DA Reports Mashatile & Creecy To Public Protector Over SAA CEO Scandal

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has reported Deputy President Paul Mashatile and Minister Barbara Creecy to the Public Protector over alleged political interference in the appointment of the new South African Airways (SAA) CEO.

According to DA National Spokesperson Willie Aucamp MP, the appointment process has been tainted by undue political meddling, with Minister Creecy reportedly set to recommend John Lamola, who performed worst in independent assessments, over far more qualified candidates, including Kenya Airways CEO Allan Kilavuka and top-scoring contender Philip Saunders.

“The fact that Lamola, the lowest-scoring candidate, is being favoured over more competent individuals raises serious red flags about the integrity and transparency of this process,” Aucamp stated.

Reports suggest that Deputy President Mashatile and Minister Creecy even held private interviews at Mashatile’s official residence, outside the formal selection process, further fueling concerns of political interference.

Aucamp slammed the alleged backroom dealings, saying, “This is yet another blatant attempt by the ANC to push a politically connected candidate into a key SOE position, disregarding due process and undermining merit-based appointments.”

Adding to the controversy, a News24 report revealed that Minister Creecy called SAA Board Chairperson Derek Hanekom on 27 October, allegedly pressuring him to change the board’s recommendation, despite the board’s initial decision, dated 18 September, favouring Kilavuka.

Hanekom reportedly suggested referring the matter back to the board, which then held a special meeting that same week. However, the board ultimately refused Creecy’s request. Both Creecy and Hanekom have denied any wrongdoing.

The DA believes this interference could indicate Hanekom aligning with ANC interests rather than respecting the board’s independence. As a result, the party will file a Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) application to obtain the minutes of the board meeting to establish what truly transpired.

“This is a textbook example of the ANC’s cadre deployment in action—prioritizing political loyalty over competence,” said Aucamp. “The Zondo Commission made it clear that ANC cadre deployment is unconstitutional and unlawful, yet the ruling party continues to manipulate key state appointments for political gain.”

Given these concerns, the DA is calling on Cabinet to reject any attempt to appoint Lamola as SAA CEO when the recommendation is presented tomorrow.

“We refuse to let the ANC hijack South Africa’s state institutions for political patronage. The citizens of this country deserve transparent, merit-based leadership in our SOEs—not another cadre deployment scandal,” Aucamp concluded.