Following a Board meeting, the Minister of Transport, Ms Barbara Creecy, in her capacity as shareholder representative, together with the Board of South African Airways (SAA), has accepted the resignation of Group Chief Executive Officer, Professor John Lamola, with effect from the end of April 2026.
The Minister and the 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 GCEO in May 2022.
Professor Lamola took on the leadership of SAA at a critical juncture, as the airline emerged from business rescue and navigated the lingering effects of 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.
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.
“Professor Lamola has played a pivotal role in rebuilding South African Airways and positioning it for sustained success. His leadership during a complex and demanding period has left a lasting and positive legacy on the organisation,” said the Chairperson of the Board, Ms Sedzani Mudau.
The Board has appointed Mr Matshela Seshibe, the Chief Executive Officer of SAA’s subsidiary company, Air Chefs, as the Acting GCEO. The process to recruit the permanent GCEO will commence shortly.
The Board has 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.
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.
