SAA axing goes to CCMA

Former South African Airways (SAA) chief financial officer Phumeza Nhantsi said yesterday she had filed a case of unfair dismissal with the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) against the debt-ridden national airline.

SAA last week fired Nhantsi and acting chief executive Musa Zwane after suspending them for recommending to the board that SAA sign a deal with financier BnP Capital to raise R15 billion to consolidate its debt for a R256 million fee.

Nhantsi said the company fired her on the basis of unfounded allegations. “As an employer, SAA was required to carry out an investigation and find sufficient proof of misconduct before taking disciplinary action. Simply put, SAA was required to prove I was guilty of misconduct and not depend solely on speculation or unfounded allegations.”

She said she made submissions prior to her dismissal, but these were not given due consideration. “I hope the CCMA will give SAA and I a platform to prove I cannot be held responsible and blameworthy for any acts which violated company policies.

“I believe that, as an employer, SAA overlooked that it’s not merely allegations that must be proved. For misconduct to be proved, SAA should have proved that it occurred, and that I could rightfully be held responsible and blameworthy, instead of just maliciously and recklessly rushing to judgment.”

SAA spokesperson Tlali Tlali said the company had noted her decision to go to the CCMA. – ANA