South African Airways (SA, Johannesburg O.R. Tambo) has said that a proclamation signed by President Cyril Ramaphosa and published in December had not launched a new corruption probe into the airline but expanded an existing Special Investigative Unit (SIU) probe to formally include its maintenance arm, South African Airways Technical (SAAT). The unit was formerly excluded from the inquiry.

The airline said that Proclamation No. 303 of 2025, published in the South African Government Gazette on December 19, merely amends an SIU investigation first authorised in 2020. In March 2025, SAA was added to institutions under investigation by the unit for "serious maladministration, corruption, and unlawful conduct."

The latest change brings SAAT explicitly under the probe, allowing investigative and civil litigation work relating to SAAT to continue under the existing mandate, without restarting work already completed.

"This is after a review of the original proclamation and engagements with the SIU, when it became apparent that certain SAAT-related matters fell outside the original scope," SAA explained in a statement.

The amended proclamation extends the scope of the investigation to cover South African Airways SOC Limited and South African Airways Technical SOC Limited, and provides for the examination of selected procurement, operational, and governance matters within SAA Group.

"This includes the authority to investigate any irregular, improper, or unlawful conduct, as well as any undisclosed or unauthorised interests involving SAA or SAAT personnel or third parties, within the period covered by the investigation," the airline said. "The scope further includes any irregular, improper, or unlawful conduct by SAA or SAAT personnel or by third parties in relation to selected procurement, operational, and governance matters."

Cabin crew carriage

The South African government, in a separate statement, said the amended proclamation specifically adds an investigation into the supply of transportation services for SAA cabin crew members at various outstations.

"Furthermore, the SIU's mandate has been strengthened to thoroughly investigate any undisclosed or unauthorised interests that board members, vendors, employees, officials, or agents of the institutions may have had with bidders, suppliers, contractors, investors, shareholders or their agents or other related parties. The amendment also authorises the investigation of any irregular, improper, or unlawful conduct by a wider range of people and entities connected to the allegations," it added.

The period under review has been extended to December 19, 2025, with the overall period spanning from January 1, 2002.

Any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered will be referred to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), while the SIU is authorised to pursue civil recovery through the South African High Court or a special tribunal, the government said.

SAA said that it supports the amendment and will continue to cooperate fully with the SIU and other authorities.