​Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) acknowledges the recent media coverage and concerns raised by porters at O.R. Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) as reported in the article published by Independent Online (IOL). While we respect the right of porters to express their grievances, ACSA strongly rejects the mischaracterization of our role and the implications of "harassment," "victimisation," and "exploitation" in the article.

Firstly, ACSA would like to clarify that the porters working at ORTIA are not company employees. Instead, they are permitted to operate within the airport premises and primarily earn income through gratuities (tips) from passengers. ACSA is not involved in the hiring, compensation, or organizational structure of the porters. Therefore, any claims suggesting that ACSA has direct control over their financial or employment arrangements are inaccurate.

Regarding the specific concerns raised by the porters, it is important to clarify that ACSA enforces security and operational protocols in accordance with national and international aviation safety standards. These protocols are in place to ensure the safety and security of all passengers, airport personnel, and assets. As per these regulations, all individuals operating within the airport, including porters, are required to comply with established security procedures. If a porter violates security measures or operates outside of their designated areas, they may face disciplinary action, including a warning or permit revocation.

ACSA provides designated working areas for porters to operate within, in order to maintain an orderly and safe environment. It is crucial that porters adhere to these designated zones to ensure smooth airport operations. Any restrictions on their work arise from non-compliance with these security and operational guidelines, not arbitrary decisions by ACSA.

While we reject any claims that porters are being mistreated, exploited, or unfairly restricted from earning a livelihood by ACSA officials, we remain committed to working in partnership with all stakeholders to address any legitimate concerns raised, while upholding the security and integrity of airport operations.​

ACSA takes any allegations of mistreatment seriously and will continue to engage with relevant stakeholders to foster a fair and safe working environment for all parties involved.

For further information or media inquiries, please contact:

ACSA Media Desk

Mediadesk@airports.co.za

Issued by Airports Company South Africa

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