The challenges of “acting” CEOs in state-owned enterprises: The case of South African airways

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the recent spate of suspensions, resignations and interim chief executive appointments at the helm of the national airline, South African Airways. This challenge in the instability of management and leadership has resulted in low stakeholder confidence in the country, as it portrays an image of economic instability and political interference, particularly when the underlying reasons for the various suspensions and acting appointments are examined. This paper is purely qualitative in nature, and gives presents a critical analysis and perspective the challenges and impact of political interference in South African state owned enterprises. The study contributes not only to governance and accountability in the public sector, but also how politics can cause reputational risk for itself and CEOs in state owned enterprises and other key Government departments which are considered to be of national importance.