Pretoria - South African Airways (SAA) has corrected misleading reports about the suspension of one of its executives.
In a statement on Tuesday, the airline corrected media reports that it’s General Manager: Human Resources, Thuli Mpshe, was not placed on precautionary suspension by board chairperson Dudu Myeni.
Mpshe said the airline was placed on suspension by the management of the company.
“SAA finds it disturbing that one daily publication made its business to mislead the public by reporting on this story on a matter-of-fact basis and did so without laying a claim to anything as a basis that Ms Myeni is behind the suspension.
“SAA refutes this claim as the decision to suspend Ms Mpshe was an internal management prerogative based on operational considerations as well as the airline’s code of conduct,” said the national carrier.
SAA said it will not be drawn into providing the details or circumstances that led to the suspension, adding that the suspension is pending the finalisation of the allegations involving the conduct of Mpshe in her capacity as the executive responsible and/or accountable for human resources.
“The allegations against Ms Mpshe are of an extremely serious nature and warrant a proper investigation with unfettered access to information and potential witnesses to enable SAA to make informed decisions and to afford Ms Mpshe an opportunity to reflect on the situation,” said the airline.
In addition, the national carrier confirmed that Marc Cavaliere a regional manager responsible for the Americas, has tendered his resignation. Cavaliere is currently serving notice until the end of June.
“His departure is based on personal choices that present growth prospects for his career. In all positions where executives have left, the airline has been able to appoint second tier managers who have competently discharged their duties.
“Notwithstanding, proper recruitment processes are being followed to fill the vacant positions in line with the airline’s human resource policy on recruitment and appointment.”
The state-owned company said it is committed to good governance and will not blur the lines on management executive responsibility and oversight function the Board of Directors has over management. – SAnews.gov.za
