South African Airways (SAA) is facing legal action, after acting CEO Matshela Seshibe demanded the airline suspended the hiring process for its new permanent CEO. Seshibe had been offered an interview for the permanent role before being dropped from the recruitment process over ongoing disciplinary allegations. The acting CEO has appealed to South Africa’s High Court to suspend the process until the allegations against him are resolved.
Why was Seshibe Dropped?
Seshibe was placed on special leave by SAA, while serving as the airline’s acting CEO, Aug. 14, 2026.
The exact nature of the allegations against Seshibe is unknown, but it is understood that they relate to Seshibe’s time as CEO of the catering firm, Air Chefs, which is a subsidiary of SAA.
At the time of Seshibe’s suspension, SAA’s board issued a statement saying that it had a duty to,
“safeguard the interests of SAA, its employees, customers, partners and other stakeholders. While ensuring that the organisation continues to operate with stability and confidence”.
SAA’s chief legal officer, Koekie Mbeki has been acting as the airline’s CEO since Seshibe was suspended.
How Did We Get Here?
Seshibe, who had previously worked for the packaged goods company Unilever, and drinks brand Coca Cola, was named as SAA’s acting CEO in April 2026, following the resignation of CEO John Lamola.
During his time in the role, Seshibe had to deny suggestions that the airline had applied for a bailout package worth 1 billion South African rands (£46 million) from the South African government, in order to remain financially solvent.
The then acting CEO had reportedly applied for the permanent role when it was advertised in August, and has said that he was invited for interview.
This invitation had then been withdrawn when Seshibe was placed on special leave.
Seshibe has said that,
“The sole basis for my exclusion was the existence of unresolved disciplinary allegations. Notwithstanding that those allegations remain disputed and have not been determined.”
He is believed to have written to SAA’s board Oct. 7, to request that the CEO recruitment process was suspended, before taking his concerns to the High Court Oct. 13.
It is understood that Seshibe wishes for the High Court to hear his case Oct. 20, with SAA expected to announce a new permanent CEO before the end of October.
How Has SAA Responded?
South Africa’s flag carrier airline may hope to rebuild its reputation following the resignation of its CEO in April, and the rumours of its financial difficulties in the summer.
When asked about the legal case Seshibe had brought against the airline, SAA’s spokesperson Mphilo Dlamini said that,
“As the matter is now sub judice and before the court, SAA will address it through the appropriate legal processes.”
Dlamini did not clarify whether Seshibe would still be considered as a candidate once the disciplinary process against him had concluded.
“SAA is not at liberty to disclose any information relating to individual candidates, including their identities or their status in the recruitment process, while the process remains underway.”
South African Airways operates a range of routes across Africa, as well as flying to Perth Airport (PER), Australia, and São Paulo/Guarulhos–Governor André Franco Montoro International Airport (GRU), Brazil.
Have you flown with South African Airways before? Should the CEO recruitment process be suspended? Let us know what you think in the comments.
