Токсичная атмосфера на работе вынуждает южноафриканских диспетчеров уезжать за границу

Toxic work environment driving SA air traffic controllers overseas Sara-Jayne Makwala King 2 September 2026 | 6:39 South Africa is struggling to hold onto experienced air traffic controllers, according to information presented to Parliament. Picture: Pexels/Kelly17291200 Better salaries, tax-free living and an escape from a toxic work environment. These are some of the reasons South Africa has lost close to 30 air traffic controllers to countries including Australia and the UAE over the past two years, according to a local aviation expert. The figures were presented to Parliament and are particularly concerning at OR Tambo, where one approach control unit is reportedly operating at just 57% of its required staffing level. “The real problem, though, is here in South Africa, we just haven’t adopted an effective retention policy,” aviation expert Guy Leitch told CapeTalk’s John Maytham. He said the problem was not unique to South Africa, as demand for air traffic controllers has been growing globally since the COVID-19 pandemic. Leitch said South Africa’s controllers were attractive to overseas employers because of their ability to speak English, which is the international language of aviation. He also explained that pay and working conditions contribute to experienced staff leaving the country. “We don’t pay them nearly enough… places like Dubai are able to offer large dollar-based tax-free salaries.” But the real problem, he said, was the toxic work environment controllers are experiencing here. "Quite frankly, the ATNS environment has become pretty toxic for many employees, and they've just had enough of it, and they're saying we're not sticking around for this any longer." Leitch says management failure is behind the toxicity. "The previous CEO was spectacular in her inability to be a CEO. She'd completely destroyed the ports and harbours... and then was set free to do the same at ATNS." On the positive side, ATNS does have a strong cadet training programme, Leitch said, and there was no shortage of young people interested in becoming controllers. The difficulty is how long it takes to turn trainees into experienced controllers capable of working independently. “It just takes so long to get good, competent air traffic controllers. "It’s at least five to seven years before you can let an air traffic controller essentially loose on a busy sector," he explained. Leitch said South Africa needed to improve both salaries and the working environment if it wanted to keep experienced staff. “We’ve seen key airports operating at 57% of staffing levels, and that is just not sustainable... It's actually becoming dangerous.” Never miss a major story. Get breaking news and the latest developments from South Africa and beyond as they happen. Get the whole picture 💡 Take a look at the topic timeline for all related articles.