Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) chief executive officer Trevor Abrahams said on Saturday he would only comment on allegations of impropriety and misconduct against him once the investigation had been completed.
The CAA board decided on Thursday to place Abrahams on compulsory leave while he was being investigated.
The Mail&Guardian, the sister publication of this website, reported that Abrahams and his fiancee shared a private events management company that tendered for and benefited from CAA contracts.
On Saturday Abrahams attended an air show at Zwartkop air force base outside Pretoria to commemorate International Civil Aviation Day.
He wore a badge indicating he was the commissioner of civil aviation. Although he was temporarily relieved of his duties as CAA CEO, he will still carry out his duties as commissioner.
Transport Minister Dullah Omar also referred to him as such when he addressed various dignitaries at the start of his speech at the event.
On Friday Omar said he supported the CAA board in its decision. He did not refer to it again on Saturday.
Abrahams said he had flown a Tigermoth from Krugersdorp to Zwartkop for the air show.
He said he would not comment on the allegations now. The forensic investigation had to be completed first.
”We do not want to do it through the media. Afterwards I’ll be quite happy to comment,” said an apparently relaxed Abrahams. – Sapa