South African Airways (SAA) has announced the resignation of its Group Chief Executive Officer, Professor John Lamola, effective at the end of April 2025.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy, in her capacity as shareholder representative, and the SAA Board have accepted the resignation. In a joint statement, they thanked Lamola for his leadership in steering the national carrier through its recovery following business rescue and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Professor Lamola has played a pivotal role in rebuilding South African Airways and positioning it for sustained success,” the airline said.
To ensure stability, the Board has appointed Matshela Seshibe, currently CEO of SAA subsidiary Air Chefs, as acting Group CEO. The process to recruit a permanent successor will begin shortly.
Lamola first joined SAA in July 2021 as a non-executive director and board chairperson before taking the top executive role in 2022. His departure comes as the airline continues its post-rescue turnaround, which has included returning to profitability and expanding routes without further government bailouts.