Newly appointed SAA ceo Siza Mzimela has an affinity for happy endings and her plans for the beleaguered airline are no different.
Despite the problems SAA has experienced and the challenges Mzimela will face in her new role, she is confident that her previous aviation experience and passion for the industry will stand her in good stead to bring a happy ending to years of strife at the national carrier.
The announcement of her appointment came as an independent investigation was completed into alleged bad governance practices by the airline’s former ceo, Khaya Ngqula.
Ngqula was suspended following allegations of bad governance and abuse of SAA’s procurement system. The results of the investigation are expected to be made public this month. Since Khaya’s suspension, Chris Smythe, who is now heading up the airline’s operations, had been acting ceo.
“There has been a certain amount of confidence lost as a result of what has happened in the past. There are good things that people have done and continue to do every day but these have not been visible in the industry. I hope we can rebuild the confidence and trust that has been lost,” said Mzimela.
She said proper governance and internal procedures would need to be built on in the coming months.
“Work has already been done in this area but we need to build further on this and ensure we are a perfect example of proper governance in any state-owned enterprise.”
“Part of growing and consolidating routes will be to enter into codeshare agreements with partners in Africa.”
With 14 years in SAA including, among other positions, research analyst, executive vp of global passenger services and responsibility for the airline’s core business global sales and Voyager, as well as board member of SA Tourism, chairperson of the Airlines Association of South Africa and ceo of South African Express, Mzimela is well positioned to take on the new challenge.
Under her tenure as SAX ceo, the regional airline grew in leaps and bounds, introducing a number of new routes and launching Congo Express, a new airline in the DRC. Last year SA Express declared a nett profit of R235m, under difficult economic circumstances.
“I do have a good understanding of some of the challenges within aviation and I think I bring a lot to the table, including my ability to build teams and motivate employees to want a common goal. The most important thing I bring is my passion for the industry,” she said.
Mzimela’s immediate plans for SAA include reviewing the preparations made for the 2010 Soccer World Cup and tackling “burning issues” that need to be addressed speedily.
“Ask me in two weeks’ time and I will have a much longer list for you,” she laughed.
Mzimela recognises that a good working relationship with the travel trade is vital to the success of the airline.
One of the areas of focus for the trade, she says, is to ensure proper communication. Rebuilding and improving the lines of communication between the airline and trade is a top priority for Mzimela.
“Please give SAA chance. Don’t allow one or two negative actions to dent the image of the airline. There are thousands of people who are doing their best every day.”
A welcome appointment
Government and industry leaders have applauded Mzimela’s appointment, saying she is, without a doubt, the best person for the job.
“I have the greatest amount of support for Mzimela’s appointment and absolutely back her. I have known her since she joined SAA and in her position as the chairman of the Airline Association. I think she has all the qualities and business acumen to take SAA to new heights. She needs to build up a good team but I have no doubt that she has a strategy and knows what to do,” said Airlines Association of South Africa ce, Chris Zweigenthal.
Board of Airline Representatives of South Africa ceo, Allan Moore, agrees. “I have found Mzimela to be a good leader; she is capable and knows what she is doing.”
Michael Tatalias, ceo of Southern Africa Tourism Services Association, said the appointment of Mzimela was an indication that government had heeded the call from the public and private sector to fill important positions with experienced people.
“It is great that SAA has a ceo with hands-on, relevant experience and the business acumen to run a successful airline,” he said.
The Tourism Business Council of South Africa said Mzimela’s appointment was not only key for SAA, but for the industry as a whole.