Final nail in SAA coffin? Acting CEO placed on ‘special leave’
· The South African
South African Airways (SAA) has placed Acting Group Chief Executive Officer Matshela Seshibe on special leave with immediate effect, just four months after he took over the leadership of the national carrier.
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SAA confirmed the decision on Friday, saying Seshibe will remain on special leave pending the outcome of an internal process.
The board has not disclosed what prompted the process or provided details about its nature.
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The move comes after Seshibe was appointed acting Group CEO in April following the departure of Professor John Lamola.
Before taking over at SAA, Seshibe served as CEO of the airline’s catering subsidiary, Air Chefs.
His appointment to lead the airline attracted scrutiny at the time, particularly over his previous executive role at Daybreak Farms and questions about his aviation experience. SAA defended the appointment at the time.
Koekie Mbeki takes over
SAA’s Chief Legal Officer, Koekie Mbeki, has been appointed Acting Group CEO with immediate effect.
The board said the appointment is intended to ensure leadership continuity and operational stability while the internal process involving Seshibe is underway.
Mbeki has extensive institutional knowledge of SAA from her senior legal roles within the airline.
SAA chairperson Sedzani Faith Mudau said the decision reflected the board’s commitment to good governance, accountability, integrity and leadership, as well as its responsibility to protect the interests of the airline, its employees, customers and other stakeholders.
Another leadership shake-up
Seshibe’s removal comes at a sensitive time for SAA, which has undergone several leadership changes this year.
Lamola’s departure in April was followed by Seshibe’s appointment on an acting basis, leaving the airline without a permanent Group CEO.
The latest development means Mbeki will now oversee the airline while the internal process continues.