Question NW706 to the Minister of Public Enterprises
30 July 2021 - NW706
Lees, Mr RA to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
(1) What are the details of the (a) total amount charged by the SA Airways (SAA) and (b) breakdown of the specified total amount, including but not limited to, the costs of the aircraft, fuel costs, crew costs, and all other specified costs, for the flight that departed on 24 February 2021 to the Kingdom of Belgium to collect another batch of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines; (2) What were the flight numbers for the (a) outbound and (b) inbound journeys; (3) What are the full details of the freight the specified flight transported, including but not limited to the (a) number of vaccine doses, (b) the costs of the vaccines, (c) the gross mass of vaccines and packaging, (d) how the temperature of the vaccines was controlled and (e) details of other freight carried?
Reply:
According to the information received from the SAA:
(1)(a) The costs of the flights were in line with the standard costs of flight operations for South African Airways SOC Limited (SAA) cargo of this nature. Due to the commercial sensitivity of cargo pricing structures, personnel payment details and crew salaries for the flights cannot be provided at this time.
(1)(b) Taking into account that the airline operates in a competitive environment and the information requested is commercially sensitive, therefore the breakdown cannot be provided.
(2)(a) The flight number for the outbound flight from OR Tambo to Brussels is SA 4272
(2)(b) The flight number for the inbound flight from Brussels to OR Tambo is SA6273
(3)(a) The vaccine doses transported on the specific flight were 40 000 doses. Commercial cargo on SA4272 is 3 tons and 16 tones on SA6273 (excluding vaccines)
(3)(b) The cost of the vaccines is information that is part of a contractual agreement between the Department of Health (DoH) and the supplier. DoH is best positioned to respond to this question.
(3)(c) The DoH is best positioned to respond to the question.
(3)(d) The vaccines were maintained at the permitted travelling temperature as specified by approved Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines and as agreed with the supplier.
(3)(e) The freight carried on the flight was cargo mix ranging from courier (express cargo), electrical equipment, ship spares, car components and electronic spares.
Remarks: Reply: Approved / Not Approved
Kgathatso Tlhakudi P J Gordhan, MP
Director-General Minister of Public Enterprises
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