Question NW2297 to the Minister of Public Enterprises
03 December 2021 - NW2297
Lees, Mr RA to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
(1)(a) What are the details of the appointment of Themba Mc Clain, (b) his pilot training and (c) his previous employers including dates of employment, positions held and reasons for leaving each employer; (2) what are the details of (a) any investigations into how the specified person obtained his pilot licence and (b) the findings and recommendations of any such investigations; (3) what are the details of the person’s employment at SA Airways (SAA) including (a) the date he was (i) employed as a pilot and (ii) appointed a captain and (b) his flight training at SAA; (4) What are the detailed reasons for appointing the person as the SAA Chief Pilot?
Reply:
According to the information received from SAA
1. (a) Captain Themba McClain was appointed at SAA as a Captain on 1 June 1992. He held the position of Chief Standards Pilot during his career at SAA.
(b) During his employment with the airline he received and completed training required for the execution of his duties as a pilot, as required by all pilots. Captain McClain’s training as a Commander with SAA, commenced on 29 January 2007.
c) This information is of a confidential nature
2. (a) & (b) No investigations or findings thereof are known to SAA. The SACAA in their role as regulator approves all pilots license. It is Important to note that the Chief Pilot position is a regulated post holder in terms of CARS 121.06.2, and all incumbents acting for a period in excess of 30 days are approved by the CAA. Captain Themba acted as the Chief Pilot from 8 November 2016 until 31 December 2017. He was approved by the CAA on the 3 November 2016.
3. Please refer to responses in (1) and (2) above.
4. Capt. Themba McClain was offered the position of Chief Pilot at SAA, which he declined.