On February 27, 2025 South African Airways (SAA) has once again found itself at the center of public debate, following the Cabinet’s confirmation of Professor John Lamola as its permanent Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
What should have been a routine appointment has instead fueld a wave of controversy. Allegations of political interference, governance concerns, and a questionable selection process have cast a shadow over Lamola’s promotion.
The announcement of Lamola’s permanent appointment on came early Friday morning. Within hours, speculation turned into heated debate, with many questioning whether his selection was based on merit or political influence.
While Lamola has been credited with reviving SAA, bringing it to profitability for the first time in over a decade, his appointment has raised serious governance concerns. Critics argue that political connections may have outweighed qualifications in the selection process.
Since taking over as acting CEO in May 2022, Lamola has led SAA to an impressive R252 million profit for the 2022/23 financial year. His academic credentials, a PhD and an MBA appear solid.
However, concerns have emerged regarding his dual role as both CEO and executive chairman since 2021, a potential conflict in governance. While supporters hail him as the visionary who turned SAA around, others worry that his appointment wasn’t purely based on performance or expertise.
One of the biggest points of contention is how Lamola ranked third in the SAA board’s competency assessments. Two other candidates received significantly higher scores, one scoring 92 out of 126, another 88, while Lamola lagged behind at 65.
Despite this, the selection process saw a dramatic shift after interviews with the Transport Minister and Deputy President, side lining the frontrunners. Opposition parties and industry experts have since raised concerns, alleging that the final decision was politically driven rather than merit-based.
Reports suggest that the Transport Minister played a key role in securing Lamola’s appointment, allegedly seeking approval from an ANC committee before making the final decision.
This has drawn comparisons to past cadre deployment controversies, where political loyalty was prioritised over qualifications. The SAA board’s recommendations were reportedly overlooked, fuelling concerns that political manoeuvring trumped due process.
While some aviation experts and SAA insiders praise Lamola’s leadership and SAA’s financial turnaround, others question the transparency of the appointment process.
Calls for parliamentary investigations are growing, with critics arguing that favouritism and backroom deals may have played a role. If these allegations hold weight, the controversy could erode investor confidence in SAA’s future.
SAA remains in a fragile rebuilding phase, debt-free but operating with a limited fleet. Lamola has ambitious plans to expand routes and grow the airline to 28 aircraft, but concerns over governance and legitimacy may hinder his ability to lead effectively.
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If the controversy surrounding his appointment continues, it could damage SAA’s credibility, deter investors, and weaken public trust in the airline’s leadership.
This debate is not just about Professor John Lamola, it’s about what his appointment says about governance in South Africa’s state-owned enterprises. On one side, there’s a leader who has delivered tangible results; on the other, a selection process clouded in political suspicion.
