Analysts are warning that South African Airways continued recovery may not be as solid as it has been portrayed after group chief executive officer, Professor John Lamola, resigned on Friday.
The company has appointed an acting chief – catering subsidiary Air Chefs had Matshela Seshibe – while it looks to recruit a permanent successor. Lamola’s resignation follows recent resignation of three Board members “for varying reasons”.
Lamola will step down at the end of April 2026, after four years of leading the airline. During his tenure, the Auditor-General’s website lists qualified audits for each of the reporting periods under his watch, while the 2025 annual report was questioned and criticised by analysts.
Following a Board meeting, the Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, in her capacity as shareholder representative, together with the Board of SAA accepted his resignation.
The South African Cabin Crew Association said Lamola’s sudden resignation couldn’t have come at a worse time, as it was in the middle of seeking clarity on the non-renewal of contracts for several members.
“It comes at the wrong time,” the association’s Christopher Shabangu told SABC News.
“As we speak, we have important issues we were hoping the CEO was going to deal with. That includes contracts that have been ended for about 67 employees – cabin crew. Twenty-three have left before yesterday.
“So it is a concern. We have a GM [General Manager] who left at the end of March. We have contracts with Turkish Airlines that have ended. It would seem there is some kind of moratorium both in employing people and acquiring aircrafts.”
Lamola’s distinguished service
The Minister and the Board extended their “sincere appreciation” to Professor Lamola for his dedicated and distinguished service to the national flag carrier.
The board said he had led SAA during a defining period in its history, having 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.
Professor Lamola took on the leadership of SAA at a critical juncture, as the airline emerged from business rescue and navigated the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his stewardship, SAA implemented a disciplined and focused rebuilding strategy, restoring operations and re-establishing its position within a highly competitive global aviation market.
Supported by a committed and resilient workforce, the airline expanded its fleet from five to 19 aircraft and grew its route network from six to 17 destinations.
This included the reintroduction of key international routes such as São Paulo, Brazil, and Perth, Australia, alongside the strengthening of its domestic footprint.
“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.
“The Minister of Transport, as shareholder representative, has expressed confidence that the remaining 10 Board members possess the requisite expertise and experience to continue discharging their fiduciary duties effectively,” the airline said in a statement.
The Board and executive management remain firmly committed to ensuring leadership continuity and maintaining operational stability. Like many global airlines, SAA continues to contend with external pressures, including rising aviation fuel costs linked to geopolitical developments in the Middle East, which are impacting the broader industry.
