The trade union Solidarity said yesterday that it had objected to “outstanding salary payments at South African Airways [SAA] and South African Airways Technical [SAAT]”, and called for a strategic equity partner for the airline.

“Employees fulfil their obligations toward SAA and should be able to expect the same from their employer. People have home loans, rent, school fees, and other financial commitments to meet. They cannot be left wondering every month whether their salaries will arrive on time,” said Derek Mans, Solidarity’s sector coordinator for aviation.

The union said that “financial or cash-flow pressure cannot justify repeated salary delays”, and that SAA’s management “must take responsibility, provide clarity regarding the reasons for the late payments, and announce measures to prevent a recurrence”.

It also objected over “the ongoing dispute concerning overtime pay and other allowances at SAAT”. “Employees who work overtime or perform additional duties must be compensated in accordance with the applicable agreements. They cannot be expected to do their work and subsequently have to fight for the money that is rightfully theirs,” Mans said.

“The question is whether SAA possesses a sustainable business model, the necessary commercial expertise, and leadership strong enough to continue without repeated state support,” Mans said.

Solidarity said SAA “urgently requires a strategic equity partner – one that does not merely provide capital, but also brings commercial expertise, sound management, and decisive leadership to the airline”.

“The answer cannot be yet another short-term lifeline, after which SAA would simply return to the state when the next crisis arises. SAA needs a strategic partner with a direct stake in the airline’s long-term success,” Mans said.