South African Airways has finally announced a new Chief Executive Officer, after Khaya Ngqula was accused of mismanagement and stood down last February.

Siza Mzimela will be assuming the position of CEO from the acting head of the airline Chris Smyth from the 1st of April this year, said South African Airways in a statement this week.

“We warmly welcome Siza Mzimela to lead SAA following an extensive search process to find a suitable candidate for the position,” said Thevan Krishna, South African Airways Australasia head.
 
“With her extensive experience in the airline industry, and especially her knowledge of the inner workings of SAA, she is the ideal candidate to fulfil the mandate of SAA to be an African airline with global reach.”

Ms Mzimela, currently CEO of SAA’s domestic partner airline SA Express, will also become the first female CEO in the airline’s history.