Professor John Lamola is no longer the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of South African Airways.
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In a significant development for the national flag carrier, South African Airways (SAA) has officially accepted the resignation of Group Chief Executive Officer, Professor John Lamola.
Effective from the end of April 2026, this decision follows a recent Board meeting attended by the Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, who serves as the shareholder representative.
Creecy and the Board extended their heartfelt appreciation to Professor Lamola for his dedicated service during a transformative period for SAA.
He initially joined the organisation in July 2021 as a Non-Executive Director and Chairperson of the Board, later assuming the role of GCEO in May 2022.
Leading SAA through a tumultuous chapter marked by the airline's emergence from business rescue and the continuing fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic, Lamola’s guidance has been hailed as crucial in restoring the airline’s fortunes.
"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," stated Sedzani Mudau, Chairperson of the Board.
Under Lamola’s stewardship, SAA embarked on a disciplined reconstruction strategy, which successfully revitalised its operations despite an uphill battle against economic adversities.
His tenure saw the airline expand its fleet from five to an impressive 19 aircraft and grow its route network from six to 17 destinations.
The revival also included reinstating key international routes to locations such as São Paulo, Brazil, and Perth, Australia, as well as bolstering its domestic offerings.
With the departure of Lamola, the Board has appointed Matshela Seshibe, CEO of SAA’s subsidiary company Air Chefs, as the Acting GCEO.
The search for a permanent replacement is set to commence shortly, with the Board expressing confidence in the remaining 10 Board members to effectively fulfil their fiduciary duties, despite the recent resignation of three Board members for various reasons.
SAA said it remains committed to leadership continuity and operational stability amidst ongoing challenges facing the aviation industry, such as surging aviation fuel costs linked to geopolitical developments in the Middle East.
The airline, like many around the world, continues to navigate these external pressures as it strives for recovery and growth in a highly competitive market.
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