March CEO Letter
I hope that we are all collectively pursuing our New Year’s Resolutions as the year moves on. The Afrikaans word of “vasbyt” – meaning to “hang on” – is most apt when focusing on one’s dreams.
Let me start by thanking all of those love birds and old-style romantics who chose SA Express as a means of transport to their favourite Valentine’s Day getaway last month. I hope that you enjoyed our company and service, and please do take the time to give us your feedback.South Africa celebrates 21 years of democracy this year, and this month we celebrate Human Rights Day which commemorates the painful and historic event that occurred in Sharpeville in 1962. It is important that South Africans appreciate and acknowledge just how important it is to treasure and respect human rights. In cementing the values of the South African Human Rights Commission, which is “Transforming society, Securing rights and Restoring dignity” we should safeguard and protect the human dignity of those who aremarginalised by society. In recent months South Africa was plagued by nationwide attacks on foreign owned “spaza” shops which were a direct attack on the human dignity of fellow human beings. As responsible citizens we should always apply the “Ubuntu” principle of “I am because you are”; something that is proudly South African.
South Africa should be proud of the transformed society that it has become in the past 21 years. The cementing of human rights that has allowed all citizens to have access to basic amenities, equal education and freedom of association, amongst others, is world-respected, especially as it has arisen from an oppressive and brutal past.
SA Express continues to break down previously held misconceptions regarding certain professional positions, such as pilots and aircraft technicians. SA Express has, since its inception, focused on ensuring continual investment in the training of African pilots and technicians. As a result of this investment, SA Express is regarded as the most transformed airline in the country in terms of our pilots and technical staff. We have done so without compromising on any standards, especially your safety. In fact, our safety record is the envy of the industry. It is the view at SA Express that Human Rights are the cornerstone of a growing corporate citizen.
SA Express, as part of its Corporate Social Investment (CSI) project, has adopted Metlhareng Combined Farm School in the East Rand; a government school that caters for children in the farming areas of Petit, Benoni and Bapsfontein. The school lacks basic resources, such as a library, playground and proper desks and chairs. As part of the school adoption, SA Express has pledged to assist the school with providing some of the basic necessities they need during the year.
In collaboration with the Department of Environmental Affairs and Arts and Culture, SA Express helped to provide the school with 150 school desks and stationery which were handed over to the Grade 1 – 4 learners on 20th February 2015 during a special event.
We believe that it is everyone’s human right to receive an education, and by providing an environment conducive to learning, the children of Metlhareng Combined Farm School will achieve greatness in their school going years.
I wish you a happy Human Rights Month; one filled with reflection and contemplation about how far we have come as a nation. We will continue flying you!
Sincerely,
Inati Ntshanga
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