Dear Editor
In a meeting of the Select Committee on Economic Development and Trade on 18 June 2025, the Democratic Alliance (DA) strongly rejected the South African Post Office’s (SAPO) request to present its R3.8 billion Business Rescue Plan behind closed doors.
SAPO’s excuse? Vague “intellectual property” concerns and claims that competitors might exploit the plan. This is nothing more than a smokescreen to avoid accountability.
The DA finds it outrageous that SAPO, already propped up by taxpayers, is asking for secrecy while its Business Rescue Practitioners (BRPs) rake in R6 million per month. In total, the BRPs have already been paid over R240 million since 2023, with no sign of real turnaround.
Despite DA objections, the ANC and other parties voted to keep the plan hidden from the public.
Taxpayers deserve full transparency – not another blank cheque for a mismanaged state entity. Without hard evidence of reform, this bailout is just more good money thrown after bad.
The DA will continue to hold SAPO and the BRPs accountable. We trust under the leadership of Minister Solly Malatsi, there will be zero tolerance for wasteful expenditure and full scrutiny of every cent.
Regards
Nico Pienaar MP
DA Member of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP)