MBOMBELA – “So what do you know about aviation?” This was one of the insults slung at Virgin Airline tycoon, Sir Richard Branson on Sunday during a ruckus that erupted between him and a customs official when he checked in at Kruger Mpumlanga International Airport (KMIA).
In an embarrassing incident Branson and a group of friends landed at KMIA over the weekend en route from Kenya to his lodge, Ulusaba. They went through the normal procedure of getting clearance at the immigration desk and the border police. Thinking that they were done and not told anything different by immigration, they were good to go and quickly visited the restrooms before the last stretch to the reserve.
Branson and his group were almost back at the aircraft and ready to leave when the customs official, Mr Johannes Mahlangu, realised that he hadn’t cleared them. He proceeded to shout at Branson and demanded answers why they hadn’t checked. He didn’t give much opportunity for a reply and ordered the group to “pay” and ordered all the suitcases to be taken off the plane.
The news of the commotion quickly spread through the airport and the fire chief, Mr André Cloete rushed to try and calm the situation. But because it wasn’t his jurisdiction he couldn’t do much.
Yesterday Mr Sandile Memela, spokesman for SARS, said the law stipulates in terms of Section 15(1) of the Customs and Excise Act that arriving international guests should immediately report to customs. It is standard procedure. Failure to do so, may result in a penalty of R2 000 being levied against the transgressor.
He proceeded to shout at Branson and demanded answers why they hadn’t checked. He didn’t give much opportunity for a reply and ordered the group to “pay” and ordered all the suitcases to be taken off the plane.
Memela explained that Mahlangu noticed the group of travellers who didn’t report to his desk and approached them as they were returning to their aircraft. “He made them aware that failure to report to customs may result in a penalty of R2 000. Customs is sometimes a high-pressure point where tempers may flare due to a misunderstanding. But customs officials are governed by a strict code of behaviour to treat everyone with dignity and respect.”
It quickly became clear that neither Branson nor his group knew what the procedure was and simply followed instructions from immigration and police. According to Memela the group then followed Mahlangu back to customs where the issue was resolved and the penalty was withdrawn. “We wish to emphasise that Mr Mahlangu was carrying out his duties as stipulated by the legislative framework.”
While no formal complaint has been laid against Mahlangu, SARS indicated that their internal processes made provision to look into the situation. Memela said, “Customs staff is the face of South Africa as they are the first officials that visitors encounter upon entering the country. While we acknowledge that the incident may have embarrassed or inconvenienced the affected parties, especially the visitors, we hold the belief that enforcement of the law is for the good of the country and its image. It should be done in a way that fosters better relations between the country and the international community. It is not our policy to cause any inconvenience to visitors to our country or to make them feel disrespected in any way.”
Airport manager Mr Marius Nel said it was a very unfortunate incident for them as they strove for excellence and great service to all. “We have asked for a report on the matter and will implement guidelines to make sure something like this never happens again.” Branson is a regular visitor to KMIA when he visits Ulusaba and last year a long list of celebrities and even royals flew in for his son’s wedding, which was held at the lodge.
