South African Airways (SAA) deputy chief executive Oyama Mabandla has resigned from his position.
Informing the leadership team gathered at SAA headquarters on Wednesday morning of Mabandla’s decision, SAA CEO and president Khaya Ngqula said Mabandla requested to be released at the end of this month, but he has agreed to be available to SAA until the end of March next year.
“I wish to take this opportunity to recognise Mabandla’s immense contribution to SAA, especially in the transitional period when he had to exercise leadership, leading to this point in our history as an airline.
“He will surely be a loss to the company. We, however, wish him well in his future endeavours and believe that he will contribute to the development of our country wherever he chooses to deploy his talents.” Ngqula said.
Mabandla had the following message for the leadership and staff of SAA: “It has been a privilege to be at SAA and through my service here, I also had the opportunity to serve the South African public.
“I have enjoyed interacting and working with many of you over the years — doing the best we could in building SAA to be a carrier of choice for millions of people every year. It is with mixed feelings that I have to bid you all farewell — the time has come for me to move on.”
He added that he will be pursuing his own business interests to take advantage of the economic tide that is sweeping the country as a result of the success of democracy.
Mabandla said he believes he has played his part in raising the flag of the airline above many others in the world.
“I am confident that SAA is moving in the right direction and that the plans that we have been working on and that are being vigorously implemented will turn this airline around and consolidate SAA’s position in the aviation world,” he stated.
“May I take this opportunity to thanks all SAA staff who have been supportive of all the endeavours to make SAA a successful enterprise. I wish the new CEO, Khaya Ngqula, success as he leads the airline at a very critical time in our history.” — I-Net Bridge