SAA's plans for cheaper and shorter pilot training raise serious concerns
for public safety

MEDIA STATEMENT RELEASED BY:
MR. KOOS VAN DER MERWE MP
IFP CHIEF WHIP

September 12, 2006

The IFP Chief Whip, Mr. Koos van der Merwe MP, today said:
"The IFP notes with serious concern SAA's reported plans to introduce a cheaper and shorter training program for its pilots. Our concern is that public safety may be compromised for the sake of transformation."

Mr. Van der Merwe said that SAA is currently under pressure to operate successfully and a message of inadequately trained pilots will certainly lead to fewer passengers, as concerned passengers would rather travel with airlines employing well trained pilots.

"The IFP has therefore today placed a question to the Minister of Public Enterprises on the parliamentary order paper to reply to this public safety matter."


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
Mr. Koos van der Merwe MP: 082 444 4944
Noleen Hendricks: 082 886 9848