New boss for owner of OR Tambo, Cape Town and King Shaka International
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has announced that it will appoint Siphamandla Mthethwa as its newest CEO.
Mthethwa will begin his new role from the start of November 2026 and will also serve as the company’s executive director.
Mthethwa has served in several executive positions in South African state-owned companies, including the Central Energy Fund and the African Exploration, Mining and Finance Corporation.
He worked with the ACSA from 2020 to 2023, serving as the group’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and executive director.
During this time, ACSA said Mthethwa “Provided strategic financial leadership for South Africa’s network of nine major airports.”
“During his tenure, he led a successful R6 billion funding programme, oversaw the implementation of the Company’s financial recovery strategy during the COVID-19 period, and facilitated the issuance of a R1.8 billion bond without a government guarantee.”
ACSA operates all of South Africa’s major and international airports, including OR Tambo International in Gauteng and King Shaka in KwaZulu-Natal.
ACSA’s current acting CEO, Charles Shilowa, will step down from the position and several other roles within the company upon Mthethwa’s arrival.
“The ACSA Board extends its best wishes to Mr Mthethwa for every success in his new role and expresses its sincere appreciation to Mr Shilowa for his valued leadership and stewardship during his tenure as Acting Chief Executive Officer,” the company said.
The last permanent CEO in the ACSA was Mpumi Mpofu, who left the company earlier this year after being credited with revitalising South Africa’s aviation sector.
Under Mpofu’s stewardship, ACSA saw its revenue increase by 16% in the 2024 financial year, following years of uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2024, Mpofu was recognised by Forbes for her efforts at the company, which placed her on its list of the 25 most influential CEOs in South Africa.
In May 2026, the ACSA announced that Mpofu would leave the company at the end of her contract, from the start of July.
“Ms Mpofu will continue to serve in her role until the conclusion of her contract and will work closely with the Acting CEO, Board and the executive team to ensure a seamless handover and continued operational stability across the organisation,” it said at the time.
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