Key industry associations, Asata and the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA), welcomed the newly appointed eight-person SAA board, announced on Monday, April 17 by Minister of Public Enterprises, Pravin Gordhan.
An SAA spokesperson confirmed to Travel News that Professor John Lamola, who served as interim Chair and CEO, would remain as Interim CEO.
“The appointment of Derek Hanekom as Interim Chair is a positive move. His understanding of the broader industry and the relationships he has built with the private sector over the years will stand him in good stead,” said Otto de Vries, CEO of Asata.
“Hanekom has previously displayed an impeccable record of clean governance and a passion for tourism in South Africa,” said TBCSA Board Chairman, Blacky Komani.
He added: “SAA plays a significant role in South Africa’s aviation and tourism sectors. Therefore, it is consequential and fills us with hope that the addition of new members to the Board will go a long way to solidify the work of improving operations and relaunching regional, and long-haul routes.”
Komani pointed out that a fully functional SAA benefited the country’s tourism sector locally and internationally. “It is through airlines that visitors to the country first experience our hospitality. The national carrier’s full recovery will help to address some of the undersupply challenges we have seen in the local airline space over the last two years.”
He pointed to the tourism sector’s goal of attracting 21 million arrivals in South Africa by 2030. “To achieve that, we need connectivity. The more stable airlines we have operating in the country, the quicker we’ll realise our tourism sector recovery plan of attracting these travellers,” said Komani.
“TBCSA hopes that, through this new board, we will be able to forge a stronger working relationship with the tourism sector to promote South Africa as a key travel and tourism destination.”
Takatso deal
Gordhan said the interim board, appointed effective from Saturday, April 15, would serve until the introduction of strategic equity partner, Takatso Consortium.
“The appointment of this interim board underscores our unwavering commitment to the success and stability of SAA,” said Gordhan.
He said the board’s exceptional experience and expertise would guide the airline towards a prosperous future in collaboration with the Takatso Consortium. The consortium is poised to acquire a 51% majority stake in SAA, with the transaction now undergoing regulatory review.
“We recognise the challenges SAA has faced in the past and the importance of learning from those experiences to ensure the airline’s future success.
“The government is resolute in demonstrating our dedication to restructuring SAA and revitalising state-owned enterprises as part of our broader commitment to promoting economic growth and development,” highlighted Gordhan.
The other Interim Non-Executive Directors are Fathima Gany, Fundi Sithebe, Mahlubi Mazwi, Advocate Johannes Weapond, Professor Lamola, Clarissa Appana and Dumisani Sangweni.
