SAA’s Former Acting CEO Matshela Seshibe.
South African Airways (SAA) has been plunged into fresh leadership uncertainty after its board placed acting Group CEO Matshela Seshibe on “special leave” with immediate effect on Aug. 14, pending an internal process whose nature has not been disclosed.
Chief Legal Officer Koekie Mbeki has stepped in as acting Group CEO with immediate effect.
The board gave no detail on why Seshibe was sidelined or how long the process might take, saying only that the move reflects SAA’s commitment to good governance, accountability, integrity and leadership, and protects the interests of the airline, its staff, customers and partners.
“We recognize the responsibility entrusted to us and will continue to act decisively and in the best interests of the airline and all of its stakeholders,” said board chairperson Sedzani Mudau.
Seshibe, who previously headed SAA’s Air Chefs division, was named acting CEO only four months ago following the sudden resignation of former CEO John Lamola. The carrier has now had 10 CEOs in 10 years.
The shake-up comes despite signs of financial stabilization. In February, SAA reported a ZAR155 million ($9.6 million) full-year net profit—its second consecutive year of profitability since exiting business rescue in April 2021.
Speaking to Aviation Week in June, Seshibe said SAA remained focused on building a sustainable business even as questions persisted over whether it might eventually need further state support. The South African government has pledged no further bailouts since SAA exited business rescue.
The board said Mbeki brings extensive institutional knowledge, having served the organization for the past ten years, and expressed confidence she will provide the leadership, continuity and stability needed as the airline continues to execute its strategy.
The leadership change lands as SAA pushes to expand internationally, including recent partnerships with Turkish Airlines and Emirates.
Current OAG data shows the carrier is set to offer 336,961 seats in August 2026, up 3.2% year over year across 19 airport pairs, versus 17 a year earlier, with O.R. Tambo International Airport handling 95.8% of capacity.
Domestic capacity rose 5.9% and African capacity grew 2%, while long-haul capacity fell 13% to 17,060 seats. SAA holds an 11% domestic market share, ranking third behind FlySafair and Airlink.
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