On 14 June 2013, error and negligence on the part of an air traffic controller at OR Tambo International Airport resulted in a so-called loss of separation incident. An SA Airlink Jetstream 41 was given instructions to land on the same runway as a departing Boeing 777-200 operated by an international airline. Tragedy was averted when the pilot of the Jetstream 41 aborted his landing on own initiative.
In the subsequent Comprehensive Investigation Report compiled by ATNS, it was found that the air traffic event controller had violated several ATNS procedures and that his violations severely compromised air safety. The incident was rated as an A2 event, just two notches below the rating of a full-scale air crash.
Two investigating ATNS managers, both of whom are Solidarity members, recommended disciplinary measures. However, the managers’ recommendation for disciplinary action now forms part of a reverse disciplinary action against them by ATNS. The Solidarity members are accused of racism and have been suspended.
It is Solidarity’s understanding that, due to the serious nature of the incident and under ATNS Safety Management System regulations, the incident should have been reported to the SACAA. However, Solidarity was unable to find reference to the incident in SACAA public records. Media reports have since indicated that the incident might have been brought to SACAA’s attention, but was simply indicated as a so-called “missed approach” – a far less serious incident than what actually happened.
According to Piet le Roux, spokesperson for Solidarity, ATNS’s unjustified allegations of racism against Solidarity’s members are to the detriment of air safety. “In the light of ATNS’s unfounded allegations of racism against our members, which are indicative of a lack of professionalism, it is doubly important to determine if ATNS is compromising air safety in more ways.”
The request by Solidarity was made under section 16 of the Labour Relations Act by Dana Viljoen, who represents the two Solidarity members. Under the Act, a recognised union at a workplace may request information from an employer relevant to investigations against its members.
