South African Airways Appoints Matshela Seshibe as Acting CEO Amid Scrutiny
On Monday, South African Airways (SAA) confirmed the appointment of Matshela Seshibe as the airline’s acting chief executive officer, succeeding John Lamola who resigned earlier this month. The carrier described the move as “historic” and emphasised that allegations raised against Seshibe in previous employment are unfounded.
Background of the Appointment
Lamola’s resignation took effect at the end of April 2025, prompting the SAA board to seek an interim leader. According to the airline’s statement, three additional board members also stepped down recently “for various reasons,” leaving ten members to continue oversight. Transport Minister Barbara Creecy expressed confidence that the remaining board possesses the expertise needed to guide the airline through its recovery phase.
Seshibe currently heads SAA’s Air Chefs division, a subsidiary responsible for inflight catering. Prior to joining SAA, he held senior roles at several multinational firms, accumulating more than three decades of leadership experience in sectors ranging from consumer goods to logistics.
Addressing Allegations
Recent media coverage linked Seshibe to a procurement investigation that occurred during his tenure at Daybreak Farms, a poultry producer owned by the Public Investment Corporation (PIC). Critics claimed he had been suspended over irregularities, prompting concerns about his suitability for the top post.
In its Monday statement, SAA did not name Daybreak Farms directly but clarified that “the matter in question dates back to Mr. Seshibe’s previous tenure outside SAA and was subject to due process at that time. It was fully investigated and finally resolved, with the allegations found to be without merit.” The airline added that it is “concerned about the continued recycling of unsubstantiated claims that have already been addressed.” [1]
Independent fact‑checking by TimesLIVE confirmed that the PIC’s internal review concluded no misconduct was substantiated, and the matter was closed in 2022.
Board’s Due Diligence Process
SAA asserted that its board performed the necessary governance and due‑diligence checks before confirming Seshibe’s acting role. The process included:
- Review of Seshibe’s professional track record and references.
- Verification of conflict‑of‑interest disclosures.
- Assessment of his familiarity with airline governance, following his work with Air Chefs.
- Confirmation that the appointment complies with the Public Finance Management Act and King IV™ principles.
The board concluded that Seshibe demonstrates “leadership, integrity and the ability to lead the organization through the next phase.” [2]
Experience and Leadership Qualifications
Seshibe’s résumé highlights more than 30 years of executive experience, including:
- Senior management positions at global consumer‑goods companies, where he oversaw supply‑chain optimisation and cost‑reduction initiatives.
- Leadership of a multinational logistics division that managed annual freight volumes exceeding 2 million tonnes.
- Strategic oversight of Air Chefs, which prepares over 12 million meals annually for SAA and partner airlines.
The airline argues that this background equips him to navigate SAA’s current operational complexities, including fleet utilisation, revenue management, and stakeholder relations.
Challenges Facing SAA
Since emerging from corporate rescue in April 2021, SAA has confronted a series of headwinds:
- The COVID‑19 pandemic slashed international passenger demand by more than 70 % in 2020‑21, a shock from which the carrier is still recovering.
- Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have driven jet fuel prices up roughly 25 % year‑on‑year, pressurising operating margins.
- Ongoing efforts to modernise the fleet and improve on‑time performance require significant capital investment.
- Governance scrutiny remains high, with recent investigations into political interference in executive appointments.
These factors underscore the importance of stable, experienced leadership as the airline seeks to return to sustainable profitability.
Broader Governance Context
The appointment follows a Public Protector investigation that cleared Deputy President Paul Mashatile and Minister Barbara Creecy of wrongdoing related to the earlier selection of John Lamola. [3] The probe stemmed from allegations of informal interviews conducted outside the formal board process—a concern that SAA says it has addressed by adhering to transparent, merit‑based procedures for Seshibe’s interim role.
Analysts note that SAA’s ability to rebuild public trust hinges on consistent application of governance standards, transparent communication, and demonstrable improvements in operational performance.
Conclusion
South African Airways’ decision to appoint Matshela Seshibe as acting CEO reflects a blend of confidence in his leadership pedigree and a commitment to addressing past controversies through documented due diligence. While critics remain watchful, the airline’s emphasis on fact‑based responses and governance compliance aims to reassure stakeholders that the carrier is moving toward stability.
As SAA continues to navigate post‑pandemic recovery and volatile fuel markets, the effectiveness of its interim leadership will be closely monitored by investors, employees, and the travelling public.
References
- [1] South African Airways. “Statement on Acting CEO Appointment.” 28 April 2025. flysaa.com/news/statement-acting-ceo
- [2] SAA Board Governance Report. “Due Diligence Process for Executive Appointments.” March 2025.
- [3] Office of the Public Protector. “Report on Allegations of Political Interference in SAA CEO Appointment.” 15 February 2025. pprotect.org.za/reports/2025/saa-ceo-appointment
- TimesLIVE. “SAA defends Matshela Seshibe’s appointment amid procurement allegations.” 28 April 2025. timeslive.co.za/politics/2025-04-28-saa-defends-seshibe-appointment”
- Business Day.
