Ex-SAA Board Member Yakhe Kwinana Granted R20,000 Bail

Former South African Airways (SAA) board member Yakhe Kwinana has been granted bail of R20,000 after appearing in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on charges of fraud. Kwinana was arrested on Tuesday morning and faces allegations stemming from her tenure at the national airline.

Allegations of Fraud

The charges against Kwinana, categorised as a Schedule 5 offence, relate to her failure to disclose prior contractual relationships between her firm, Kwinana and Associates, and auditing firms PwC and Nkonki Incorporated.

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These relationships were allegedly not disclosed to SAA’s board, audit committee, or other relevant parties during her tenure.

The state contends that had these associations been disclosed, PwC and Nkonki might not have been awarded the tender to audit SAA’s financial statements for the 2011/2012 financial year.

Bail Hearing Details

During the hearing, Kwinana, who cited her only income as a pension of R6,500, requested bail of R5,000. However, the state argued for R20,000, emphasising the seriousness of the offence. Prosecutor Frans Mhlongo highlighted her cooperation with authorities as a mitigating factor, stating, “She handed herself over to the police and has no prior criminal records.”

The court ordered Kwinana to surrender her travel documents to the investigating officer and refrain from contacting any state witnesses.

The case has been postponed to December 10 for docket disclosure. This marks a critical point as investigators and legal teams prepare for further proceedings.

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