The suspension of the chief medical officer for issuing illegal medical clearances affected only three employees, SAA said, denying claims of a crisis.
South African Airways says it is “not in crisis” after it suspended its chief medical officer after the South African Civil Aviation Authority found she had issued illegal medical certificates.
SAA spokeswoman Khaya Buthelezi said: “SAA’s internal procedures have established that [are] Only two crew members and one pilot were affected by the “alleged fraudulent conduct” of the airline's chief medical officer, Dr Nonhlanhla Sisaba.
The affected SAA employees will undergo medical re-certification by the end of September.
“These affected employees will undergo medical re-certification by the end of September 2024 in accordance with SAA and Sacca’s internal procedures.”
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He added: “This is not, by any stretch of the imagination, a 'crisis' as implied in Citizen article on this issue.”
Zero tolerance for violation of flight safety regulations
He added: “SAA wishes to reiterate that maintaining the highest safety culture is non-negotiable and the airline will not tolerate any breach of safety regulations in its working environment.
“After the completion of both SAA and Sakaa Following an investigation into this matter, SAA will communicate further its findings and mitigation measures to ensure that similar actions do not recur.”