O. R. Tambo International Airport said Saturday that 35 of 56 information desk staff employed by the airport have been suspended pending disciplinary procedures.
The 35 employees have been suspended following an investigation over several weeks into allegations of illegal commissions paid by certain hospitality providers to secure referrals. Replacements have already been engaged to perform this essential passenger-facing function.
The investigation is continuing and further suspensions and disciplinary procedures are possible. Management of the airport has notified the South African Police Services of this matter based on the outcome of its internal investigation.
Said Bongiwe Pityi, General Manager of O. R. Tambo International Airport: “It is extremely disappointing when issues of this nature are brought to the airport’s attention. However, when such activities take place we are compelled to act, as we do take a hard line where we encounter our own employees delivering poor service or engaging in corrupt activity.
“More than 35 000 people work for various companies at the airport in some capacity. Of these, only 1 200 are directly employed by Airports Company South Africa. Given the seriousness of the matter, this remains an ongoing priority at the airport.
“To this end, we are continually on the alert for staff who may be engaged in any illegal activities. I would like to urge airport users not to offer or pay bribes and to report suspicious activity. People should also be aware that the law provides for prosecution not only of those soliciting bribes, but also of those who offer them or pay them.
“O. R. Tambo International Airport is the premier gateway to South Africa and the largest air hub on the continent and we will do everything we can to keep that status. We are pleased that our overall customer experience is repeatedly rated highly in independent surveys, but we will intensify our efforts to keep improving,” she said.
Pityi said that misconduct by employees of companies directly contracted to the airport can lead to those companies paying penalties or losing their contracts. In addition, employees of airport contractors who engage in misconduct or illegal activity also face disciplinary procedures or prosecution. She urged airport users who encounter misconduct or illegal activity to report it to the airport and the SAPS.
“We would like to encourage members of the public to make use of the toll-free number where they can provide information anonymously. For any other general queries and compliments they can contact our customer care services,” said Pityi.
(Statement:Supplied)
