Pretoria - The Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) has learned of the resignation of South African Airways (SAA) chief executive officer but is awaiting a formal letter of resignation, the department said on Monday.
"The department has learned today of the CEO's [Siza Mzimela] resignation through a letter sent to SAA staff," DPE spokesperson Richard Mantu said.
The department as a shareholder, needs an official letter of resignation from the SAA board, said Mantu.
The announcement of Mzimela's appointment to head up SAA was made on 24 February 2010. She had previously worked at the airline's domestic partner, SA Express, since 2003.
The national carrier made a net profit of R581 million for the 2009/2010, while in 2011 the airline showed profit of R782 million in profits and contributed R11.7 billion to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as tourists flocked into the country.
Last week, newly appointed SAA board chairperson Vuyisile Kona told SAnews that the integrity of SAA will continue to be a priority while much focus will be put on fine tuning operations at the airline.
Kona was appointed following the immediate resignation of eight members of the previous board, which was headed by Cheryl Carolous. It had been reported that there were issues with the previous board and the department. - SAnews.gov.za
