Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan has announced a new interim board of directors for State-owned airline South African Airways (SAA). The board has to be interim as it will function only until the carrier is taken over by the Takatso consortium. Takatso will own 51% of SAA, with the State retaining the other 49%, once the current regulatory review of the deal is concluded.

The new board, which became effective on Saturday (April 15) is composed of eight nonexecutive directors. Its chairperson is former Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom.

The other members are 20-year-veteran South African Institute of Chartered Accountants-registered finance professional Fathima Gany; former Airports Company South Africa chief operating officer Fundi Sithebe; finance, business strategies, mergers and acquisitions consultant Mahlubi Mazwi; corporate law and compliance specialist Advocate Johannes Weapond; interim SAA CEO Professor John Lamola; financial expert and chartered accountant Clarissa Appana; and economist and economic policy strategist Dumisani Sangweni.

“The appointment of this interim board underscores our unwavering commitment to the success and stability of South Africa Airways,” affirmed Gordhan. “Their exceptional experience and expertise will guide the airline toward a prosperous future in collaboration with the Takatso consortium. We recognise the challenges SAA has faced in the past and the importance of learning from those experiences to ensure the airline’s future success. The government is resolute in demonstrating our dedication to restructuring SAA and revitalising State-owned enterprises, as part of our broader commitment to promoting economic growth and development. To support SAA in achieving its goals, we have put in place strategies and plans that align with the airline’s vision and objectives.”

The function of the interim board will be to provide strategic leadership to SAA’s management team, which itself currently has transitional status. The board will also oversee the integration of Takatso into SAA management.

According to the Department of Public Enterprises, the new board “remains dedicated to tackling key priorities, including implementing cost-saving measures, expanding route networks, elevating customer satisfaction, and expediting all requisite regulatory preparations to ensure a seamless transition as the Takatso consortium assumes its role as the majority shareholder”.