Zimbabwe owes South African Airways (SAA) approximately R1 billion in revenue from ticket sales for flights to and from the country. The Portfolio Committee on Appropriations expressed concern over the outstanding amount, stating that extensive discussions with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) revealed that the department lacks the ability to recover debts owed to South Africa by other governments.
Dirco informed the committee that its budget supports a global network of missions in 103 countries across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, North and South America, and the Caribbean. However, the department refused to disclose the amount each country owes South Africa, citing sensitivity and confidentiality. The committee expressed its discontent, arguing that as Dirco receives R7.2 billion in public funds, parliament should be informed about which countries owe South Africa money and how much has been recovered.
Committee Chairperson Dr. Mmusi Maimane stated that some of the debts are old and have accumulated over time, indicating that diplomatic channels have failed to resolve the issue despite being handled by several Dirco ministers in the past. Maimane emphasized that South Africa operates in a volatile and unpredictable geopolitical climate, with increasing tensions in various regions and global shifts taking place.
The committee is particularly dissatisfied with the long-standing outstanding debt owed to SAA. Maimane stated that the committee decided to approach Dirco to determine the cause of the problem and whether it can be resolved through diplomatic channels. He noted that SAA is not operated profitably and is unable to fulfill some of its obligations, yet essential revenue is owed to it by a neighboring country.
Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, was present during the discussions. The committee requested Dirco to establish mechanisms to take action against countries that refuse to pay their debts to South Africa. According to the committee, maintaining diplomatic relations should not come at the cost of collecting outstanding debts.
The committee expressed its appreciation for Dirco's work in promoting South Africa's interests and image abroad. The committee will continue to follow up on this matter, with Dirco assisting the Department of Transport to recover SAA's unpaid revenue.
The committee will meet with Dirco and the National Treasury at a later stage to discuss the issue of debts owed to South Africa.
Key points
- Zimbabwe owes South African Airways nearly R1 billion in outstanding revenue from ticket sales.
- Parliament's committee on appropriations expressed concern over Dirco's inability to recover debts owed to South Africa.
- The committee requested Dirco to establish mechanisms to take action against countries that refuse to pay their debts to South Africa.
