- SAA suspends acting CEO Matshela Seshibe pending investigation
- Investigation relates to Seshibe’s tenure as Air Chefs CEO
- Koekie Mbeki appointed acting group CEO
- Follows previous CEO resignation and board resignations
- Auditor-General disclaimed SAA financial accounts for 2024/25
South African Airways is seeking its third CEO in four months as acting CEO Matshela Seshibehas been place don “special leave.”
South African Airways has suspended acting group CEO Matshela Seshibe from his duties pending the outcome of an internal investigation, barely four months since his appointment on May 1, 2026. The SAA board confirmed the decision, placing Seshibe on special leave pending an internal process related to his tenure as CEO of subsidiary Air Chefs. The board stated that the decision reflected its commitment to good governance, accountability, integrity and leadership, safeguarding airline interests while ensuring operational stability.
Seshibe’s suspension follows whistle-blower allegations related to procurement matters during his time at Air Chefs, according to reports from The Sunday Times. Seshibe stated that precise allegations have not been formally put to him and that he would not speculate about matters he has not had the opportunity to consider. Transport minister Barbara Creecy confirmed awareness of the board’s governance process and stated she was monitoring the situation to ensure airline operations remain stable and uncompromised.
Chief legal officer Koekie Mbeki has been appointed acting group CEO with immediate effect, moved from subsidiary SAA Technical where she had been acting CEO. Seshibe’s suspension follows the resignation of former group CEO John Lamola in April 2026 and the resignation of three board members after the Auditor-General of South Africa issued a disclaimed audit opinion on SAA’s financial accounts. The Auditor-General found SAA’s financial statements were not a true reflection of its financial position, citing incomplete registers, withheld information and a culture of impunity that allowed employees to act without consequence.
Following the abrupt suspension of acting chief Matshela Seshibe, the airline appointed its Chief Legal Officer, Koekie Mbeki, as the new acting Group CEO. The rapid leadership turnover includes several key transitions:
- April 2026: CEO John Lamola resigned suddenly along with three board members.
- April 2026: Matshela Seshibe, previously head of the airline’s catering subsidiary Air Chefs, stepped in as acting CEO. His appointment drew intense criticism over his lack of commercial aviation experience and past governance questions.
- August 14, 2026: The SAA board placed Seshibe on immediate special leave pending an internal governance investigation. Sources report the probe stems from an anonymous whistleblower complaint involving procurement lapses during his time at Air Chefs.
SAA board chairperson Sedzani Mudau shared the board continues to act decisively in the best interests of the airline and all stakeholders.
Transport minister Barbara Creecy shared I am keeping an eye on the governance process while ensuring airline operations remain stable.
