South African Airways (SAA) now has a permanent CEO, after the country’s cabinet approved the appointment of Professor John Lamola as the group’s CEO.
Professor Lamola has been with the airline since May 2022, serving as its Interim CEO.
The restarted airline, which resumed operations in September 2021, has been without a permanent CEO since its relaunch.
SAA CEO APPOINTMENT
However, Professor Lamola’s appointment is facing a backlash amid claims of political interference.
Kenya Airways’ CEO Allan Kilavuka, who was also a candidate for the top job at South African Airways, was allegedly overlooked in favour of Lamola.
Several political parties in South Africa’s government of national unity (GNU) have called on the country’s cabinet to reject Lamola’s appointment, saying that the appointment was driven by political motives.
APPOINTMENT SPARKS CONTROVERSY
After consulting with South African Airways’ board and the country’s president, South Africa’s Transport Minister, Barbara Creecy, and Deputy President, Paul Mashatile, interviewed candidates.
This included Kenya Airways’ Allan Kilavuka and SAA’s John Lamola.
The CEO appointment was made in favour of Lamola, who has been with SAA for over two years.
CH Aviation states that South Africa’s Democratic Alliance has raised concerns that current SAA chairman Derek Hanekom (an ANC member) may have acted on behalf of the ANC, Thus, compromising the board’s independence.
FOREIGN CEO APPOINTMENTS
In fact, it is not uncommon for airlines to employ foreign nationals in leadership positions.
One only has to think of airlines such as Emirates, Etihad or Air India.
The people leading these organisations are indeed not nationals of these countries.
Tony Douglas and Sir Tim Clark are not Emirati and Campbell Wilson is not Indian.
SUPPORT FOR NEW SAA CEO
That said, South African Airways has in fact put its full support behind its new CEO.
Under Lamola the airline reported its first profit (since 2012) in the 2022/23 financial year. It reported a profit of ZAR 252 million.
SAA has increased its fleet to 20 aircraft and expanded its route network to 16 routes.
The staff headcount at the airline has also increased to 2000 employees since SAA’s relaunch in 2021, with just 800 workers.
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