The next managing director of Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) was likely to be an internal candidate, sources close to the process told Business Report yesterday.
Even Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele yesterday appeared to support an internal appointment.
“Ms (Monhla) Hlahla will certainly be missed, but she has put in place a strong and competent team at Acsa. We are confident that her good work will be continued by the quality leadership she has mentored and nurtured. However, she will always remain an integral part of the transport family,” Ndebele said.
Acsa announced at the weekend that Hlahla would leave the company at the end of September after 10 years at the helm. Yesterday Acsa would not be drawn on the discussion about a possible successor.
Acsa spokesman Solomon Makgale said: “The board of Acsa recognises the need to deal with this matter (swiftly) and will consider all suitable applicants… internal or external. It is going to be difficult to replace someone of Monhla’s stature and abilities but we are certain that a replacement will be found.
“The board is also confident that Acsa’s strong management team is competent to lead the organisation through this transition period.”
An announcement would be made once the entire process had been completed.
Hlala said: “I intend to join the private sector but continue to contribute… to the aviation sector. The final decision will be made in the coming months.”
In the next three months, Hlahla would help Acsa with key priorities and a stable transition. In the past five years, Acsa has spent R17 billion upgrading and building airports in preparation for last year’s World Cup, including the R7bn construction of the King Shaka International Airport.
Hlahla was proud of the “new” airports, solid financial performance and operational excellence achieved by the company over the years.
“I am certain that our passengers will agree that physical facilities and service levels have improved profoundly over the years. The other aspect is that I managed to build a team. No leader would succeed without a strong team,” Hlahla said.
Ndebele said Hlahla had made an invaluable contribution as managing director.
“She ensured that Acsa became one of the best agencies in the country. Under her leadership, current airport infrastructure in South Africa has been recognised as of world-class standard,” Ndebele said. - Business Report