Air safety standards threat

WHISTLE-BLOWER TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS SAY PLANES DISAPPEAR FROM RADAR

- Hein Kaiser

Isgruntled whistleblowers in Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) – the body responsible for air traffic in our skies – have claimed that a culture of "jobs for pals" at the organisation has led to the mismanagement of critical infrastructure, posing a threat to aviation safety and efficiency.

An anonymous letter was sent to Transport Minister Barbara Creecy and public protector Kholeka Gcaleka.

The letter, penned by "concerned staff", contains allegations against ATNS chief executive Nozipho Mdawe and head of human capital Gayle Serema.

The correspondence listed a host of alleged questionable practices within the company.

Sources inside ATNS confirmed the authenticity of the letter, which claimed Mdawe prioritised "jobs for pals", replacing qualified executives with personal associates lacking relevant experience, especially those connected to her previous tenure in operations at Transnet.

The alleged improper appointments include Serema, the chief business services officer, the chief technology and information officer and other top roles.

These appointments are said to have been shielded from oversight, with compromised recruitment standards, which include Mdawe's own appointment.

It was suggested she lacks the academic qualifications required for her role; she allegedly avoided standard vetting procedures and subsequently removed officials who questioned her credentials.