Gigaba: SAA to be 'properly capitalised', not 'bailed out'

"It is our firm view that, given the current global environment, all airlines need shareholder support," he said.

Gigaba said the nature of the support was uncertain, but "It is not a bailout, [...] SAA has not come to us and said we are in the red, help us out with money." He explained that the combination of a depressed global economy and high fuel prices necessitated shareholder's support, enabling SAA to procure a modern and fuel efficient fleet in order to remain competitive.

In February, SAA chief executive Siza Mzimela asked the government for "proper capitalisation" and insisted she was not asking for a bailout. The airline, she said, had money, but needed to raise the necessary capital to renew its fleet, introduce a premium economy cabin, which was what passengers wanted, and to expand its business class cabin, Fin24 reports.

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