Acsa slams claims of security capacity gaps amid allegations of staff poaching

Banele Ginindza

Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) has dismissed allegations that it lacks the capacity to manage security checkpoints at its airports, particularly passenger and baggage screening points, following reports that the entity has been informally recruiting private security staff to plug staffing gaps.

The claims emerge in the wake of serious security breaches last year, most notably an incident in which a passenger departed from O.R. Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) and was later found in possession of two training hand grenades upon arrival at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Workers employed by private security firms have alleged that ACSA has been “poaching” experienced personnel to work at screening checkpoints, despite internal policies that only Acsa-branded uniforms should be visible at these points.

Those left behind at private firms say the practice has resulted in staff shortages, forcing remaining workers to take on double shifts without additional compensation.

"The recruitments are not formal and leave us at the private firms short-staffed and therefore, have to pull double shifts. We are not compensated for that," a private security firm worker said.

"Besides, it would be better to join Acsa because of the pay grade and benefits but the recruitment is not open. They just take them in batches of 30. We need to know. This is too much."

Acsa last year terminated the contract of security provider Aviation Coordination Services (ACS), a third-party entity under the control of airline associations, including the Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA) and the Board of Airline Representatives of South Africa (BARSA).

The ACS had operational control of the Hold Baggage Screening (HBS) area where the security lapse involving a passenger who departed from ORTIA and was later found in possession of two training hand grenades upon arrival at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia occurred.

The entity also suspended and eventually dismissed the group executive for enterprise security and compliance, Mzwandile Petros, after investigation into the poor management of the X-ray and Security screening contract.

In response to enquiries, Acsa confirmed that it had not yet permanently filled the position vacated by Petros.

Ofentse Dijoe, Acsa group spokesperson, said the airports operator has sufficient capacity operationally and financially to manage the security services, particularly after the announced termination of private security contracts in July 2025.

"Acsa has demonstrated sufficient operational and financial capacity in managing its security services, particularly through a robust operational framework and airport security program as approved by the South African Civil Aviation Authority," Dijoe said. 

"Acsa has not fully insourced its security function as the organisation is currently reviewing the in-source model, while there has been a strategic shift towards greater internal control and improved oversight in managing security."

Dijoe also said the entity had been actively working to enhance its security capability to reduce reliance on external contract security for certain critical functions.

"Acsa's security personnel, who were recruited, have undergone rigorous regulatory training and certification to ensure a highly skilled workforce capable of managing security screening operations," Dijoe said.

In August, Acsa indicated it was considering options in relation to the R380 million contract for the provision of the ABC project, e-Gates, and a single token that has been entered into with French Identity Solutions company, IDEMIA, which was terminated in 2024.

Separately, Acsa confirmed that chief information officer (CIO), Mthokozisi Mncwabe, who had been placed on precautionary suspension pending an independent investigation into the Automated Border Control (ABC) project, e-Gates and the single-token system, has been dismissed following the conclusion of disciplinary processes.

"The investigation has now been concluded and, following comprehensive disciplinary processes, the CIO has been dismissed from Acsa," Dijoe said.

"While Acsa recognises public interest in this matter, the company maintains a strict policy of confidentiality regarding employee-related issues and is therefore unable to provide further detail beyond what has been shared." 

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