Pretoria — Public Enterprises Minister Malusi Gigaba has appointed South African Airways (SAA) executive chairperson Vuyisile Kona as the airline's acting CEO.

Kona's appointment will take effect immediately until a permanent replacement is found for Siza Mzimela, who resigned in October.

Following a recent SAA Board meeting Gigaba also appointed Duduzile Myeni as the Acting Chairperson of the Board.

Myeni is expected to reinforce leadership stability at SAA and initiate a robust recruitment process for the appointment of the new CEO to ensure continuity in the airlines business operations.

The Acting Chairperson will be required to lead the process for the development of the long term strategy currently being initiated by the company.

A task team, appointed by Gigaba has been mandated to advise and lead the engagements with key government departments and ensure alignment between the SAA Board, other state aviation assets, and key government departments. It will also monitor the work-plan and advise on the achievements of key deliverables as agreed upon by the SAA Board and the consultants; and to ensure alignment between the long term strategy and the wider government objectives.

"It is important to note that the establishment of the Task Team does not replace the Board's decision making process nor does it absolve the Board of its fiduciary role and responsibility. The Board is still expected to be the custodian of the long term strategy, with the shareholder being advised and apprised at all stages of the process," Gigaba said in a statement.