South African Airways places acting CEO on special leave

South African Airways (SAA) has placed its acting group chief executive officer, Matshela Seshibe, on special leave with immediate effect pending the outcome of an internal process, the airline’s board said on August 14.

The board said the decision should not be interpreted as a finding of wrongdoing, describing it instead as a governance measure intended to protect the airline while the internal process is underway, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

The move reflected the board’s “unwavering commitment to the highest standards of good governance, accountability, integrity and leadership”, according to the statement.

SAA said the decision was also part of the board’s fiduciary duty to “safeguard the interests of SAA, its employees, customers, partners and other stakeholders while ensuring that the organisation continues to operate with stability and confidence”.

“We recognise the responsibility entrusted to us and will continue to act decisively and in the best interests of the airline and all of its stakeholders,” the chairperson said.

To ensure operational continuity, the board appointed SAA’s chief legal officer, Koekie Mbeki, as acting CEO with immediate effect.

The board said Mbeki had the institutional experience required for the role after spending 10 years at SAA. It expressed confidence that she would provide “leadership, continuity and stability” during the transition.

The leadership change comes after several turbulent months for the South African flag carrier, which has issued a series of formal denials in response to negative media coverage and faced renewed scrutiny over historical procurement issues.

The airline did not provide further details about the internal process involving Seshibe.

By Sabina Mammadli