The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called for urgent intervention by Transport Minister Barbara Creecy following allegations that Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) obstructed critical security upgrades at OR Tambo International Airport.
The concerns stem from a 25 May 2025 incident in which deactivated training grenades were mistakenly cleared during screening. Aviation Co-ordination Services (ACS) said the breach could have been prevented if outdated hold baggage screening equipment had been replaced with newer, AI-enabled systems - a move it claims ACSA has repeatedly blocked despite three High Court orders between November 2024 and May 2025.
The DA has urged Creecy to ensure ACSA complies with court rulings, take action against any unlawful conduct by executives, and appear before Parliament’s transport committee alongside ACSA, ACS, and the Civil Aviation Authority to address governance and safety concerns.
The party warned that ongoing disputes, legal defiance, and outdated infrastructure threaten passenger safety and damage South Africa’s global aviation reputation.
The concerns stem from a 25 May 2025 incident in which deactivated training grenades were mistakenly cleared during screening. Aviation Co-ordination Services (ACS) said the breach could have been prevented if outdated hold baggage screening equipment had been replaced with newer, AI-enabled systems - a move it claims ACSA has repeatedly blocked despite three High Court orders between November 2024 and May 2025.
The DA has urged Creecy to ensure ACSA complies with court rulings, take action against any unlawful conduct by executives, and appear before Parliament’s transport committee alongside ACSA, ACS, and the Civil Aviation Authority to address governance and safety concerns.
The party warned that ongoing disputes, legal defiance, and outdated infrastructure threaten passenger safety and damage South Africa’s global aviation reputation.
