African National Congress Youth League president Julius Malema has called for South African Airways boss Khaya Ngqula to step down.

Malema addressed dozens of SAA staff members who were demonstrating outside OR Tambo International Airport on Wednesday.

The SAA employees are demanding that the airline stops using labour brokers and extends retention bonuses to all employees.

"The president of the youth league was going in solidarity with the striking workers, but as well calling for the resignation immediately of Khaya Ngqula, because he has not been doing any good to SAA", the ANCYL's Floyd Shivambu said.