As SAA makes slow and often difficult progress toward its resurrection under the plan devised by the business rescue practitioners, the Department of Public Enterprises has announced the appointment of six non-executive directors to the interim board. These include a number of experienced aviation industry leaders as well as experts in mergers and commercial law.
Included in these appointments is a familiar name, June Crawford, who leads the Aviation Working Group of the South African Business Council. She was previously ceo of Barsa, director of the Air Traffic and Navigation Services, and deputy chairperson of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa. June brings a wealth of aviation and tourism industry experience to the role.
Geoff Qhena will serve as chair. Geoff previously held the position of ceo of the IDC for 13 years. Peter Tshisevhe is a mergers and acquisitions lawyer. He is a director and partner of TGR Attorneys and a part-time lecturer at the University of the Witwatersrand Law School. While the other five appointments are all new board members, Peter is the only member retained from SAA’s previous board. Bembe Zwane is part-owner of an aviation training solutions provider, a car-rental business and an aviation logistics business. Professor Edna van Harte is a former Dean of the Faculty of Military Science at the SANDF’s Military Academy and a former Chairperson of the Defence Service Commission. Nick Fadugba has served as chairperson of the African Business Aviation Association and has been involved in discussions on a Single African Air Transport Market.
