Acting CEO, South Africa Airways,  Mr. Vuyisile Kona

The board of directors of South Africa Airways (SAA) has announced that after careful consideration of recent developments, it has decided to place the acting CEO, Mr. Vuyisile Kona, on precautionary suspension, the airline said in a statement.

The decision to suspend him was based on certain allegations that have come to the attention of the board, in respect of which the board has a fiduciary duty to investigate, the airline also said, adding that this suspension was effective from 11 February 2013.

“It must be stressed that the board has not come to any conclusion as to the veracity or otherwise of these allegations. The board has embarked on a process to recruit a permanent CEO. Applications have been received, and the board is now in the process of evaluation. The
board is confident that this process will be completed by 31 March 2013, at which time recommendations will be presented to the Minister,” the statement also said.

In the interim, the Board has requested the CEO of Mango, Mr. Nico Bezuidenhout, to oversee the group's operations.