• SAA Leadership Team

    Profile Biography
    John Lamola - Group Chief Executive Officer Under the adept leadership of Professor M. John Lamola, South African Airways (SAA) has experienced a remarkable return to profitability. In the 2022/23 financial year, SAA reported a net profit of R252 million, marking the airline's first profitable year since 2012.

    Prof. Lamola brings a wealth of experience in the aviation industry, having previously managed a proprietary private equity investment portfolio encompassing aviation and internet technologies. His notable roles include serving as CEO of Denel Aviation from 1996 to 2001 and as a board member of Airports Company South Africa from 2012 to 2017.

    Professor Lamola holds a PhD in Philosophy from Edinburgh University in Scotland and a Master of Business Administration degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida, United States. He also served as an Associate Professor of Philosophy of Technology at the University of Johannesburg before being Interim Chairperson of SAA in 2021.
     Lindsay Olitzki - Interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO) (June 2023 to present) Lindsay Olitzki is an experienced Chartered Accountant with an extensive working knowledge of both the aviation and manufacturing industries.

    Ms. Olitzki began her career at SAA in 2000, initially in a senior financial role at SAA Cargo, followed by a similar position at SAAT from 2001 to 2006. She returned to SAA in 2012 as Head of Financial Accounting, and since then, has also overseen the airline’s insurance portfolio, management accounting, and forecasting functions. In 2023, Ms. Olitzki was appointed Acting Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of SAA.

    Ms. Olitzki qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1986 after completing her BCom and CTA at the University of Port Elizabeth (now Nelson Mandela University) and her articles at Arthur Young and Company (now EY).
    Tebogo Tsimane - Chief commercial officer, SAA (April 2021 to present) Tebogo Tsimane is an accomplished airline professional with over 25 years of experience in various commercial and operational roles within the aviation sector. A dynamic and resourceful leader, he focuses on driving value by developing and executing business solutions that enhance airline performance. In his previous role as Head of Airport Operations, Tebogo successfully implemented operational excellence initiatives across SAA’s global workforce.

    Currently, Tebogo serves as the Chief Commercial Officer, overseeing network-wide sales, revenue optimization, marketing, product development, and Call Centres. He is also responsible for managing SAA Voyager (the frequent flyer program) and leading network and fleet planning functions.
    Koekie Mbeki - Group Chief Legal Officer, SAA (April 2022 to present) Advocate Koekie Mbeki is a qualified, duly admitted, skilled and experienced lawyer with practical hands-on experience in legislative drafting; policy formulation; contract negotiation, drafting and vetting as well as litigation and dispute resolution.

    She began her career with the SAA Group as Senior Manager: Legal Services and Contract Management, later serving as Interim Chief Legal Counsel, and currently holds the position of Group Chief Legal Officer. Prior to joining SAA, she held various senior management and executive roles within government and other state-owned entities.

    Among her numerous academic qualifications, she holds a BA; LLB, Master of Science; Diploma in Environmental Law and a Certificate in Competition Law.
     Madodanele Nkalane - Manager: domestic and regional airport operations (July 2021 to present) Madodanele Nkalane has over 26 years of experience in management, including 19 years in senior management at the Department of Transport and South African Airways.

    Mr Nkalane has attained many tertiary-level qualifications, including the Global Executive Development Programme at the University of Pretoria’s Gordon Institute of Business Science (2016), a Diploma in Transport Management from the then Rand Afrikaans University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Transkei.
    Mpho Letlape - Human resources and organisational development, SAA Mpho Letlape began her career in 1981 as a systems engineer at IBM South Africa, where she later advanced to the position of Human Resources Director in 1998. She served as HR Director at Eskom from 2001 to 2008 and as Managing Director of the Sasol Inzalo Foundation from 2009 to 2014. Additionally, Mpho has held the role of Deputy Vice Chancellor at the University of Johannesburg.

    She has served on the boards of various prominent organizations, including ATNS, Transnet, the South African Post Office, and T-Systems South Africa. She currently chairs the Standard Bank Tutuwa Community Foundation.

    Mpho holds a B.Sc. degree in Computer Science and Psychology from the University of Fort Hare, completed in 1981. She has further pursued professional and executive studies at the University of Cape Town, the University of the Witwatersrand, and Harvard Business School.

    With extensive experience in managing and strengthening operations, Mpho has a proven track record in planning and guiding innovative change across diverse environments. She considers herself an expert in organizational development and transformation. Mpho is deeply passionate about advancing the roles of women and fostering youth development.
    Wellington Nkosikhona Nyuswa - CEO, SAA Technical (June 2022 to present) Wellington Nkosikhona Nyuswa has over 20 years of experience leading public and private institutions. Since his appointment as Interim CEO of SAA Technical in 2022, he spearheaded a successful restructuring project, transforming the company from a loss-making entity into a profitable, world-class organization.

    Mr. Nyuswa holds a BCom Honours and a CTA from the University of Natal. With over 20 years of senior and executive management experience, he has led both private and public organizations across various sectors, including auditing, banking, catering, and aviation. His professional background includes roles at the Auditor-General South Africa, Standard Bank, SAA, Airchefs, and SAA Technical. He is also a member of the Institute of Directors South Africa.
    Matshela Seshibe - Airchefs Chief Executive Officer Matshela Seshibe Matshela Seshibe is a seasoned business executive with more than 30 years of experience in a variety of leadership roles across global fast-moving consumer goods companies, including Unilever, SABMiller, Coca-Cola and Tiger Brands. He has occupied a CEO role at Daybreak Foods, a poultry company, and MD roles at Albany Bakeries and Coca-Cola Shanduka Beverages. Matshela has wide functional experience covering strategy development and execution, sales and operations management, management accounting and people leadership.

    He serves on the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation Board of Trustees, chairing the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee.

    Mr Seshibe is the Board Chairperson of Wakanda, a business accelerator in the food sector which empowers young entrepreneurs to acquire skills and grow their enterprises.

    He also founded the Dream Academy, a non-governmental organisation committed to uplifting learners from disadvantaged backgrounds through academic and social engagement, financial support and motivation.

    Mr Seshibe holds a Master of Business Leadership degree from the University of South Africa’s Graduate School of Business Leadership, and a BCom from the University of the Witwatersrand.

     

    Non-Executive Directors

    The Department of Public Enterprises on 17 April 2023 announced a new Interim Board of Directors for South African Airways SOC Ltd. The Minister of Public Enterprises is pleased to announce the appointment of a highly skilled and diverse Interim Board of Directors for South African Airways (SAA), marking a significant step forward in the national carrier's ongoing transformation. This New Interim Board builds upon the foundations laid by the previous board and brings together an exceptional team of experts with experience across various fields. The following Interim Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) have been appointed to the SAA Board of Directors.

     

     

    Mr Derek Hanekom

    Interim Non-Executive Director and Chairperson

    As a former Minister of Tourism, he has a deep understanding of the aviation industry's crucial role in promoting travel and economic growth. His experience in fostering collaboration between government and private sectors will be invaluable in guiding SAA through its restructuring and revitalization. Additionally, his established network of industry leaders and influencers will enable SAA to forge strategic partnerships and alliances. 

     

    Ms Fatima Gany

    Interim Non Executive Director

     

    As a finance professional registered with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), she has over twenty years of experience in Finance Leadership for Global, Multinational, and State-Owned entities across Africa and the Middle East. Her broad scope of authority as a senior finance executive includes Strategic, Corporate and Operational finance, Accounting, Treasury, Taxation, Contracts, and Procurement, as well as public finance. Her expertise in public finance will also be essential in ensuring SAA's adherence to financial governance and regulatory frameworks.
     

    Ms Fundi Sithebe

    Interim Non Executive Director

    		 As the former Chief Operating Officer of Airports Company South Africa, she has demonstrated the ability to lead organizational change and create value for stakeholders. Her expertise in implementing sustainable business models and fostering strategic partnerships will help drive SAA's long-term success. Ms Sithebe's in-depth knowledge of airport operations and management will also play a vital role in optimizing SAA's ground handling and overall efficiency
     

    Mr Mahlubi Mazwi

    Interim Non Executive Director

    		 With a strong background in finance and business strategy, he has helped companies optimize performance and create shareholder value. His ability to identify growth opportunities and implement data-driven strategies will be crucial in positioning SAA as a leading airline in the industry. Additionally, his experience with mergers and acquisitions will provide valuable insights as SAA explores strategic partnerships and expansion opportunities.
     

    Adv Johannes Weapond

    Interim Non-Executive Director

    		 His extensive experience in corporate law and compliance has made him a sought-after legal advisor for numerous organizations. He possesses a keen ability to navigate complex legal landscapes and will ensure that SAA's decision-making processes adhere to the highest standards of corporate governance. Adv Weapond's expertise in dispute resolution and litigation will also be invaluable in protecting SAA's interests in potential legal conflicts. 
     

    Mr Dumisani Sangweni

    Interim Non-Executive Director

    		 As a skilled economist and strategist, he has been pivotal in shaping economic policy and driving growth for both public and private sector organizations. His understanding of global and regional economic trends will help SAA identify and capitalize on market opportunities. Mr Sangweni's ability to develop and implement data-driven strategies will contribute significantly to SAA's long-term success, while his knowledge of regulatory frameworks and stakeholder engagement will help maintain strong relationships with key partners.