Latest news with #ACSA
Eyewitness News
24-05-2025
- Eyewitness News
Brazilian national arrested after being caught with cocaine worth R1.4m
JOHANNESBURG - A Brazilian national has been arrested after being caught with cocaine worth an estimated street value of R1.4 million strapped to his legs. The 39-year-old at was intercepted by officers at OR Tambo International Airport on Friday, after arriving from São Paulo en route to Benin. Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said the suspect was stopped during routine profiling, and a body search revealed the concealed drugs. 'He has been arrested and is expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrates Court on a charge of drug trafficking.' Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has commended the South African Police Service (SAPS) for its continued efforts in tackling drug smuggling through the country's ports of entry.
Japan Forward
08-05-2025
- Business
- Japan Forward
Ishiba's Philippines, Vietnam Meetings a Boost to Regional Peace
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has just completed visits to Vietnam and the Philippines and held summit talks with their leaders. His trip aimed to check China's growing involvement in Southeast Asian countries. As China seeks to expand its influence by exploiting the backlash to United States tariffs, Japan must strengthen cooperation in the Southeast Asian region. Furthermore, Japan must ensure security cooperation with other countries to maintain regional peace. Japan and the Philippines, located north and south of Taiwan, form parts of the "First Island Chain." Neither country would be able to escape involvement in a Taiwan emergency. Vietnam shares a land border with China and has long been directly threatened by its giant neighbor, as symbolized by the 1979 China-Vietnam War. Moreover, both Vietnam and the Philippines are under military pressure from China and enmeshed in territorial disputes with Beijing in the South China Sea. While in Manila, Ishiba met with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The two agreed to begin bilateral discussions toward an information security agreement that would allow for the exchange of classified information. What the two sides have in mind is an arrangement resembling the bilateral General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) for the exchange of military information between Japan and South Korea. Currently, Japan is exporting airborne surveillance and control radar to the Philippines. We would like to see an agreement concluded expeditiously and a system established for the smooth implementation of such cooperation. Ishiba and Marcos also agreed to begin negotiations on an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA). This would allow the Self-Defense Forces and the Philippine military to share supplies such as food and fuel. Tokyo and Manila signed the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) in July 2024 to facilitate mutual travel for the Self-Defense Forces and the Philippine military. Now we hope to see the ACSA concluded as soon as possible. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Vietnam's Communist Party Secretary-General To Lam pose for a commemorative photo. Also on the left is the prime minister's wife, Yoshiko. (©Kyodo) During Ishiba's meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, the two sides confirmed the establishment of a bilateral security consultative committee (2+2) for interchanges between their respective foreign and defense vice ministers. The Japanese government also promised to consider allowing Vietnam to participate in the Official Security Assistance (OSA) cooperation framework. Under that framework, Japan provides defense equipment and supplies gratis to the military forces of like-minded countries. Prime Minister Ishiba also discussed US tariff measures with the leaders of Vietnam and the Philippines. The Trump administration is wary of Chinese products being indirectly exported to the United States. Therefore, it set the reciprocal tariff rate for Vietnam, which has strong economic ties with China, at a lofty 46%. Japan should continue to make efforts to prevent Southeast Asian countries from being overwhelmed by China. Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Vietnam shortly before Prime Minister Ishiba's arrival. China is a country that has a history of flouting economic rules. It must not be treated as the standard bearer for free trade. (Read the editorial in Japanese .) Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun
eNCA
06-05-2025
- Business
- eNCA
ACS works on upgrading baggage screening equipment
JOHANNESBURG - Airport Baggage screening machines have reached the end of their lifespan. This has left airports including OR Tambo and King Shaka International Airports reliant on outdated systems. But a Gauteng High Court ruling has prevented a serious security and operational issue. The court has granted Aviation Coordination Services' (ACS) request to replace Hold Baggage Screening (HBS) machines. It follows a legal battle between ACS and Airports Company South Africa (ACSA). In 2023, ACSA terminated ACS's baggage screening services intending to take over the service directly. The company went ahead with this even though it is the airline's responsibility to provide HBS services at airports. And ACS was legally mandated to manage HBS by the airports. ACS CEO, Duke Phahla, has welcomed the judgment. He says the dismissal of ACSA's appeal means ACS will now be allowed to replace the old HBS equipment which will ensure they continue to operate effectively. These machines improve threat detection, faster processing times but also reduce the burden on screeners, improve output, and reduce the risk of false alarms or missed detections. ACS says the upgrades will take about a month, with the work happening mostly outside peak hours to avoid disrupting passenger travel.
The Star
04-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Leadership crisis rocks Airports Company South Africa: No action despite scandal
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) is grappling with a full-blown leadership crisis as serious allegations of qualifications fraud, nepotism, financial mismanagement, and governance failures continue to mount under the watch of CEO Mpumi Mpofu and head of security Mzwandile Petros. Despite growing public outrage and documented irregularities, no suspensions or disciplinary actions have been taken, raising urgent questions about political interference and institutional accountability. At the centre of the storm is CEO Mpumi Mpofu, who allegedly misrepresented her academic qualifications. While ACSA and her public profiles stated she held a postgraduate degree from Coventry University, the institution confirmed she only obtained an undergraduate degree. Shockingly, her contract was recently renewed by ACSA's board, even as questions about the integrity of the recruitment and vetting process persist. The board has defended Mpofu, citing her security clearance and polygraph results. However, experts note that clearances are not automatically transferable between departments and should be revalidated. The decision to extend her contract in the face of a brewing scandal suggests either negligence or deliberate disregard for governance protocols. Petros, a former SAPS general, was appointed head of ACSA security despite having no background in aviation security. To bring him in, the board bent retirement rules and has since tolerated a wave of controversial appointments under his leadership. These include retired and unqualified former police officials placed in senior aviation roles, many of whom lack basic aviation credentials. A glaring example is the appointment of 68-year-old retired Major General Gela to oversee security at OR Tambo International Airport. Insiders report that Gela has no relevant experience and is considered ineffective by staff. Similarly, several qualified aviation professionals have been removed and replaced by Petros's former police colleagues, raising concerns about nepotism and a collapse of merit-based appointments. Under Mpofu and Petros's leadership, ACSA has faced a series of financial controversies. Emergency tenders worth millions have been interdicted after irregularities emerged. One example includes a security technology tender awarded to a company in liquidation. Another involves the purchase of equipment for more than double its market price under questionable 'emergency' circumstances. The decision to insource over 3 500 security guards — estimated to cost R2 billion over five years— has become a financial liability. Airports such as Cape Town International are reportedly operating significantly over budget compared to when private contractors were used. Critics allege this was a calculated move to justify internal control and benefits for loyalists, while starving private contractors through delayed payments. Despite declaring a R472 million profit in the last fiscal year, ACSA allegedly owes more than R500 million to service providers. Several companies have initiated legal action due to non-payment, even as executives continue to collect performance bonuses. Insiders claim Mpofu is shielded by political allies within the ruling ANC, including figures from the Women's League and former colleagues from her time in the Presidency. Reports suggest that attempts by Transport Minister Barbara Creecy to initiate investigations or suspend executives have been blocked by powerful political actors behind the scenes. This political interference has undermined attempts to restore accountability and left ACSA paralysed under ineffective leadership. The board's failure to act has allowed a culture of impunity to take root, where falsified qualifications, procurement scandals, and operational failures go unpunished. The return of Jabulani Khambule, a former executive dismissed for misconduct, underscores the deeper governance rot. Now serving as the Regional General Manager of OR Tambo International Airport, Khambule holds a critical security role without public evidence of exoneration or updated vetting. His qualifications are also reportedly overstated, raising questions about his eligibility for the position. As ACSA continues to manage critical national infrastructure, the public and aviation industry stakeholders are calling for urgent intervention. Experts warn that without a full forensic investigation and accountability at the highest levels, the integrity of the country's airports and national security remains at risk. The Star tried to get a comment from ACSA, Mpofu and Petros, but our attempts could not succeed by the time of publishing.
IOL News
04-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Leadership crisis rocks Airports Company South Africa: No action despite scandal
At the centre of the storm is CEO Mpumi Mpofu, who allegedly misrepresented her academic qualifications. While ACSA and her public profiles stated she held a postgraduate degree from Coventry University, the institution confirmed she only obtained an undergraduate degree. Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) is grappling with a full-blown leadership crisis as serious allegations of qualifications fraud, nepotism, financial mismanagement, and governance failures continue to mount under the watch of CEO Mpumi Mpofu and head of security Mzwandile Petros. Despite growing public outrage and documented irregularities, no suspensions or disciplinary actions have been taken, raising urgent questions about political interference and institutional accountability. At the centre of the storm is CEO Mpumi Mpofu, who allegedly misrepresented her academic qualifications. While ACSA and her public profiles stated she held a postgraduate degree from Coventry University, the institution confirmed she only obtained an undergraduate degree. Shockingly, her contract was recently renewed by ACSA's board, even as questions about the integrity of the recruitment and vetting process persist. The board has defended Mpofu, citing her security clearance and polygraph results. However, experts note that clearances are not automatically transferable between departments and should be revalidated. The decision to extend her contract in the face of a brewing scandal suggests either negligence or deliberate disregard for governance protocols. Petros, a former SAPS general, was appointed head of ACSA security despite having no background in aviation security. To bring him in, the board bent retirement rules and has since tolerated a wave of controversial appointments under his leadership. These include retired and unqualified former police officials placed in senior aviation roles, many of whom lack basic aviation credentials. A glaring example is the appointment of 68-year-old retired Major General Gela to oversee security at OR Tambo International Airport. Insiders report that Gela has no relevant experience and is considered ineffective by staff. Similarly, several qualified aviation professionals have been removed and replaced by Petros's former police colleagues, raising concerns about nepotism and a collapse of merit-based appointments. Under Mpofu and Petros's leadership, ACSA has faced a series of financial controversies. Emergency tenders worth millions have been interdicted after irregularities emerged. One example includes a security technology tender awarded to a company in liquidation. Another involves the purchase of equipment for more than double its market price under questionable 'emergency' circumstances. The decision to insource over 3 500 security guards — estimated to cost R2 billion over five years— has become a financial liability. Airports such as Cape Town International are reportedly operating significantly over budget compared to when private contractors were used. Critics allege this was a calculated move to justify internal control and benefits for loyalists, while starving private contractors through delayed payments. Despite declaring a R472 million profit in the last fiscal year, ACSA allegedly owes more than R500 million to service providers. Several companies have initiated legal action due to non-payment, even as executives continue to collect performance bonuses. Insiders claim Mpofu is shielded by political allies within the ruling ANC, including figures from the Women's League and former colleagues from her time in the Presidency. Reports suggest that attempts by Transport Minister Barbara Creecy to initiate investigations or suspend executives have been blocked by powerful political actors behind the scenes. This political interference has undermined attempts to restore accountability and left ACSA paralysed under ineffective leadership. The board's failure to act has allowed a culture of impunity to take root, where falsified qualifications, procurement scandals, and operational failures go unpunished. The return of Jabulani Khambule, a former executive dismissed for misconduct, underscores the deeper governance rot. Now serving as the Regional General Manager of OR Tambo International Airport, Khambule holds a critical security role without public evidence of exoneration or updated vetting. His qualifications are also reportedly overstated, raising questions about his eligibility for the position. As ACSA continues to manage critical national infrastructure, the public and aviation industry stakeholders are calling for urgent intervention. Experts warn that without a full forensic investigation and accountability at the highest levels, the integrity of the country's airports and national security remains at risk. The Star tried to get a comment from ACSA, Mpofu and Petros, but our attempts could not succeed by the time of publishing.
