Siphamandla Mthethwa named new ACSA CEO

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) is set for another change at the top, with Siphamandla Mthethwa appointed as the company’s incoming chief executive officer.

Mthethwa is expected to take up the position at the beginning of November 2026 and will also serve as an executive director, according to BusinessTech.

The appointment comes after ACSA moved into an acting leadership arrangement earlier this year following the conclusion of Mpumi Mpofu’s fixed-term tenure.

ACSA appointed Charles Shilowa as acting CEO from 1 July while the board undertook a process to appoint a permanent successor.

Mthethwa is not new to the airport operator. He previously served as ACSA’s chief financial officer and executive director from 2020 until 2023.

During that period, he was responsible for financial leadership across ACSA’s network of nine major airports.

BusinessTech reports that his tenure included overseeing a R6 billion funding programme, implementing the company’s financial recovery strategy during the COVID-19 period and facilitating a R1.8 billion bond issue without a government guarantee.

His professional background extends beyond aviation, with executive roles at state-owned companies including the Central Energy Fund and African Exploration, Mining and Finance Corporation.

ACSA’s historical records confirm that Mthethwa joined the company as CFO in May 2020 and held the executive director role before leaving in May 2023.

The incoming appointment follows Mpumi Mpofu’s departure from ACSA after six years at the organisation.

ACSA announced in May that Mpofu would conclude her tenure when her fixed-term contract ended on 30 June 2026.

The board appointed Shilowa, then Group Executive: Capital Infrastructure Asset Management, as acting CEO from 1 July while a permanent appointment was pursued.

The transition therefore places Mthethwa at the helm after a period in which the airport operator has been led on an acting basis.

BusinessTech also noted Mpofu’s record during her tenure, including an increase in ACSA’s revenue during the 2024 financial year and recognition from Forbes in its list of influential South African CEOs.

Mthethwa will take over at a time when ACSA is pursuing a substantial infrastructure and modernisation programme.

The airport operator announced in May that its new board would oversee a R21 billion airports upgrade programme, alongside initiatives focused on connectivity, passenger experience and operational resilience.

ACSA’s latest integrated report also identifies infrastructure modernisation, expanded connectivity, digital transformation and operational efficiency among its strategic priorities.

The company operates South Africa’s nine principal airports and says its network connects the country to all six inhabited continents.

Mthethwa’s arrival will bring the acting CEO period to an end, with Shilowa expected to step down from the acting position and associated roles when the new CEO assumes office.

The appointment also returns an executive with previous experience inside ACSA to the organisation’s top leadership position.

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