By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The South African Airways (SAA) Group CEO Professor John Lamola has resigned with effect from the end of April 2026, after helping return the airline to profitability.
In Friday’s statement SAA said that the board has appointed Matshela Seshibe, the CEO of SAA’s subsidiary company, Air Chefs, as the acting group CEO.
“The process to recruit the permanent group CEO will commence shortly,” SAA said.
“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 board chairperson Sedzani Mudau.
His resignation has been accepted by Transport Minister Barbara Creecy in her capacity as shareholder representative.
Lamola 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, after a recruitment process that was later red-flagged for alleged interference from Creecy and deputy president Paul Mashatile.
SAA recently announced that it had returned to profit after a loss-making year, with the group reporting a profit of R155 million for the year ending March 2025. The airline made a profit of R30 million during the same period.
Meanwhile a Public Protector investigation has found allegations that Creecy and Mashatile improperly interfered in the process to appoint Lamola were not substantiated.
The investigation also found that allegations that Mashatile and Creecy breached clauses of the Executive Ethics Code by acting in a manner inconsistent with their positions – by using their positions or any information entrusted to them to enrich themselves and by using information received in confidence in the course of their duties other than in connection with the discharge of their duties during their involvement in the recruitment and selection of the SAA CEO – were also not substantiated.
The Public Protector investigation followed a complaint lodged by the Democratic Alliance (DA) in February 2025.
Public Protector Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka said in the investigation report that the appointment of Lamola as SAA CEO followed a recruitment process, including shortlisting, interviews, and competency assessments.