South African Airways suspends acting CEO after four months in role

South African Airways has suspended its acting Chief Executive Officer, Matshela Seshibe, just four months after he took the post. The airline's board said in a statement that Seshibe had been placed on special leave with immediate effect, pending an internal process, citing its commitment to good governance. No detailed reason was given.

Koekie Mbeki, the carrier's Chief Legal Officer, has been named acting Group Chief Executive Officer in his place.

Seshibe stepped into the role in April 2026 after John Lamola resigned. Lamola had led the airline since 2022, following a major restructuring. His departure, together with that of the acting Chief Financial Officer just days before the close of the 2025/26 financial year, had already raised concern about the airline's stability. The carrier has now had 15 chief executives since 2010, according to the airline.

The leadership change comes amid a dispute over the airline's finances. South African Airways reported a profit of 155 million rand, around $9.5 million, for the 2024/25 fiscal year. The country's Auditor-General has disputed that figure, though, saying the airline actually recorded a loss and questioning whether it remains a viable going concern.

The airline's fleet has grown to 19 aircraft as of August 2026, according to data cited in reporting on the airline. That is up from a low of six aircraft during a period of near-bankruptcy between 2019 and 2021.

What prompted the board's decision to suspend Seshibe remains unclear, and the airline has not said how long the internal process is expected to take.