May 2010 covers_Covers.qxd - World Airnews

CAASA objects to
MANDATORY SECURITY
CLEARANCE OF ALL EMPLOYEES
AT LANSERIA AIRPORT
INCENSED AT the lack of response to
its letter to the Director of the National
Intelligence Agency regarding
the NIA’s demand that all employees at
Lanseria International Airport be security
cleared prior to the start of the FIFA
World Cup next month, the Commercial
Aviation Association of Southern Africa
(CAASA) has now taken its complaint
straight to the Minister of State Security.
However, despite sending all relevant
documentation and explaining its situation,
no response had been received from
the minister either by the time of writing.
The situation developed when tenants
at Lanseria International Airport were advised
by the airport management that
they were required to compel their employees
to complete Form 2206 and submit
it to the National Intelligence Agency
so that the employees can be security
cleared prior to the start of the World Cup
soccer tournament. The airport management
has indicated that this requirement
emanated from the NIA and the South
African Police Services.
CAASA’s letters to the NIA and the
Minister of State Security were both
written and signed by the association’s
CEO, Kim Gorringe. In the one to the NIA,
Gorringe explained that a meeting was
held at the beginning of March between
a representative from the NIA and the
Association of Non-Scheduled Operators
(ANSO), an affiliate of CAASA, to find out
more about the requirement.
“Unfortunately, besides the obvious
argument that Government wants to do
everything possible to ensure the safety
and security of foreign guests and visitors
attending the World Cup, no concrete
reason could be advanced as to why such
an invasive and far-reaching security
measure is necessary.
“Although our members, like all proud
and patriotic South Africans, would like to
co-operate with Government to ensure
that the World Cup is a resounding success,
they question the efficacy, as well as
the practicality, of the measure proposed,”
wrote Gorringe.
DOCUMENT REQUEST
He requested that the NIA provide CAASA
with a number of documents, one of
which was a copy of the written
instruction from the NIA to either the
Lanseria Airport Management,
alternatively all tenants/employees on the
airport requiring them to implement this
security clearance measure, as well as
outlining the personal information that
was required to be submitted, the form to
be completed and supporting information
which must be attached.
CAASA further requested in the letter
to the NIA that it provide references to the
legislation such as applicable sections of
Act and/or regulations mandating the
agency and/or the SAPS to require private
citizens working at a private airport to
complete the Form 2206 and undergo security
clearances designed for the screening
of state officials and public servants.
“We must emphasise,” Gorringe continued,
“that without the existence of legislation
mandating these measures, the
requirements of the Basic Conditions of
Employment Act No.75 of 1997 read together
with the Labour Relations Act
No.66 of 1995 will prevent employers
from compelling their staff to complete
the Form 2206 and undergo security
screening.
“Security clearances will only be able to
be conducted on those employees who
‘consent’ to these measures.
“We have also been advised that many
unionised employees at Lanseria Airport
have already received advice from their
respective labour unions not to participate
in the security clearance process.
“We have engaged your department as
we deem this a matter or urgency and
great importance and we unfortunately
cannot advise our association members
without your written response on these
issues,” Gorringe concluded. Q
WORLD AIRNEWS, MAY 2010. 45
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