Roger Makings
Transnet's board of directors decided to oust Zukile Nomvete from his position as executive director of South African Airways on 8 May, following the airline's dismal performance during his two-year stewardship.
Sources within SAA predict that Mafika Mkwanazi, deputy managing director of SAA's parent company, Transnet, will step in as new executive director. Mike Myburgh will retain his position as chief executive officer.
Nomvete's departure is believed to have been put off for over a year. He will be the third Transnet executive to be given his marching orders since the organisation was restructured just over two years ago. Three months previago, the airline's executive manager passenger marketing was suspended by Nomvete following allegations of 'non-compliance with company policy and procedures'. The executive has yet to face any repercussions.
As well as a series of management changes, SAA has suffered some serious setbacks over the past two years. Most notable was a confirmed purchase of four Boeing 777s, with an option on a further three being put on hold indefinitely at a time when the aircraft were desperately needed on new routes to replace ageing aircraft. The delays in fleet choice were said to have lost the airline millions of Rand in penalties.
The airline has also suffered from a barrage of bad press following declining levels of inflight service.
Labour disputes have also featured strongly - and many key personnel have taken redundancy packages rather than remain with a loss-making airline at which morale was said to be at an all-time low.
Source: Airline Business
