal right to take the report on review if he is advised that there is a legal basis for doing so.

Gordhan accuses Gondwe of playing politics ahead of the upcoming elections in May. He reminded her that she previously stated she would no longer participate in the committee’s process regarding the SAA SEP transaction.

He suggests that her party bosses have directed her to behave in this manner and warns her that she will fail in her attempts to make political capital. Gondwe, however, does not take Gordhan’s accusations lying down.

In her response, she asserts that as a member of parliament elected on her merit and capabilities, she does not appreciate the insinuation that she is incapable of thinking for herself and must take directions from party bosses.

She further emphasizes parliament‘s duty to hold the executive to account. She argues that Gordhan’s threat of legal action sets a bad precedent that undermines the separation of powers between the executive and the legislature.

Gondwe also accuses Pravin Gordhan of bullying and attempting to intimidate MPs.

This public spat between Gordhan and Gondwe highlights the tensions surrounding the investigation into the SAA deal and raises questions about accountability and the separation of powers.

As the Minister of Public Enterprises, Gordhan has a responsibility to address any allegations of irregularities in the deal, but his use of legal threats and accusations of political motives may undermine public confidence in the process.

Similarly, Gondwe’s response reflects the importance of MPs fulfilling their duty to hold the executive to account and the need for open and respectful dialogue in the democratic process.