Update: In an earlier version of this article we erroneously stated that Nora Fakude-Nkuna was the new deputy chairperson of SAA. This was wrong. Nolitha Fakude is the new deputy chair of the national carrier. We apologise for the mistake.

Cape Town - Controversial SAA chair Dudu Myeni has been axed as the chairperson of the cash-strapped airline's board, according to source with knowledge of the changes.



Myeni had been replaced with businessman Johannes Bhekumuzi "JB" Magwaza, the founder and executive chairperson of Nkunzi Investment Holdings.

In total there have been six changes.

Until ubaba goes

Myeni had previously vowed to stay on as the chairperson of SAA’s board “until ubaba goes”.



City Press had previously reported that three senior SAA executives, and another source close to the board, said that Myeni had informed those in her close circle at the beleaguered airline that she would not step down until President Jacob Zuma finished his second term of office in 2019.

This was when banks and other financiers were pulling the plug on loans they gave to SAA, citing her continued presence on the airline’s board as one of the reasons.

Approached for comment, SAA spokesperson Tlali Tlali said he had “no information” on whether a change had taken place.



Government spokesperson Phumla Williams said that any information about Cabinet decisions will be announced at a post Cabinet briefing at 13:00 on Thursday. She said she could not speak about board changes.

Myeni was unable to comment and requested to be contacted later.

Changes

The previous board had been announced by Cabinet on September 2, 2016.

"The new full-strength board brings a wealth of skills and expertise, making them well positioned to oversee the turnaround of the airline," the office of the Presidency said at the time. This is a developing story. More to follow.

SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE UPDATE: Get Fin24's top morning business news and opinions in your inbox.

Read Fin24's top stories trending on Twitter: Fin24’s top stories