Suitcaseman
As you are aware, I seldom post on this site. However, as you are also aware, this one is close to home!
One of the reasons why I've pursued my career in the UK (apart from the sunny weather
) is the application of the above policy, in my instance, after passing all the psycho, sim and interview processes. No official letter but a selection board member told me that I was of the wrong "demographic" when I called to find out whether I had made it or not (I had passed the interview process and was to be in the next group to be employed). This was in 2005 and I decided not to wait any longer as I wasn't getting any younger. I know that they have subsequently employed pale males, when absolutely necessary, but it appears that this could still be the "unofficial" recruitment policy.
Pity that this policy, whatever you want to call it, is in place as SAA is still a desirable airline to work for. Further to that, it resulted in me totally disinvesting in SA and emigrating. I don't think that I'm the only one either!