You will keep paying for SAA

Because the government is the airline’s biggest creditor, it could oppose the closure of the airline, meaning it will continue to limp on, funded by frustrated taxpayers.

Taxpayers – that’s you and me – will probably continue pouring money into a state-owned airline whether it’s SAA or a new national carrier resurrected from its remains.

Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan was adamant in a virtual parliamentary committee meeting, saying SAA would not be closed or liquidated, even if the business rescue practitioners said these were the only options left.