Unions call for SAA board dismissal, Jarana reinstatement
The National Union of Metalworker of South Africa (Numa) and the South African Cabin Crew Association (SACCA) have threatened an aviation shutdown.
The unions want the entire SAA board to be dismissed and former CEO Vuyani Jarana reinstated.
Hundreds of workers held a lunchtime picket at the SAA head offices in Boksburg on Tuesday.
Jarana suddenly resigned from the airline last week after just 18 months as the national carrier’s CEO.
He cited a “lack of support” from the board, amongst other issues.
Numsa spokesperson Phakamile-Hlubi Majola says Jarana’s resignation is a clear indication that he was forced out.
“We are furious at what has taken place at the airline in the past couple of days, the untimely resignation of Jarana is indeed a crisis. As far as we’re concerned Jarana was forced out. He was being actively sabotaged by both the board and the government which is the shareholder of the SAA. One of our primary demands is that Jarana to be immediately reinstated in order to save this airline.”
The SAA board has come in for severe criticism, with the Rothschild family being accused of capturing the airline.
SACCA president Christopher Shabangu claims that the SAA board has already embarked on a process to appoint a permanent CEO, whom they believe is linked to the Rothschild family.