The Minister of Public Enterprises, Malusi Gigaba, has appointed new board members to the South African Airways board, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Public Enterprises.
This is after eight board members from South African Airways’ 14-member board, including Chairwoman, Cheryl Carolus, resigned on September 28.
The board members’ resignation was allegedly as a result of a decision Gigaba, to cancel the national carrier’s annual general meeting and his request to Parliament for a two-month postponement of the tabling of its annual report.
Other board members who resigned include: Russell Loubser, Bonang Mohale,Louis Rabbets, Jabulani Ndhlovu, David Lewis, Teddy Daka and Maggie Whitehouse.
Mayihlome Tshwete, spokesman for Gigaba, said the minister only learned of the resignations of the board members through the media.
“We only found out about the resignations through the media. Our main focus is to ensure that SAA remains a national asset for both our economy and country,” said Tshwete.
“The minister finds the resignations and their timing bizarre. Particularly, that such resignations happened after prompt engagement of the board members by the minister upon learning of the media leaks. The minister condemns, in the strongest terms, the leakage of confidential government information.”
Tshwete said it was always anticipated that the terms of the majority of board members would come to an end at the upcoming AGM scheduled for October 15.
“In light of the resignations and the imminence of their effect, I have exercised my powers in terms of section 60 of the Companies Act, acting in my capacity as the sole shareholder representative. I accepted all the resignations. Further, I have resolved to appoint the following new non-executive directors to complement the remaining members of the board,” said Minister Gigaba.
New board members include: Andile Mabizela, Andile Khumalo, Bongisizwe Mpondo, Dr Rajesh Naithani, Carol Roskruge, Raisibe Lepule andNonhlanhla Kubeka. Vuyisile Kona has been appointed new chairperson.
“In reaching this resolution, I was impelled by the best interest of the company and took into account, amongst other things, the state of the airline, the dynamics of the aviation sector and the need to redirect the airline to a path of sustained profitability. The persons appointed to the board, when viewed collectively, possess skills and expertise in aviation, airline business, transport policy, economics, procurement and supplier development, governance of state-owned companies, finance, auditing, risk management, mergers and acquisition. I have no doubt that they have the capacity to assist government in propelling the airline to greater heights,” said the Minister.
“I would like to thank Dudu Myeni for her selflessness and for acting as interim Chairperson whilst I considered the matter and reflected on the course forward. I would like to assure the executive, staff, customers and suppliers of the airline and the public in general that the department and I will spare no effort to ensure that the airline’s operations are not disrupted in any way and that its governance is strengthened.”
“The department is continuing in its consultations with the National Treasury on the guarantee application, the resolution of which will be announced as soon as it is finalised,” concluded the minister.
