Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has firmly denied accusations of discrimination against individuals passing through the nation’s airports.
These denials follow online media reports that alleged some passengers experienced discriminatory treatment during airport security checks. ACSA has refuted these claims, emphasizing that it adheres to internationally recognised standard operating procedures and complies with national aviation laws and regulations aimed at ensuring passenger safety and security.
According to ACSA, security checks are conducted for all travellers, regardless of whether the security checkpoint triggers an alert. The company urges all passengers to adhere to airport screening requirements, including those pertaining to religious and cultural headwear.
ACSA assured that these searches are conducted with due sensitivity to recognised religious and cultural practices, ensuring they occur in appropriate settings. The company acknowledged that such searches might be uncomfortable for passengers but stressed that security personnel are committed to conducting these checks safely.
“We would like to categorically state that ACSA does not have any policies or procedures that discriminate against any passengers or airport users based on gender, race, cultural beliefs, religion, or place of origin,”
stated General Mzwandile Petros, Group Executive for Enterprise Security.
“South Africa is a constitutional democracy that accords equal regard to all individuals regardless of their faith, race, gender, or cultural background. ACSA, as a state-owned company, subscribes to all principles as espoused in the Constitution, which ensure a free and equal society. Furthermore, we are always ready to observe and defend the rights of all persons at the facilities we manage,”
he added.
ACSA continues to call for traveller cooperation, ensuring a smooth and secure airport experience for everyone.
