ACSA Directed to Mediate Dispute with Baggage Screening Company


Johannesburg: The Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, has issued a directive to the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) Board to begin mediation with a company responsible for baggage screening at its airports.



According to South African Government News Agency, this decision follows multiple discussions with the ACSA Board concerning its ongoing dispute with Airports Co-ordination Services (ACS) Pty Ltd. The conflict involves hold baggage screening and related services at ACSA airports and also includes the South African Civil Aviation Authority.



The ministerial order, issued under section 10(1)(a) of the Airports Company Act No. 44 of 1993, allows the Minister to act when national security risks to critical infrastructure or public safety are identified. Creecy expressed concern over the ongoing litigation’s potential impact on the integrity of hold baggage screening, a critical component of aviation security at ACSA airports.



The dispute has led to various legal proceedings, including review applications and interdictory actions, in the High Court. Creecy emphasized that intervention is crucial to prevent security disruptions and potential reputational damage. The mediation aims to provide a timely resolution, preventing destabilization of the essential security function.



The ACSA Board has been instructed to finalize a mediation agreement that includes several key objectives. These include submitting a report within two weeks detailing the costs incurred from the dispute, negotiating in good faith during mediation, addressing both long-term service provision and short-term operational issues related to hold baggage screening, and ensuring compliance with safety standards and regulatory frameworks.



The mediation will also focus on resolving questions about the entity responsible for providing hold baggage screening services and related constitutional implications.