Acsa has placed its Group Executive of Enterprise Security and Compliance, Mzwandile Petros, on precautionary suspension, pending the outcome of an independent investigation into allegations of operational irregularities.
In the interim, Mary-Ann Joubert has been appointed to the role.
According to digital news publication Fullview, the investigation relates to the 2022 procurement of 36 Explosive Trace Detection units for R40 million. The report alleges that only 15 units were required for airport operations and that Acsa paid an inflated price of R1,1 million per unit, compared with a standard market price of about R330 000.
Security issues pile up
These allegations follow instances of security-related difficulties across Acsa’s airports after contracts with passenger security screening service providers ended on June 30. Acsa previously told Travel News that the increase in delays was due to a shortage of certified screeners during the transition to internal personnel.
The insourcing of passenger security services is part of Acsa’s broader insourcing strategy, with related actions now under judicial review in the Johannesburg High Court.
Further compounding security issues, IOL has reported that Acsa is currently embroiled in a salary dispute with security employees from Venus International Security, after the company’s contract ended in June.
About 200 security guards, represented by National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa, threatened to picket at airports in Bloemfontein, Upington and Kimberley, claiming they were not paid their June salaries and severance packages.
Most recently, the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) revealed to IOL that it had imposed a R1,5 million fine on Acsa for alleged security breaches.
“Consistent with the SACAA mandate of regulating aviation safety and security, the Regulator confirms that enforcement action, including a fine, was meted out against Acsa on security-related matters,” said a SACCA spokesperson.
When Travel News approached Acsa for comment, it said it could not provide further information until the investigation was concluded.
