New Board Members Appointed at ACSA
The Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has welcomed eight fresh faces to its board as it pushes forward a massive R21‑billion plan to modernise and innovate its airports. The goal is to boost connectivity, improve the passenger experience, and make operations more resilient.
Who Joined the Board?
- Irvin Phenyane – New Chairman; over 20 years in aviation, former non‑executive director at ACSA and TETA, and Chairman of the Drone Council South Africa.
- Xoliswa Daku – Founder and CEO of DAKU Pty Ltd; nearly 30 years of legal and governance expertise, former Chair of SEDFA and the University of the Western Cape.
- Keitumetse Mahlangu – Licensed attorney with 20+ years in governance, investigations, and transport regulation; served on multiple public‑sector boards and audit committees.
- Surendra Sooklal – Ex‑MTN Group Chief Business Risk Officer; 35+ years in risk management, audit, and governance; previously chaired the Audit and Risk Committee of the South African Civil Aviation Authority.
- Roy Mnisi – Current CEO of Master Builders South Africa; background in legal compliance, governance, and strategic leadership within construction.
- Theunis Chamberlain – Aerospace engineering and ICT leader with 28+ years of experience, including roles at OR Tambo International Airport and various SADC airport projects.
Members Set to Join in August
- Kurt Parker – 26+ years in procurement, supply chain management, and operations strategy.
- Ulandi Exner – Seasoned ICT executive and former chair of the Africa ICT Alliance.
Why These Appointments Matter
ACSA says the new directors bring a blend of aviation know‑how, governance strength, tech insight, and infrastructure experience. This mix is intended to steer the company toward sustainable growth while supporting its long‑term strategy.
Financial Snapshot
For the fiscal year ending March 31 2025, ACSA posted a record net profit of R1.1 billion—more than double the R472 million earned in 2023/24. The board also approved:
- Accrued preference share dividends of R198 million.
- Ordinary share dividends of R113 million for 2024/25.
Looking Ahead
With a 12‑member board now in place, ACSA is positioned to accelerate its airport modernisation and innovation programme. The focus remains on enhancing connectivity, delivering a smoother passenger journey, and building operational resilience across its network.
Conclusion
The recent board reshuffle signals ACSA’s commitment to leveraging diverse expertise as it embarks on a major upgrade of South Africa’s airports. By combining aviation experience with strong governance, technology, and infrastructure skills, the company aims to create a safer, more efficient, and traveller‑friendly future.
