SAA faces urgent court challenge over CEO appointment battle

South African Airways (SAA) is facing an urgent court challenge from its acting CEO, Matshela Seshibe, over the appointment process for the company's top position. In August, Seshibe was placed on special leave by SAA after being shortlisted for the permanent CEO role. Seshibe is demanding that the court either allow him an opportunity to interview for the position or halt the appointment until his disciplinary proceedings are resolved.

In court papers filed on Tuesday, Seshibe argues that SAA has unfairly judged him guilty without giving him the chance to respond to allegations brought by Air Chefs, a subsidiary of the national carrier. He wants the matter heard by October 20th, before SAA is expected to appoint a permanent CEO by the end of the month.

Seshibe was initially appointed acting group CEO in April and later took over the role after Air Chefs placed him on special leave and initiated disciplinary proceedings. He maintains that he has a solid defense against the unresolved disciplinary allegations against him, stating that no misconduct has been found.

Seshibe claims that his shortlisting for the CEO position demonstrated that SAA considered him qualified and suitable for the job, yet they refused to hear his explanation before excluding him. He emphasizes that the airline's actions were prejudicial to him, as they made assumptions about his character and suitability for the position without allowing him to respond.

The SAA spokesperson confirmed the receipt of Seshibe's court application but declined to comment on the allegations, stating that the matter is currently sub judice and before the court. The airline is bound by confidentiality obligations during the recruitment process and cannot disclose information about individual candidates while the procedures are ongoing.