By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The acting Group CEO of state-owned airline South African Airways (SAA), Matshela Seshibe has been placed on special leave with immediate effect, the airline announced.
Seshibe was appointed in April 2026 following the resignation of Prof John Lamola, which came alongside the departure of three board members and the retirement of acting CFO Lindsay Olitzki.
Seshibe had no prior airline experience, having joined SAA as CEO of its catering subsidiary Air Chefs, a role in which he was credited with a turnaround. Before that, he held leadership positions at Unilever, SABMiller, Coca-Cola and Tiger Brands, and served as managing director of Albany Bakeries.
The announcement gives no indication on the decision to suspend him, SAA said it would not comment further on the matter beyond the chairperson’s message.
Chief Legal Officer Koekie Mbeki has been appointed Acting GCEO in his place.
“The board of SAA has resolved to place the acting Group CEO, Matshela Seshibe, on special leave, with immediate effect, pending the outcome of an internal process,” it said in the statement.
“The decision reflects the board’s unwavering commitment to the highest standards of good governance, accountability, integrity and leadership.”
“It is also consistent with the board’s responsibility 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,” the airline added.
“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” commented SAA board chair, Sedzani Mudau.
“To ensure leadership continuity and operational stability, the board has appointed the Chief Legal Officer, Ms Koekie Mbeki as acting group CEO with immediate effect,” it said.
The board noted that “Mbeki brings extensive institutional knowledge and experience of SAA, having served the organisation for the past ten years”.
“The board is confident that, in her acting capacity, she will provide the leadership, continuity and stability required as SAA continues to execute its strategy and deliver on its mandate,” it added.
SAA has now had three changes at the top of its executive structure since April, on top of board departures earlier in the year. The airline continues to operate under scrutiny from the Auditor-General, which has flagged material uncertainties about its status as a going concern and criticised the quality of its financial statements over seven consecutive years.