Clipped wings
MARC HASENFUSS: Air Botswana privatisation off the cards for Wilderness
I have to wonder if JSE-listed counters would respond with enthusiasm to an invitation if government decided to privatise SAA
The prolonged travails of unviable SA Airways (SAA) do prompt, on occasion, the contention that much-needed corporate and operational realism will only be possible if control over the national carrier passes into the hands of a private-sector operator or investor. It’s interesting, then, to note that Maun-based safari and tourism conglomerate Wilderness Holdings — which has a secondary listing on the JSE — has shied away from participating in the privatisation of Air Botswana. It turns out that Wilderness got word from Botswana’s ministry of transport & communications that the government wished to enter into discussions around Air Botswana. However, “after careful deliberation”, Wilderness indicated it would not pursue the privatisation matter, tactfully wishing the Botswana government and airline well in their efforts to achieve a turnaround. Wilderness operates in an exciting tourism niche, and shareholders must be fairly content with recent profit performances and dividend flows....
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.