Transport Minister Appoints RAF Interim Board, Names New SAA Leadership

Creecy explained that the dissolution of the previous RAF board on 15 July 2025 was prompted by its failure to act in the best interests of the organisation and to fulfil its fiduciary duties.

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has announced significant governance changes at two major state entities — the Road Accident Fund (RAF) and South African Airways (SAA) — aimed at restoring stability, strengthening oversight, and ensuring effective service delivery.

Speaking at a media briefing in Pretoria on Friday, Creecy confirmed the appointment of an Interim Board for the RAF for a period of six months, or until a permanent board is named, following the dissolution of the previous board in mid-July 2025. She also unveiled the new permanent Board of Directors for SAA, which has been tasked with advancing the airline’s growth and governance agenda.

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Interim Board to Steer the RAF Out of Governance Crisis

Creecy explained that the dissolution of the previous RAF board on 15 July 2025 was prompted by its failure to act in the best interests of the organisation and to fulfil its fiduciary duties. The governance and operational shortcomings, she said, had severely undermined the fund’s ability to meet its statutory obligations.

“It became urgent to close the governance vacuum in RAF leadership,” the Minister said. “The Interim Board will provide strategic direction, restore governance stability, and ensure the RAF can deliver on its mandate.”

The RAF is tasked with providing cover to road users, compensating and rehabilitating victims of motor vehicle accidents, and promoting safe road usage nationwide. The Minister stressed that the Interim Board must focus on addressing deficiencies in governance and control systems — particularly the frequent default judgments against the RAF, which have cost the entity financially and reputationally.

Other key priorities for the Interim Board include:

• Initiating the recruitment of critical executive positions.

• Cooperating with current and future Special Investigating Unit (SIU) investigations.

• Working with an independent panel of experts appointed by the Ministry to assess stakeholder views, review operational processes, and recommend reforms.

Creecy also highlighted ongoing efforts to modernise the RAF through the Road Accident Benefit Scheme Bill, which proposes a no-fault, comprehensive social security system aimed at expanding benefits to all road users and replacing the current fault-based claims model.

The Interim RAF Board:

• Chairperson: Kenneth Brown

• Vice-Chairperson: Nonhlanhla Mabusela-Aikhuere

• Members: Ntswaki Kutumela, Innocentia Mmule Pule, Richard Dyantyi, Mpontshane Alfred Mkhipheni, Alfredina (Ntina) Themba, Neeshan Balton

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New Leadership for South African Airways

The Minister also announced that Cabinet has approved a new Board of Directors for SAA, bringing together seasoned professionals with expertise in aviation, governance, finance, logistics, tourism, security, and public policy.

The new SAA Board:

• Chairperson: Sedzani Faith Mudau – Chartered Accountant and former SAA employee

• Deputy Chairperson: Fathima Gany – former SAA Interim Board member

• Members: Theunis Potgieter, Mongezi India, Dennis Dlomo, Pamela Bulelwa Yako, Bongiwe Pityi, Dr Salome Chiloane-Nwabueza, Dr Prittish Dala, Lisa Mangcu, Bongiwe Mbomvu, Siphumelele Dlungwane, Advocate Johannes Collen Weapond

Creecy said the new board inherits an airline that has returned to profitability over the last two years and currently operates 17 routes, including three intercontinental services. Their mandate includes improving responses to audit findings, maintaining financial independence, and leading fleet expansion from 20 to over 50 aircraft by 2030.

“This will require a capital-raising programme supported by internally generated revenue, operating leases, and market funding, without seeking new sovereign guarantees,” Creecy said.

She thanked the outgoing interim board for guiding SAA through its post-business rescue phase since 2021, restoring operational stability, and maintaining South Africa’s status as a competitive flag carrier.

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A Dual Focus on Reform and Growth

With these appointments, the Ministry of Transport is pursuing a two-pronged approach — stabilising governance at the RAF while enabling SAA to grow sustainably. Creecy emphasised that effective leadership, transparent governance, and strategic planning will be key to ensuring both entities meet their respective mandates to the South African public.