South African Airways (SA, Johannesburg O.R. Tambo) faces an urgent High Court challenge from its suspended acting chief executive, Matshela Seshibe, who wishes to be considered for the permanent group CEO position.

Seshibe, who was placed on special leave in August amid an internal disciplinary process, filed papers in the Gauteng Division of the High Court in Johannesburg on October 13, 2026. The application is due to be heard on October 20, The Citizen newspaper reports.

In his founding affidavit, Seshibe argues that SAA prejudged his suitability for the role without allowing him to respond to allegations underpinning the disciplinary proceedings.

He asks the court to order SAA to interview him for the permanent CEO post, or halt the recruitment and appointment process until the disciplinary case is concluded, report the Daily Maverick and The Citizen. His founding affidavit does not disclose the charges against him.

Asked for comment, SAA spokesperson Mphilo Dlamini said: "South African Airways confirms that it has received a court challenge from Mr Matshela Seshibe, who was placed on special leave in August. The challenge concerns the recruitment process for SAA's Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO). As the matter is now sub judice and before the court, SAA will address it through the appropriate legal processes. Accordingly, SAA will not comment further on the matter through the media."

The national carrier has been without a permanent group CEO since John Lamola's departure at the end of April 2026. SAA's former chief legal officer, Koekie Mbeki, was appointed in an acting role on August 14.