The board of South African Airways (SAA) has announced the resignation of its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), John Lamola.
In a statement, the board and Transport Minister Barbara Creecy confirmed that his departure has been accepted and will take effect at the end of the month.
Lamola, who took over in May 2022, led the national carrier through its recovery following business rescue and the challenges that followed the COVID-19 pandemic.
While the reasons behind his sudden exit remain unclear, his tenure was marked by periods of tension. His appointment had previously been clouded by allegations of political interference involving Deputy President Paul Mashatile and Creecy. However, an investigation by the Public Protector later found no evidence to support those claims.
To maintain stability, the board has appointed Matshela Seshibe, currently CEO of SAA subsidiary Air Chefs, as Acting Group CEO.
The airline says the process to recruit a permanent replacement will begin shortly.
–ChannelAfrica–
