New era for South African Airways as Professor Lamola resigns

As South African Airways embarks on a new era with fresh leadership, the urgency for decisive and strategic action has never been more pressing. Build One South Africa (BOSA) notes the resignation of Professor John Lamola as CEO of South African Airways following nearly four years in the role, much of it served in an acting capacity. We extend our congratulations to Professor Lamola for his leadership during a critical period in the airline’s recovery and wish him continued success in all that lies ahead.

BOSA further wishes the incoming CEO every success in building on the progress made to date. This is a pivotal moment forSAA, and it is essential that the next phase of leadership is marked by decisiveness and strategic clarity. A perfunctory, run-of-the-mill approach will not suffice.

The airline requires a results-driven new CEO to consolidate stability and drive sustained growth. Above all, SAA must remain on a path of financial sustainability by continuing to generate profit. The airline must avoid any return to reliance on public-funded bailouts. South Africans cannot once again be asked to shoulder the cost of mismanagement.