Executive Appointments & Leadership Moves Africa Airlines

South African Airways CEO Prof. John Lamola resigns; Matshela Seshibe named acting group CEO

South African Airways has announced the resignation of group CEO Prof. John Lamola, effective at the end of April 2026. Air Chefs CEO Matshela Seshibe will assume the acting group CEO role, while the board says the search for a permanent CEO will begin “shortly.”

Discovered 2026-04-12T14:53:51.897473-07:00 | 2026-04-12T14:53:51.897473-07:00

Briefing

What Hype is tracking

Leadership change at SAA’s group level will shape how the flag carrier continues its ongoing turnaround and CEO succession plan after Lamola’s departure (background: SAA CEO John Lamola to step down end-April; SAA names Matshela Seshibe’s Air Chefs chief as acting leader).
The appointment of Air Chefs CEO Matshela Seshibe as acting group CEO signals near-term management continuity across the group’s operational structure while a permanent search is launched.
For partners and suppliers, the change affects governance, commercial decision timelines, and execution of strategy during a critical period for SAA’s stability and performance.

Reported By

airliners.de flightlineweekly.com thesouthafrican.com Aviation Week AeroTime aerotelegraph.com