A growing dispute between porters at OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) and Acsa has intensified with accusations that airport executives are undermining livelihoods with restrictive measures and alleged mismanagement of funds.
According to iol.co.za, local porters claim foreigners receive preferential treatment with permission to operate at counters, which limits income opportunities and tips. The porters also allege executives have arbitrarily withdrawn their permits.
ACSA spokesperson Ntokozo Mazibuko denied claims of abuse, victimisation and preferential treatment: “ACSA’s security protocols do not allow permits to be issued to foreign nationals unless they meet all legal requirements, including possessing valid work permits.”
Additionally, the porters say three of their representatives, who appointed themselves and registered the OR Tambo Porterage Service as their own company, allegedly stole more than R100 000 from porters’ monthly earnings.
“ACSA has received complaints from porters regarding alleged financial mismanagement by their executives. Additionally, ACSA has been informed by the South African Police Service’s investigative team about a confirmed arrest related to this matter,” said Mazibuko.
She confirmed that the OR Tambo Porterage Service and its porters operate independently and are not employed by ACSA.
A police spokesperson told IOL, the theft case, opened in December 2024, was investigated and resulted in three arrests. The suspects are due to appear before the Magistrates’ Court in March.
