21st CENTURY RESPONDS TO ‘SHADY DEALINGS AT SAA’ REPORT
Sunday 13 October saw the publication of an article claiming that SAA awarded 21st Century a lucrative consultancy contract as the company had had a previous relationship with Acting Board Chairperson, Thandeka Mgoduso. Not only is this inaccurate, but the remainder of the article also contains factual errors and has cast a disparaging light on the company in question.
According to Chris Blair, CEO of 21st Century, “We are a proud and reputable South African company. As the largest remuneration company in the country, we have forged the way in building a better environment not only for our staff, every one of whom has shares in the company but also for clients through ethical and sound business practice. The allegations made in the article are grossly inaccurate, implicating 21st Century in underhanded dealings and obtaining the awarded tender via inappropriate channels.”
The basis of the allegations is that 21st Century had a prior relationship with Thandeka Mgoduso, alleging that it resulted in the award of a tender – of approximately R 200 000 million. If the journalist in question had allowed Blair to respond, he would have had the facts before publication.
“Not only was there no relationship with the Acting Board Chair, but there were also no pre-meeting as alleged in the article, with the first time the parties having met at the official presentation round at SAA. All requests and correspondence were conducted via the procurement department at SAA, as it should be.
“Furthermore, there was no price escalation on the tender, in fact, one of our Executive Directors agreed to a requested discount on the proposal to support our ongoing commitment to our country’s goals. Added to this, the Rand amount quoted in the article is grossly inaccurate, with the discounted proposal coming in at under R300, 000 – the full amount of the project.
“The insignificant depth of the investigation and sensationalist reporting of this article not only serves as a major discredit to the media platform but more importantly to SAA, ourselves as suppliers, and the South African public who were ‘fed’ what I can only describe as lies. Creating more ill will and negativity in a country where many of us are evolving and growing the environment for all in a positive manner.”
21st Century has requested an apology from the publication in question.
