SA Cabin Crew Association alleges major corruption at SAA

The South African Cabin Crew Association has made shocking allegations of corruption and irregularities within South African Airways (SAA), accusing the government of turning a blind eye to the issue. Christopher Shabungu, the Deputy President of the South African Cabin Crew Association, joined CNBC Africa to shed light on the matter. The association claims that tender irregularities have led to a staggering 1.8 billion rand being lost through looting and corruption at SAA. Shabungu emphasized that these allegations were not baseless accusations but stemmed from reports by both internal and external entities, including Open Water, Technical Reporters, and the Bayesian Company. All these reports point to significant irregular spending in both local and international tender processes, totaling approximately 1.8 billion rand. The association's decision to speak out now was prompted by the ongoing suffering of SAA workers due to financial discrepancies and the failure of authorities to address the issue. Despite efforts to engage with key figures such as former Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan and current Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba by writing multiple letters, the association has received no concrete response or resolution. Shabungu highlighted the plight of SAA employees who have been denied a meal allowance increase for over six years while witnessing rampant financial misconduct within the company. He expressed concerns about potential victimization but stressed the necessity of speaking out to protect the interests of the workers. Moreover, Shabungu underscored the untapped potential of SAA to become a leading African airline by efficiently servicing lucrative routes within the continent. He cited examples such as the demand for flights between Cape Town and Mauritius, which currently remain underserved. Despite the promising profitability of these routes, mismanagement and corruption have prevented SAA from capitalizing on these opportunities. Shabungu firmly believed that with competent leadership, SAA could thrive and position itself as a key player in the African aviation industry. The Deputy President of the South African Cabin Crew Association cautioned against the diversion of revenue into individuals' pockets through illicit means, pointing out instances where former SAA employees had established companies to siphon off procurement contracts. These unethical practices not only undermine the financial stability of SAA but also erode public trust and confidence in the airline's operations. Shabungu urged swift and decisive action to hold those accountable for the alleged corruption at SAA and restore transparency and integrity to the national carrier. In conclusion, the expose by the South African Cabin Crew Association has brought to light the deep-seated issues of corruption and malpractice plaguing SAA. The failure of government officials to address these concerns has further exacerbated the challenges faced by SAA employees and the airline as a whole. Moving forward, it is imperative for authorities to investigate these allegations thoroughly, prosecute any wrongdoers, and implement robust measures to prevent future instances of corruption within SAA.