Pretoria - Public Enterprises Minister Malusi Gigaba has removed acting CEO Vuyisile Kona from the board of South African Airways (SAA) following a shareholders’ meeting, said the department.
“The minister has adopted a resolution removing Mr Kona from the board of South African Airways. This morning, the Minister, as the sole shareholder, convened a shareholders’ meeting in terms of section 71 of the Companies Act to consider a resolution to remove Mr Kona from the board,” said the department on Monday.
Gigaba considered it prudent and in the interest of SAA that there be stability, cohesion in the leadership of the airline.
“In the Minister’s opinion, the relationship between the board and Mr Kona had deteriorated to a point where, it will not be possible for him to lead or function optimally either as a member and board chairperson.”
Kona who had been placed in the position of chief executive officer was placed on precautionary suspension in February.
“It should be stated categorically that Mr Kona’s innocence or otherwise of the allegations against him as acting CEO had little bearing on the Minister’s decision to remove him. This decision should not be construed in any way as a pre-judgment or determination of any of the issues pending between Mr. Kona and SAA,” the minister’s spokesperson Mayihlome Tshwete said.
The issues between Kona and SAA should be left to both parties to resolve and finalise, said the department.
Duduzile Myeni will continue to act as a chairperson. – SAnews.gov.za
