John Lamola has been appointed as group chief executive of South African Airways, a decision that has drawn criticism from the Democratic Alliance, alleging political favoritism. Minister Barbara Creecy has defended the selection process amidst claims of bias. Lamola has overseen the airline’s recovery and expects significant revenue growth in the coming years, reflecting a positive outlook for SAA’s future.
The South African government has appointed John Lamola as the group chief executive of South African Airways (SAA), a position he has held on an interim basis for nearly three years. This decision has sparked controversy, as the Democratic Alliance, the country’s second-largest political party, claims that the SAA board preferred Kenya Airways chief Allan Kilavuka for the role. The party expressed concerns regarding the integrity of the appointment process, suggesting potential political bias favoring the ruling African National Congress party.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy defended the selection process, explaining that she was presented with three candidates, one of whom was not a South African citizen. She raised concerns to the SAA chair about the complexities of appointing a non-South African, particularly regarding the required security clearances. The ministry confirmed that consultations occurred with President Cyril Ramaphosa to determine the best approach, asserting that this did not constitute interference.
Lamola has played a crucial role since becoming interim chief in May 2022, overseeing SAA’s recovery from business rescue in 2021. His recent efforts include formulating a strategy to restore SAA’s operations after failed privatization attempts. Under his leadership, SAA generated its first profit in nearly a decade for the fiscal year 2022-23, expanding its fleet and network significantly.
SAA has reported an optimistic forecast, expecting to generate revenue of R4.4 billion (approximately $238 million) by the fiscal year 2029-30, up from R1.1 billion in 2023-24. The airline claims Lamola’s permanent appointment signifies a turning point for its financial stability and operational continuity, a sentiment echoed by the organization’s recent statements on its ongoing health and recovery.
The appointment of John Lamola as group chief executive of South African Airways has ignited political controversy, with claims of a biased process favoring the ruling party. Despite these claims, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has defended the decision, underscoring Lamola’s leadership role in SAA’s recovery and financial growth. The airline anticipates substantial future revenues, indicating prospects for continued improvement under Lamola’s guidance.
Original Source: www.flightglobal.com
