Solidarity expresses support for SAA pilots

8 December 2015

Trade union Solidarity has expressed its support for the pilots at the South African Airways (SAA) that are currently under fire. In a letter to the chairperson of the SAA Pilots Association (SAAPA), the trade union also offered its assistance and support, in particular to help them and prevent further victimisation of the pilots.

According to Derek Mans, organiser in the Professional Industry at Solidarity, the allegations of sabotage against the pilots are outrageous and merely an attempt to divert the public’s attention from the crisis in which the SAA finds itself.

“Since the pilots, with good reason, have submitted a motion of no confidence in the SAA chairperson Dudu Myeni, they are apparently being intimidated by top management. Solidarity has their interests at heart and we shall prevent them from being victimised any further,” Mans said.

The Hawks’ Crimes Against the State (Cats) unit confirmed that it was investigating a charge of sabotage against several white pilots at SAA who allegedly, with the assistance of a technician, wanted to sabotage an aeroplane piloted by a black pilot in order to discredit him.

Issued by Derek Mans, Organiser, Solidarity, 8 December 2015