South African Airways has placed acting group chief executive Matshela Seshibe on special leave with immediate effect and appointed chief legal officer Koekie Mbeki as acting group CEO. The abrupt change comes only four months after Seshibe’s appointment and leaves the state-owned carrier under fresh leadership as it manages an internal process linked to governance concerns.
The board gave no detailed explanation for the move, saying only that the decision was taken pending an internal process and reflected its focus on governance, accountability, integrity and leadership. Seshibe was appointed in April after John Lamola resigned, but his tenure has now been cut short amid unconfirmed reports of possible irregularities linked to Air Chefs, SAA’s catering subsidiary.
Seshibe told media he was aware of an internal process relating to his time at Air Chefs, although the precise allegations had not been formally put to him. The leadership change adds to a period of executive instability at one of South Africa’s key flag carriers, where continuity and oversight remain central concerns.