South Africa is turning to diplomatic negotiations to recover more than R900 million owed to South African Airways (SAA) by Zimbabwe. However, the government has yet to provide a clear timeline for settling the outstanding debt.
The unresolved payments have attracted parliamentary scrutiny as SAA continues navigating financial challenges. Meanwhile, questions are growing over how South Africa can recover money owed by foreign governments.
According to a Parliament of South Africa report, Zimbabwe owes the national airline approximately R1 billion in ticket-sale revenue.
The Standing Committee on Appropriations raised concerns about the outstanding amount during an October 2026 briefing by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).
How Zimbabwe’s unpaid SAA debt accumulated
As reported by EWN, the debt stems from ticket sales on SAA’s Harare and Victoria Falls routes. Zimbabwe’s foreign currency shortages prevented the airline from transferring its earnings out of the country.
In October 2024, SAA informed Parliament that more than $50 million remained trapped in Zimbabwe. The airline also outlined a repayment proposal involving quarterly instalments of $1 million.
Under the proposal, Zimbabwe would retain some funds locally to cover the airline’s operating expenses. However, SAA rejected the arrangement because quarterly payments would take more than 1
6 years to clear the approximately $50 million debt.
A parliamentary report published in June 2026 subsequently indicated that Zimbabwe had arranged monthly payments of $1 million. The report also stated that SAA last received payment advice in March 2026.
Despite these developments, South Africa is still pursuing the outstanding money. The lack of a clear settlement deadline continues to concern lawmakers.
Why diplomatic negotiations remain central to repayment
DIRCO has been facilitating discussions between South African and Zimbabwean officials through the countries’ Bi-National Commission.
Chief Director Nyameka Goso told MPs that Foreign Affairs Minister Ronald Lamola had written letters and convened ministerial meetings. These efforts aimed to secure repayment agreements with Zimbabwe.
However, Goso acknowledged that implementing agreements can prove difficult. Political changes in other countries can also affect commitments made by previous administrations.
DIRCO primarily facilitates diplomatic engagement, while the relevant political authorities determine whether further action becomes necessary.
Committee chairperson Mmusi Maimane questioned whether years of negotiations would ultimately recover the money. He called for stronger mechanisms to address countries that fail to honour repayment commitments.
Furthermore, SAA’s difficulties reflect a wider challenge facing international airlines. The International Air Transport Association reported that airlines had $67 million in funds blocked in Zimbabwe at the end of October 2025.
Globally, governments were withholding $1.2 billion in airline funds. Africa and the Middle East accounted for 93% of that total.
The figures highlight the difficulties airlines face when transferring earnings across borders. They also illustrate the financial risks for businesses operating in countries experiencing foreign currency shortages.
For now, South Africa continues relying on diplomatic engagement to recover SAA’s outstanding revenue. However, the airline’s repayment deadline remains uncertain, leaving the long-running dispute unresolved.