Regulator hits Airports Company with fine over security-related issues

THE Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) has yet to outline its stance after being slapped with an undisclosed fine for alleged security-related breaches.

The authority has confirmed having recently imposed an undisclosed fine against Acsa for alleged security-related breaches.

The fine comes as Acsa said it has placed its group executive for enterprise security and compliance, Lieutenant General Mzwandile Petros, on precautionary suspension as investigations commence into troubling allegations of operational irregularities.

In a statement on Saturday, Acsa revealed that Mary Ann Joubert has been appointed to act in the post.

"Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA) has placed the Group Executive: Enterprise Security and Compliance (GE: ESC), Lt General, Mzwandile Petros, on precautionary suspension pending the outcome of an independent investigation into allegations of operational irregularities. The decision to place the GE: ESC on precautionary suspension is a crucial measure to protect the integrity of the investigative process and any current and subsequent processes," Acsa said.

The airports company said Petros' suspension will not hamper its day-to-day operations, with Acsa emphasising that the suspension is precautionary and does not imply guilt, but allows for a fair and unbiased investigation.

Reacting to the fine, SACCA spokesperson, Sisa Majola, stated that the aviation authority had acted in the best interest, security, and safety of the public and passengers when it imposed a penalty against Acsa.

"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. The regulations allow operators to make representations, which, upon submission, are evaluated. The enforcement processes allow operators to appeal against an enforcement decision; hence, the matter is still in progress as guided by the regulatory processes," Majola said.

While Acsa assured the public that airport operations, including security and compliance, remain uninterrupted, some affected parties have disagreed, saying this is not the case following recent reports of delays and long lines in some of the affected airports.

According to a source, the alleged R1.5 million fine forced Acsa to turn to Fidelity Security to assist in covering the King Shaka International Airport, even though the company's contract had lapsed on June 30, 2025, following Acsa's decision to insource its security screening personnel across its nine airports in the country.

"Acsa had retrenched many of its security screening personnel in 2021, citing cost-cutting measures, with many experienced aviation safety officers taking voluntary severance packages. Fast Forward 2025, the same Acsa management has terminated contract security agreements in favour of insourcing personnel. Even after they were warned on the ballooning cost effect of such a move," the source said.

Numerous attempts to get a comment from Acsa were unsuccessful at the time of going to print.

Cape Times