South African Airways Suspends Acting CEO Amid Governance Concerns

South African Airways has taken swift action against its acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Matshela Seshibe, amid growing concerns over the airline's governance and financial standing.

Seshibe had been in the post for just four months, having been appointed in April 2026 following the resignation of previous CEO, John Lamola. Lamola took up the role of CEO in 2022, shortly after South African Airways completed a thorough restructuring.

The airline has faced significant challenges in recent years. Between 2019 and 2021, it was virtually bankrupt and reduced to a skeleton fleet of only six aircraft. However, under Lamola's leadership, the airline's fleet had grown to 19 aircraft by August 2026.

Despite posting a profit of 155 million Rand (US$9.5 million) in the 2024/25 fiscal year, the office of the Auditor-General has questioned the airline's financial accounts and its future viability as an operating concern.

A statement on the carrier's website announced that the board had placed Seshibe on special leave, pending the outcome of an internal process. South African Airways' Chief Legal Officer, Koekie Mbeki, has been appointed as Acting Group Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect.

While no specific reasons have been provided for Seshibe's dismissal, reports in South African media suggest that the discovery of potential irregularities at Air Chefs, the airline's catering subsidiary, may have played a role. Seshibe had previously led Air Chefs.

## Governance Concerns at South African Airways

The suspension of Seshibe comes as the airline faces growing scrutiny over its governance and financial standing. The office of the Auditor-General has questioned the airline's financial accounts, citing concerns over its future viability.

## Restructuring and Financial Challenges

South African Airways has faced significant financial challenges in recent years. Between 2019 and 2021, the airline was virtually bankrupt and reduced to a skeleton fleet of only six aircraft. However, under Lamola's leadership, the airline's fleet had grown to 19 aircraft by August 2026.

## Leadership Changes at South African Airways

The suspension of Seshibe marks the latest in a series of leadership changes at South African Airways. The airline has seen 15 CEOs since 2010, with Lamola's tenure as CEO being a relatively long period of stability.

| CEO | Tenure | Fleet Size (August 2026) | | --- | --- | --- | | John Lamola | 2022 - April 2026 | 19 | | Matshela Seshibe | April 2026 - August 14, 2026 | 19 | | Koekie Mbeki | August 14, 2026 - present | 19 |