South African Airlines will from today only accept RTGS payment for same day travel. This was revealed in a statement released by the airliner. The Statement reads as follows:
Dear Travel Partners
With Immediate Effect (21 February 2019 00:01 AM):
In view of the Monetary Policy Statement announced 20 February 2019, clarity is being sought from the RBZ as to the implications of further collections in RTGS for air tickets issued after 20 February 2019.
THEREFORE AS A TEMPORARY MEASURE, TICKETS CAN BE ISSUED ONLY FOR SAME DAY AND NOT BEYOND. UPDATES WILL FOLLOW ONCE CLARITY HAS BEEN RECEIVED.
Our offices will make use of the BSP link to monitor ALL TICKETS issued by ALL AGENTS and any tickets issued outside these parameters will have their status change to “R” (Refund) and will only be good for a refund. Normal cancellation penalties will apply. Where customers want to pay for their tickets outside these parameters, they are welcome to do so in USD CASH or CREDIT CARD.
All agents are encouraged to advise their clients accordingly, as no exceptions, waivers or negotiations will be entered into. Please adhere to this instruction so as to avoid inconvenience to yourself and our mutual customers.
We look forward to your usual cooperation as this is a Temporary Measure.
With Kind Regards
Winnie Muchanyuka
Acting Regional Manager Southern Africa
the need to adhere to commonly accepted international protocols may generate other sentiments yet this move is financially sound for the South African economy, is it not that one of the key pillars of the RBZ Policy Statement adherence to International Financial Reporting Standards.