By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) announced eight new board appointments to help drive sustainable growth and strengthen the company’s long-term strategy.
The announcement comes as it is pushing its R21-billion airports upgrade programme, innovation strategy to enhace connectivity, passenger experience and operational resilience.
Acsa also announced a planned leadership transition following the completion of CEO Mpumi Mpofu’s fixed-term tenure.
Mpofu will officially conclude her six-year service at the state-owned organisation on 30 June 2026.
During her six years at the helm, she was tasked with navigating Acsa’s operations through a volatile economic climate and spearheading strategic initiatives aimed at long-term stability.
Charles Shilowa was appointed as the acting CEO, effective 1 July 2026. Shilowa is an internal veteran of the organisation, currently serving as the group executive for capital infrastructure asset management, a position he has held since July 2023.
The transition plan emphasises continuity, with Mpofu remaining in her role until the final day of her contract to work closely with the board, the executive team, and Shilowa.
The new board includes members with experience in aviation infrastructure, engineering, ICT, procurement, risk, governance and supply chain management.
Irvin Phenyane has been named chairperson, alongside new members including Xoliswa Daku, Keitumetse Mahlangu, Surendra Sooklal, Roy Mnisi, Theunis Chamberlain, as well as Kurt Parker and Ulandi Exner.
They will join the board on 6 August 2026, which now consists of 12 members.
ACSA said the appointed individuals bring extensive experience in aviation, governance, ICT and risk management.
The appointments follow a strong financial year for ACSA. It’s turnaround trajectory is evidenced by the delivery of its financial performance for the year ended March 31, 2025, for which it reported a record net profit of R1.1-billion, more than double the R472-million achieved in 2023/24.
The strong financial position resulted in the approval of the payment of R198-million in accrued preference share dividends, and ACSA declared R113-million in ordinary share dividends for 2024/25.
The company highlights that depth of experience will strengthen its ability to enhance connectivity, improve passenger experience, strengthen governance, and deliver on its infrastructure programme while positioning the organisation for sustainable growth.