The FINANCIAL — The carrier was awarded Level 2 contributor status for its Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment efforts, an over-achievement as Mango achieves its status one year ahead of schedule.
This is the second year in a row that Mango leads the industry as the airline’s concerted efforts of inclusive participation and community engagement pay social dividends, according to Mango.
“Mango is an airline for all the people of South Africa,” says chief executive Nico Bezuidenhout, “and our pursuit of inclusion and participation reflects more than just compliance, but rather an ideal.” He says that three years ago the carrier embarked on a journey that saw introspection across the business and identification of opportunity. “The process examined every area of the airline as we sought to develop a roadmap to implement transformation internally while also, hopefully, sparking inspiration among our peers to follow suit.” Bezuidenhout says that while Mango’s programme is ongoing, achieving Level 2 status ahead of schedule is immensely pleasing.
The airline is community focused and has reached more than 60 000 learners with its Career Days hosted across the country. “From outreaches such as our careers programme, our intake of interns en-masse earlier this year through to procurement. Our across the board approach is intended not only to support transformation today, but also to provide the next generation with the beginnings of opportunity.” Transformation of Mango’s pilot body also exceeds targets. “Our intent was to achieve 10% in terms of transformation amongst our pilots,” says Bezuidenhout, “however the large available talent pool has allowed Mango to already move beyond our intent.”
Mango intends to continue fulfilling its socio-economic role. “From the get-go Mango wanted to accomplish its goal as an active corporate citizen and a member of the community in every area that we fly to. I hope that we are able to continue leading the aviation industry in the right direction toward inclusive participation with purpose, for all South Africans.”
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