The Air Traffic and Aviation Services (ATNS) has axed its senior manager over a sexual harassment complaint levelled against him.
Simon Zwane, who was the head of air traffic management, was sent packing two weeks ago by the air traffic control company that is an entity of the South African government.
Junior employee lodged complaint
In February, this publication published an article where a junior female employee known to Sunday World had lodged a complaint with the company, claiming that Zwane had sexually harassed her.
The woman stated that Zwane had forced her to perform oral sex on him, touched her inappropriately, and made sexually offensive remarks against her.
Zwane was suspended by ATNS in March after the Sunday World had published titbits of the sexual harassment complaint.
While the company was busy with investigations, Sunday World has established that the former head of air traffic management chose to resign. However, ATNS rejected his resignation letter and insisted that he wait for the final outcome of the probe.
Insiders within the entity based in Bruma, east of Johannesburg, told this publication that Zwane wanted to leave ATNS in a huff.
Put in his resignation, which was declined
“[Zwane] put in his resignation letter immediately after you had contacted him in February regarding the sexual harassment complaint. He realised that the case against him was going to embarrass him and ruin his reputation. And he opted to jump ship. But ATNS human resources bosses told him to hang on, as he was not going to resign,” said a source.
It was revealed that Zwane was dismissed from work after independent investigations were completed.
“[Zwane] wanted to leave quietly, as he had realised how badly the complaint had messed up his reputation. Even though he is gone, he was not the only person within ATNS who was using his power to prey on young women. There are so many other predators within the company,” said the second source.
ATNS spokesperson Percy Morokane confirmed on Thursday that Zwane was sent packing last month. He was axed for a sexual harassment case that was brought to the company’s top mandarins.
Company confirms matter
“ATNS hereby confirms that Mr Simon Zwane’s contract of employment was terminated on 28 March 2025. Following an independent investigation and subsequent internal disciplinary process. The outcome has been communicated to all affected parties, including the complainant,” said Morokane.
Sunday World could not reach Zwane for comment.
When Sunday World broke the story, the complainant, who is still on leave, told of her own experience. She said that Zwane had once shockingly put his hand under her dress and tried to reach her genitalia area.
She also stated in her complaint that Zwane had forced her to perform oral sex on him at the office.
The woman ended up seeking professional help from her doctors after she fell into depression.
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