The announcement of a new executive board at SAA has been called as ‘too little too late’ to save South Africa’s national carrier.
In a statement released by the Democratic Alliance’ MP Alf Lees, commenting on the removal of the current chairperson Dudu Myeni he said that the question remains as to where Finance Minister, Malusi Gigaba is going to find the R10bn that is required to meet the R 5.2bn already paid to SAA for loans and working capital as well as the R4.8bn required as working capital to keep the airline trading until the end of the 2017/18 financial year.
“Make no mistake, this reported restructuring of the SAA board and the removal of Myeni is far too little, too late to save the airline. There is no saving SAA.”
The changes will take effect on 3 November, according to a statement released by the finance minister. In a statement the minister said that he new Board brings talent‚ expertise and energy to the airline‚ and they are all highly regarded individuals with a vast and in-depth knowledge of business in both the private and public sectors.
The new board members are:
JB Magwaza, chairperson: businessman and corporate executive
Nolitha Fakude, deputy chairperson: non-executive director at Anglo American
Geoff Rothschild: businessman and former chair of the JSE
Ahmed Bassa: aviation expert working as a director at Aerodromes and Contrails
Tinyiko Mhlari: accountant and director at PSTM Consulting
Martin Kingston – businessman and CEO of NM Rothschild & Sons
Retained board members are:
Swazi Tshabalala: businesswoman
Peter Tshisevhe: lawyer
Thandeka Mgoduso: human resources strategist
Peter Maluleka: director at SAA
Akhter Moosa: accountant and transport and logistics expert
Members who have been removed are:
Chairperson Dudu Myeni: teacher
Tryphosa Mmakeaya: accountant
Mzimkhulu Malunga: journalist
Siphile Buthelezi: lawyer
Nazmeera Moola: economist
Gugu Sipamla: journalist