BL Premium reports that public enterprises minister Pravin Gordhan has appointed a new eight-member interim board for the national carrier SAA, with former tourism minister Derek Hanekom taking up the post of chairperson.

Acting CEO and non-executive director John Lamola remains in his position. Gordhan said in a statement that the newly appointed interim board was “highly skilled and diverse” and brought together an “exceptional team of experts with experience across various fields”. Their appointment, he said, marked a “significant step forward in the national carrier’s ongoing transformation”. Gordhan added that Hanekom, as a former tourism minister, had a deep understanding of the aviation industry’s crucial role in promoting travel and economic growth. The appointments were effective from 15 April and will continue until SAA’s proposed strategic equity partner, the Takatso Consortium, acquire a 51% stake. The long-delayed transaction is undergoing regulatory review. Priorities facing the new interim board will include implementing cost-saving measures, expanding route networks, elevating customer satisfaction, and expediting all requisite regulatory preparations to ensure a seamless transition as the Takatso Consortium assumes its role as majority shareholder.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Linda Ensor at BusinessLive (subscriber access only)

Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page