Creecy appoints new boards to strengthen RAF, SAA and Transnet
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has announced sweeping leadership changes across three of South Africa’s key state-owned transport entities, saying the appointments are aimed at restoring governance, stability, and efficiency in the sector.
Addressing the media in Pretoria on Friday, Creecy confirmed that Cabinet had approved the appointment of an interim board for the Road Accident Fund (RAF) following the dissolution of its previous board in July.
The move came after what she described as “serious governance failures” and neglect of fiduciary duties, which had led to operational instability and frequent default judgments against the entity.
"It became urgent and necessary to close the governance vacuum in the RAF leadership, the Interim Board will provide strategic direction, restore financial and governance stability, and work towards fulfilling the RAF’s critical mandate to the public," said Creecy.
The interim board will be chaired by Kenneth Brown, with Nonhlanhla Mabusela-Aikhuere as vice-chairperson.
Other members include Ntswaki Kutumela, Innocentia Mmule Pule, Richard Dyantyi, Mpontshane Alfred Mkhipheni, Alfredina Themba, and Neeshan Balton.
They will serve for six months or until a permanent board is appointed.
Creecy also announced a new board for South African Airways (SAA), led by chairperson Sedzani Faith Mudau, a qualified chartered accountant and former SAA employee.
The airline, which has returned to profitability after emerging from business rescue in 2021, aims to grow its fleet from 20 to more than 50 aircraft by 2030 without relying on new government guarantees.
"I am confident this new board will build on the strong foundation laid by the outgoing interim board, using the airline’s debt-free balance sheet and ring-fenced liquidity, they will implement a bold fleet expansion plan to ensure SAA remains competitive and financially independent," Creecy added.
In a third key appointment, Creecy confirmed that Khulekelwe Glynnis Mbonambi, a chartered accountant, has been appointed as a non-executive director on the Transnet board.
The appointment, she said, would help strengthen the company’s financial oversight as it works to stabilise operations and improve freight logistics and port services.
"The appointment of Ms Mbonambi is a vital step towards strengthening Transnet’s board, her expertise will help boost trade growth, improve freight logistics and port services, and ultimately create jobs across South Africa," said Creecy
She said the leadership changes form part of a broader strategy to modernise and rebuild the capabilities of the state-owned transport sector to support the country’s long-term economic growth.
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