By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy has announced leadership changes across transport entities amid the governance failures and operational bottlenecks, particularly within the Road Accident Fund (RAF), South African Airways (SAA) and Transnet.
Addressing the media in Pretoria on Friday, Creecy confirmed that Cabinet had approved the appointment of an interim board for the Road Accident Fund (RAF) following the dissolution of its previous board in July.
The RAF has been in crisis for several years and its embattled CEO, Collins Letsoalo, was recently suspended due to staggering overspending and unqualified audits.
The move came after what she described as “serious governance failures” and neglect of fiduciary duties, which had led to operational instability and frequent default judgments against the entity.
“It became urgent and necessary to close the governance vacuum in the RAF leadership, the Interim Board will provide strategic direction, restore financial and governance stability, and work towards fulfilling the RAF’s critical mandate to the public,” said Creecy.
The interim board will be chaired by Kenneth Brown, with Nonhlanhla Mabusela-Aikhuere as vice-chairperson.
Other members include Ntswaki Kutumela, Innocentia Mmule Pule, Richard Dyantyi, Mpontshane Alfred Mkhipheni, Alfredina Themba, and Neeshan Balton.
They will serve for six months or until a permanent board is appointed.
The Transport Department is also finalising the Road Accident Benefit Scheme Bill, which would introduce a no-fault system and a defined schedule of benefits as part of efforts to reduce contingent liabilities.
Creecy also announced a new board for South African Airways (SAA), led by chairperson Sedzani Faith Mudau, a qualified chartered accountant and former SAA employee.
The airline, which has returned to profitability after emerging from business rescue in 2021, aims to grow its fleet from 20 to more than 50 aircraft by 2030 without relying on new government guarantees.
“I am confident this new board will build on the strong foundation laid by the outgoing interim board, using the airline’s debt-free balance sheet and ring-fenced liquidity, they will implement a bold fleet expansion plan to ensure SAA remains competitive and financially independent,” Creecy added.
In a third key appointment, Creecy confirmed that Khulekelwe Glynnis Mbonambi, a chartered accountant, has been appointed as a non-executive director on the Transnet board.
The appointment, she said, would help strengthen the company’s financial oversight as it works to stabilise operations and improve freight logistics and port services.
At Transnet, which has seen almost as many challenges as the RAF regarding allegations of mismanagement and corruption, Creecy appointed Khulekelwe Glynnis Mbonambi as a non-executive director for the remainder of the board’s first term, which expires in July 2026.
A chartered accountant, she “brings much needed financial skill to the organisation”, said Creecy.
The minister said this was “especially important today as we navigate Transnet towards financial stability… important determinants for gaining required operational efficiencies so desperately needed in freight logistics, port services, contributing to trade growth and job creation”.