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South African Airways (SAA) CEO Professor John Lamola has resigned and will vacate the post at the end of April, the airline confirmed on Friday afternoon.
It also said three board members had resigned, without naming them.
However, industry insiders say it is a broader “bloodletting” at the national airline, which includes the group’s chief financial officer.
Lamola’s resignation comes on the same day that news broke of the Public Protector exonerating Deputy President Paul Mashatile and Transport Minister Barbara Creecy for allegedly improperly interfering in the process to appoint the SAA CEO last year.
SAA said in a statement that following a board meeting, Creecy, in her capacity as shareholder representative, together with the SAA board, has accepted the resignation of Lamola, with effect from the end of April 2026.
Aviation analyst Guy Leitch claimed in social media posts that besides the three non-executive board member resignations, the group’s “CFO retired a few days ago”.
“The minister and board extend their sincere appreciation to Professor Lamola for his dedicated and distinguished service to the national flag carrier. He has led SAA during a defining period in its history, having first joined the organisation in July 2021 as a non-executive director and chairperson of the board, before assuming the role of (interim) Group CEO in May 2022,” the SAA statement read.
Lamola was officially appointed group CEO last year after a recruitment process that was later red-flagged for alleged interference from Creecy and Mashatile by the Democratic Alliance, which asked the Public Protector’s office to investigate.
In Friday’s statement, SAA said the board had appointed Matshela Seshibe, the CEO of SAA’s subsidiary company, Air Chefs, as the acting group CEO.
It added that the process to recruit a permanent group CEO will commence shortly.
The SAA board said it also noted the recent resignation of three board members for varying reasons.
“The Minister of Transport, as shareholder representative, has expressed confidence that the remaining 10 board members possess the requisite expertise and experience to continue discharging their fiduciary duties effectively,” it said.
“The board and executive management remain firmly committed to ensuring leadership continuity and maintaining operational stability.
Like many global airlines, SAA continues to contend with external pressures, including rising aviation fuel costs linked to geopolitical developments in the Middle East, which are impacting the broader industry,” it added.
SAA highlighted that Lamola took on the leadership of SAA at a critical juncture, as the airline emerged from business rescue and had to navigate the fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Under his stewardship, SAA implemented a disciplined and focused rebuilding strategy, restoring operations and re-establishing its position within a highly competitive global aviation market,” it said.
“Supported by a committed and resilient workforce, the airline expanded its fleet from five to 19 aircraft and grew its route network from six to 17 destinations.
This included the reintroduction of key international routes such as São Paulo, Brazil; and Perth, Australia, alongside the strengthening of its domestic footprint, SAA added.
“Professor Lamola has played a pivotal role in rebuilding SAA and positioning it for sustained success.
“His leadership during a complex and demanding period has left a lasting and positive legacy on the organisation,” commented SAA board chairperson Sedzani Mudau. – Moneyweb
