The Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) has appointed six nonexecutive directors to the interim board of South African Airways (SAA).

Geoff Qhena will be the board’s interim chairperson, and will be joined by Peter Tshisevhe, June Crawford, Bembe Zwane, Professor Edna van Harte and Nick Fadugba.

The interim board will, together, be expected to restore proper governance and oversight of the airline during the implementation of a business rescue plan.

The DPE says the combination of academic, financial, legal and aviation experience, with a deep knowledge of global aviation and transport trends, “will bring a new perspective as the national carrier prepares to relaunch next year”.

The appointments also enhance the independence and balance of the board, while continuing the process of transformation and renewal.

In charting the way forward, the DPE believes the key to solving the difficulties facing SAA is the finalisation and implementation of the business rescue process, followed by the start of a restructured airline; appointment of a leadership team; and securing a credible strategic equity partner who can introduce the required technical, financial and operational expertise into the business.

“The new airline will be run in a professional and sustainable manner to support key economic sectors – including tourism, trade with the continent, the local aeronautics industries and local service providers,” the department says.

PROFILES

Qhena is a qualified chartered account and a seasoned finance executive. He is a former CEO of the Industrial Development Corporation, where he was at the helm for 13 years.

Tshisevhe is a mergers and acquisitions lawyer with extensive experience in transaction advisory services. He is a director and partner at TGR Attorneys, a commercial law firm in Johannesburg, and a part time lecturer at the University of the Witwatersrand's Law School. He is retained from the previous board to provide continuity.

Crawford leads the Aviation Working Group of the South African Business Council and is an aviation and tourism leader and professional. She has been the CEO of the board of Airlines Representatives of South Africa, director at the Air Traffic and Navigation Services and deputy chairperson of the Tourism Council of South Africa.

Zwane is an aviation entrepreneur who is a part-owner in an aviation training solutions provider, a car rental business and an aviation logistics business. She is a former executive at Imperial Logistics and Equity Aviation.

Van Harte is an academic and former dean of the faculty of Military Science at the South African National Defence Force's military academy at Saldanha Bay and former chairperson of the Defence Service Commission. She has served on various boards and commissions.

Fadugba is an aviation professional with many years experience in consulting and promoting aviation development on the African continent, including leading the African Airlines Association. He has served as the chairperson of African Business Aviation Association and has been involved in discussions on a Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).