Public Enterprises Minister Malusi Gigaba is likely to announce a new chief executive for troubled South African Airways (SAA) by month-end.
He also indicated he was expecting the draft turnaround strategy for the national carrier at the same time.
“The appointment of a new chief executive is underway. We should make an announcement by the end of the month,” he told a supplier development summit in Midrand this week.
On Monday Gigaba’s department said acting chief executive Vuyisile Kona, currently on precautionary suspension, had been removed from the board. This followed a shareholder meeting. The Minister adopted the resolution paving the way for Kona’s removal after the board meeting, constituted in terms of Section 71 of the Companies Act.
He said it was “prudent and in the interest of SAA” that there be stability and cohesion in the airline’s leadership.
He added the latest SAA turnaround strategy had been discussed at “great length” and he was expecting a submission by month-end.
While government waits, the DA has again called for drastic action to end the turbulent conditions at SAA.
Natasha Michael, shadow public enterprises minister, wants to see immediate steps taken to privatise the national carrier as well as correct appointments to be made.
“Positions must be filled by what the applicant knows and not who the applicant is connected to. Minister Gigaba cannot treat this as business as usual any longer. South Africa needs a plan to fix SAA,” she said.
She will be pushing for strict financial controls as well as a comprehensive investigation into all allegations levelled against the national carrier.
