Turbulence: SAA acting CEO put on immediate special leave as board conducts internal investigation

South African Airways (SAA) has placed its acting chief executive officer, Matshela Seshibe, on immediate special leave following an internal investigation initiated by the airline's board. This decision came after a press release issued on Friday, 14 August, in which the board emphasized that the move was not an admission of wrongdoing but part of a broader governance strategy aimed at maintaining transparency and accountability. The board stated that placing Seshibe on leave was a precautionary measure reflecting its commitment to high standards of governance, accountability, integrity, and leadership. According to the board, the action was taken to safeguard the interests of SAA, its employees, customers, partners, and other stakeholders, ensuring continued stability and confidence in the organization. The board’s chairperson reiterated the group's dedication to acting decisively in the best interests of the airline and its stakeholders. To ensure operational continuity during the investigation, the board appointed SAA’s chief legal officer, Koekie Mbeki, as the new acting CEO. Mbeki brings extensive experience to the role, having worked at SAA for ten years. The board expressed full confidence in her ability to lead the company through this transition period, citing her deep understanding of the organization and her capacity to deliver the necessary leadership, continuity, and stability. This leadership shakeup comes amid a challenging period for SAA, marked by ongoing scrutiny over its financial practices and past procurement issues. In a public statement released on 9 July 2026, SAA denied reports suggesting it had sought a government bailout involving a R1-billion line of credit from Standard Bank. The airline explained that engaging with commercial banks on funding matters is a routine business practice for corporations, including state-owned entities, to manage working capital and operational needs. At the time, Seshibe reaffirmed SAA's commitment to prudent financial management, sound corporate governance, and operational sustainability. The current situation echoes earlier controversies surrounding Seshibe. When he was first appointed as acting CEO in April 2026, SAA faced renewed media attention over allegations linked to his tenure at Daybreak Farms, a poultry producer. Before joining SAA in 2024, Seshibe had served as CEO of Daybreak Farms from May 2022 until his departure. During that time, he was subjected to an internal probe that ultimately cleared him of procurement-related allegations, which were later deemed to be fabricated. In response to these allegations, SAA issued a media statement on 20 April 2026, confirming that the claims had been thoroughly examined and resolved, with the allegations found to have no basis. The board affirmed that it had conducted comprehensive governance and due diligence procedures before appointing Seshibe, expressing confidence in his leadership, integrity, and capability to steer the organization forward. Despite defending Seshibe against historical allegations, SAA did not dispute the critical findings related to supply chain management (SCM) from the Auditor-General (AGSA) for the 2024/25 financial year. These findings highlighted areas within the airline’s operations that required improvement, though specific details regarding the nature of the criticisms remain undisclosed. As the investigation unfolds, the focus will likely shift toward uncovering the reasons behind Seshibe’s sudden removal and whether there are deeper concerns within the organization that need addressing. With Mbeki now at the helm, the airline faces the challenge of maintaining its operations and reputation amidst ongoing scrutiny. The coming weeks will reveal how effectively the board can navigate this leadership transition and restore public trust in SAA’s management structure.