Professor John Lamola
By Karabo Marifi
Cape Town – Professor John Lamola has been appointed as the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of South African Airways (SAA) for a two-year term, Cabinet confirmed on Thursday, 27 February 2025. The announcement, made by Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni during a post-Cabinet media briefing in Cape Town, marks a significant milestone for the state-owned airline as it continues its recovery journey under Lamola’s leadership.
A Permanent Role After Years of Acting Leadership
The decision to appoint Professor John Lamola as SAA’s permanent GCEO was finalised at a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, 26 February 2025, and has been widely covered by South African news outlets. Transport Minister Barbara Creecy was quick to congratulate Lamola, highlighting his impressive track record since stepping into the acting CEO role two years ago. “The Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, has congratulated Prof John Lamola on his appointment as Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of South African Airways (SAA), as approved by Cabinet on Wednesday, the 26th of February 2025,” the Department of Transport stated.
Lamola’s appointment follows a period of uncertainty for SAA, which has faced financial woes and operational challenges for over a decade. His confirmation as GCEO comes after serving as acting CEO, during which he spearheaded key achievements that have begun to turn the airline’s fortunes around.
Turning SAA Around: Lamola’s Achievements
Under Lamola’s leadership as acting CEO, SAA has made notable strides. The Department of Transport praised his efforts in stabilising the airline, particularly his success in concluding three years of outstanding financial audits. This was a critical step in restoring transparency and accountability to SAA, which had previously struggled with incomplete financial reporting.
Perhaps most impressively, Lamola guided SAA to its first profit in years during the 2023 financial year. “In addition, under his leadership, the entity has expanded to fly domestic, regional, and international routes,” the department added. This expansion includes resuming flights to major cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and international destinations such as São Paulo, Brazil, reflecting a renewed focus on growth and connectivity.
Local media, including Business Day and IOL, have noted that Lamola’s tenure as acting CEO also saw the resolution of a high-profile pilots’ strike in December 2024. After tense negotiations with the South African Airways Pilots Association (SAAPA), Lamola secured an agreement that offered pilots a 9.47% salary increase, ending disruptions that had grounded 60% of SAA’s flights during the festive season rush.
Controversy Surrounding the Appointment
Despite his achievements, Lamola’s appointment has not been without controversy. Reports from Moneyweb and News24 suggest that his selection stirred debate due to alleged political interference. The SAA board had initially recommended Allan Kilavuka, the CEO of Kenya Airways, as its top candidate for the role. However, Kilavuka’s non-South African citizenship reportedly worked against him, paving the way for Lamola’s appointment.
Opposition parties, including the Democratic Alliance (DA), have raised concerns about the process. The DA alleges that Transport Minister Barbara Creecy and Deputy President Paul Mashatile conducted private interviews with Lamola and Kilavuka, bypassing the SAA board’s recommendations. This has led to accusations of “cadre deployment” – a term used to describe the appointment of politically connected individuals to key positions – and prompted the DA to report Creecy and Mashatile to the Public Protector for investigation.
Who is Professor John Lamola?
Professor John Lamola brings a wealth of experience to his new role. An academic and business leader, he has a strong background in philosophy and management. Before joining SAA, Lamola held various leadership positions and was known for his sharp intellect and strategic thinking. His time as acting CEO showcased his ability to navigate complex challenges, from financial recovery to labour disputes, making him a pivotal figure in SAA’s turnaround story.
Speaking to eNCA during the pilots’ strike in December 2024, Lamola emphasised his commitment to SAA’s sustainability, warning that prolonged disruptions could jeopardise the airline’s fragile recovery. “This is going to damage South African Airways,” he said at the time, underscoring his determination to protect the airline’s progress.
What This Means for SAA’s Future
Lamola’s two-year term as GCEO comes at a critical juncture for SAA. After emerging from business rescue in 2021, the airline has been rebuilding its reputation and operations. The appointment signals continuity in leadership, which experts say is essential for maintaining momentum. Aviation analyst Phuthego Mojapele told BusinessLive that Lamola’s experience in steering SAA through tough times makes him a strong choice to lead the airline into its next chapter.
However, challenges remain. SAA must address ongoing concerns about its financial health, competition from private airlines like FlySafair, and public perceptions of political meddling. Lamola’s ability to balance these pressures while expanding SAA’s network will be key to his success over the next two years.
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