Tebogo Msimanga |
The Mango Pilots Association, (MPA), the South African Cabin Crew Association (SACCA) and the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) said they have noted the order which was handed down by Judge Antonie of the South Gauteng High Court on 10 Tuesday 2021. It granted Mango its application for it to be placed under voluntary business rescue.
The unions approached the court on an urgent basis to request an order placing the airline under business rescue, and, also to request that Ralph Lutchman be appointed as the business rescue practitioner. The court dismissed the application for business rescue.
NUMSA General Secretary Irvin Jim said regardless of the ruling, “we as unions are very proud that we have managed to succeed in compelling Mango into business rescue. We firmly believe that had it not been for our consistent pressure and actions, the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) would have permitted Mango’s collapse and we would be facing liquidation proceedings.
Jim added that this has been the case at SA Express and where the DPE simply folded its arms and refused to defend the airline against liquidation. “Had it not been for the actions of trade unions NUMSA and SACCA, SA Express would be liquidated today”
MPA Chairperson Jordan Butler said “we have not only ensured Mango’s continuity but also saved jobs at Mango and along the whole value chain.”
