LANSERIA Airport has distanced itself from Skycare Maintenance company that has been accused of racism.

Five Skycare employees were reportedly asked to pose for a picture by their supervisor, Harry McGarry, in 2009. Then their faces were replaced with those of baboons.

The group alleged that they were called "baboons" and "k*****s" at work.

McGarry has denied the allegations.

One of the men, Moshe Ramahlo, has since left the company. The others are Steven Moekeletsi, Lovemore Mncube, Michael Khumalo and Prince Makhubela.

Airport manager Gavin Sayce said Skycare was a sub-tenant letting premises at the airport. He said the airport condemned the behaviour and though they had no "legal authority" against Skycare, they were pleased action was being taken.

The ANC, DA, Cosatu and Afri Forum have condemned the incident.

ANC spokesman Jackson Mthembu said: "It is an insult and disrespectful."

"Racism must not go unpunished," DA spokesman Mmusi Maimane said.

Cosatu spokesman Patrick Craven has urged employees "not to suffer in silence".

Lobby group Afri Forum spokesman Kallie Kriel condemned the acts. "The dignity of every citizen should be respected," he said.