South Africa’s biggest airport operator suspends IT chief

The Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has placed its chief information officer (CIO), Mthokozisi Mncwabe, on precautionary suspension over wrongdoing relating to the biometric and digital identity technology project.

His suspension took effect on Thursday, 8 August 2024. ACSA said a preliminary investigation unearthed indications of malfeasance surrounding the project.

“The precautionary suspension is to allow ACSA to conduct further investigation and report back to the public on our findings,” it said.

This comes after ACSA issued a statement on Saturday, 3 August 2024, where it said there were no allegations of irregularities relating to the project.

“This was indeed true based on the information we had at the time and statements issued by those involved in the project,” it said.

“We have since undertaken a preliminary investigation and have now found that there is prima facie evidence of wrongdoing in relation to the biometric and digital identity technology project.”

The issues related to the procurement process for the Automated Border Control (ABC) project, e-gates, and single tokens for 60 months. ACSA appointed French multinational tech company Idemia with a contract value of R115 million.

However, the contract required at least 30% black ownership, and as such, Idemia had a teaming agreement with local company InfoVerge as its partner.

ACSA said it became aware of an impasse between the partners and engaged with both to try to reach an amicable resolution to the contract’s delivery.

“ACSA was satisfied that the two business partners would work together in the delivery of the required services,” it said.

However, the two partners were unable to resolve the impasse amicably.

“This resulted in InfoVerge approaching the High Court Gauteng Local Division (High Court), seeking relief to set aside ACSA’s decision to award the tender for the provision of Automated Border Control project to Idemia. In the court papers, ACSA was cited as a second respondent,” said ACSA.

It added that it is currently considering further options regarding the contract it entered with Idemia.