SAA CEO John Lamola and Three Board Members Resign

Professor John Lamola has resigned as the Group CEO of South African Airways (SAA), with his departure taking effect at the end of April 2026. The resignation was confirmed by the airline on April 10, 2026.

The SAA Board and Transport Minister Barbara Creecy have both confirmed the acceptance of the resignation. The announcement comes alongside the news that three members of the SAA board have also resigned for varying reasons.

Interim Leadership and Succession

To maintain operational stability, the board has appointed Matshela Seshibe as the Acting Group CEO. Seshibe currently serves as the CEO of Air Chefs, a subsidiary of SAA.

The airline stated that the recruitment process to find a permanent successor for the Group CEO position will begin shortly.

Tenure and Corporate Recovery

Professor Lamola first joined the organization in July 2021, serving as a non-executive director and chairperson of the board. He subsequently assumed the role of Group CEO in May 2022.

During his leadership, Lamola guided the national carrier through its recovery following business rescue and the volatile period following the COVID-19 pandemic.

His appointment was previously marked by allegations of improper interference involving Minister Barbara Creecy and Deputy President Paul Mashatile. However, a subsequent investigation conducted by the Public Protector found that those claims were unsubstantiated.

Sedzani Mudau, the chairperson of the SAA board, stated that Professor Lamola has played a pivotal role in rebuilding South African Airways and positioning it for sustained success. Mudau added that Lamola’s leadership during a complex and demanding period has left a lasting and positive legacy on the organisation.