SAA in search of new leadership team

Johannes Bhekumuzi Magwaza, chairman of South African Airlines,will be leaving the loss-making carrier at the end of the month.
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Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan said that Magwaza (pictured right) – who headed the airline since 2017 – had quit for personal reasons.
He follows CEO Vuyani Jarana who quit in June, saying his turnaround strategy for the loss-making airline was being undermined by a lack of state funding and too much bureaucracy.
Zukisa Ramasia has been appointed as acting chief executive whose first job was to secure aircraft to enable SAA to continue its long-haul offerings.
She signed leases for two Airbus A350-900s which will be replacing old A340s on the long haul flights such as Johannesburg to New York. They should begin service during the next four months.
The airline – which is rated in the top 100 in the world – has not made a profit since 2011.
“The introduction of these state-of-the-art aircraft to our fleet is an important step-change as we continue to make progress to transform our business and return the airline to financial sustainability in the shortest time possible," she said.
SAA is currently using executive search to shortlist for a permanent CEO while President Cyril Ramaphosa who last month announced a plan to introduce reforms in state-owned firms, including SAA, in a bid to get them back on the right track economically, will lead the hunt for a new chairman.