Air Chefs CEO Proposes Mutual Separation Amid Findings

Matshela Seshibe offers to leave his post after a disciplinary panel finds him guilty of four professional charges.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Business Travel

Bold vector editorial illustration showing a single empty leather office chair, representing corporate transition in a professional setting. — Air Chefs CEO Matshela Seshibe has proposed a mutual separation from the company after a disciplinary panel upheld four professional misconduct charges. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Air Chefs CEO Matshela Seshibe has proposed a mutual separation from the company following a disciplinary hearing where he was found guilty of four charges. The findings include making irregular salary adjustments for staff without obtaining proper board approval.

Why it matters

The proposal aims to address ongoing operational and financial challenges facing Air Chefs and its parent company, South African Airways. The board is now tasked with weighing the separation agreement against the findings of breach of policy and irregular expenditure.

The hearing found Seshibe guilty of providing unauthorized pay raises, including an 18.4% salary increase for Zandile Mzilikazi and a 28.57% acting allowance increase for Mphume Spayile. These actions resulted in irregular expenditure and breaches of the Public Finance Management Act.

The players

Matshela Seshibe

He is the current CEO of Air Chefs who has served two years of his five-year contract.

Air Chefs

This entity provides catering and hospitality services as a subsidiary of South African Airways.

South African Airways

Commonly known as SAA, this is the state-owned flag carrier airline of South Africa and the parent company of Air Chefs.

The details

Seshibe served two years of his five-year contract before being placed on special leave in August 2026. The disciplinary panel ruled that he failed to disclose a personal and professional relationship with Mzilikazi and bypassed board oversight regarding remuneration adjustments for Gloria Maile.

October 2024: Matshela Seshibe began his five-year contract as CEO.
August 2026: Seshibe was placed on special leave.
End of August 2026: Seshibe's contract as acting SAA group CEO terminated.
Week of 27 October 2026: Seshibe proposed a mutual separation to the board.

Market Landscape

This move reflects a broader trend of increased accountability for state-owned enterprise executives under the strict financial governance of the Public Finance Management Act. The potential exit forces Air Chefs to re-evaluate its leadership stability while managing its relationship with SAA.

For stakeholders and business partners, the executive transition signals a period of internal restructuring that may impact upcoming procurement or service contracts. Observers should monitor official announcements from the SAA board to determine how this change affects operational continuity.

The takeaway

Executive accountability remains a central focus for state-owned entities seeking to maintain financial health. Maintaining transparent communication with boards is essential for leaders aiming to uphold company policy and avoid disciplinary scrutiny.