SAA suspends acting CEO four months after appointment

South African Airways acting group CEO Matshela Seshibe has been suspended from his duties pending the outcome of an internal investigation, reportedly related to his time as chief executive of subsidiary Air Chefs. However, the airline remains tight-lipped about the reasons for the unexpected move, barely four months since his appointment.

In a statement issued late on August 14, the SAA board confirmed it had placed Seshibe “on special leave with immediate effect, pending the outcome of an internal process”.

The board said the decision reflected its commitment to “the highest standards of good governance, accountability, integrity and leadership” and was intended to safeguard the interests of the airline and its stakeholders while ensuring operational stability.