The Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) spent today at SA Technical, visiting the supply-chain-management, finance and human resources divisions, as well as hangers, engine storage rooms and the stores, where the spare parts are kept. The committee also met representatives of the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa).

Scopa engaged with ordinary workers, without management present, so that the committee could hear from workers about the challenges in their departments and their solutions to deal with those challenges. What became clear from what Scopa heard today, is that SA Technical could be profitable, if management changes its approach or if management is changed.

Scopa is of the view that SA Technical is at the heart of the financial mismanagement at South African Airways (SAA). Decisions have been made that have lead to financial losses, such as serious allegations about the loss of spare parts, including engines, gear boxes and other important components. The low staff morale and the departure of skilled personnel to SAA’s rivals are also the product of poor management.

Scopa also had a good engagement with Numsa, which demonstrated that the workers are aware of what the problems are and that they have solutions, if only they would be listened to. If those suggestions that Scopa heard today from workers could be implemented, SA Technical would be a much better place.

Scopa believes that there is a need for SAA management and the political leadership to step in to save SAA. SA Technical is at the heart of SAA’s work, as it is responsible for keeping the aircrafts in the air. Scopa is scheduled to meet with SA Technical’s management tomorrow to discuss the state of affairs, as the committee is now better informed by the views from the workers.   

Issued by Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the Chairperson of Scopa, Themba Godi