John Lamola has been appointed as the group chief executive of South African Airways after serving in an interim role for nearly three years. His appointment has faced criticism from the Democratic Alliance over alleged political favoritism. Despite the controversy, government officials have supported the decision, emphasizing Lamola’s role in overseeing SAA’s recovery and financial turnaround.
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, particularly from the Democratic Alliance, South Africa’s second-largest political party, which claims the airline’s board preferred Allan Kilavuka from Kenya Airways instead. They have raised concerns regarding the transparency and integrity of the decision-making process, implying potential political motivations behind Lamola’s appointment, favoring the ruling African National Congress party.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy, who has been overseeing SAA since last August, defended the appointment process. She stated that the cabinet was presented with three candidates and that she expressed reservations about one who was not a South African citizen, highlighting potential complexities related to security clearances. The Ministry asserts that there was consultation with President Cyril Ramaphosa regarding the progress, claiming it was to aid stability rather than interfere with the board’s autonomy.
In the final selection, Lamola was considered the most suitable candidate among two final contenders, based on comprehensive evaluations. Since being appointed interim chief in May 2022, he has guided SAA through recovery, having emerged from business rescue in 2021. His recent strategies aim to revitalize SAA’s operations after an unsuccessful attempt to privatize the airline. Notably, SAA reported its first profit in about a decade for the fiscal period of 2022-23.
Under Lamola’s leadership, SAA has expanded significantly, covering 16 destinations and operating 20 aircraft with approximately 2,000 staff members. The airline anticipates generating R4.4 billion ($238 million) for the government by fiscal year 2029-30, a substantial increase from R1.1 billion in 2023-24. The Ministry describes his appointment as a pivotal moment for SAA’s financial health, emphasizing his leadership capabilities in ensuring operational stability and good governance.
The appointment of John Lamola as group chief executive of South African Airways has stirred significant controversy amidst allegations of political favoritism and concerns over the transparency of the selection process. Despite these claims, government officials have defended the decision, emphasizing the thorough vetting and consultation process involved. As SAA continues its recovery trajectory and expands its operations, Lamola’s leadership is viewed as critical for the airline’s future financial stability.
Original Source: www.flightglobal.com