ACSA: Siphamandla Mthethwa CEO Appointment Confirmed, R15B Capex Focus

• Siphamandla Mthethwa has been appointed as the new CEO of Airports Company SA (ACSA), effective from 1 November 2026.
• ACSA, which is 74.6% government-owned, manages South Africa's nine largest airports and has been without a permanent CEO since Mpumi Mpofu's tenure ended on 30 June 2026.
• Mthethwa, a chartered accountant, previously served as ACSA's chief financial officer and is praised for navigating the company through the COVID-19 pandemic.
• His primary mandate includes executing a board-approved capital expenditure program, starting with R15 billion for 2027-2029, potentially rising to R37 billion by 2031.
• This investment will focus on modernising airport infrastructure, including runways, jet fuel pipelines, and security technology.

A primary focus for the incoming Airports Company SA new CEO will be the execution of a substantial capital expenditure program, as outlined by ACSA board chair Irvin Phenyane during the announcement.

Airports Company SA (ACSA), the state-owned entity responsible for managing South Africa's nine largest airports, including major hubs like OR Tambo International in Gauteng, Cape Town International in the Western Cape, and King Shaka International Airport in KwaZulu-Natal, has concluded its three-month search for a new chief executive officer. The Airports Company SA new CEO is Siphamandla Mthethwa, whose appointment was officially announced on Friday and is set to become effective from 1 November 2026. This leadership transition follows cabinet approval on 23 September.

ACSA, which is 74.6% government-owned, has been operating without a permanent CEO since 30 June 2026, when the fixed-term tenure of the erstwhile CEO, Mpumi Mpofu, concluded. During this interim period, Charles Shilowa capably served as the acting chief executive, guiding the organization until a permanent successor could be identified and appointed. The appointment of Siphamandla Mthethwa Acsa marks a significant step in solidifying the company's executive leadership.

A primary focus for the incoming Airports Company SA new CEO will be the execution of a substantial capital expenditure program, as outlined by ACSA board chair Irvin Phenyane during the announcement. This board-approved initiative represents a significant investment in South Africa airport infrastructure. ACSA revealed details of an immediate R15 billion capital expenditure plan during its financial results presentation in early September, earmarked for rollout between 2027 and 2029.

This ambitious program, which could potentially escalate to R37 billion by 2031, is designed to modernize airport infrastructure and services across the country. Specific projects include critical upgrades such as fixing runways at various airports, installing essential jet fuel pipelines, and deploying advanced technology to enhance airport security and expedite luggage scanning processes, thereby reducing queues at security checkpoints. The ACSA R15 billion capital expenditure signals a renewed commitment to improving air travel facilities.

Siphamandla Mthethwa is a familiar figure within ACSA, returning to the company after an absence of nearly three years. A qualified chartered accountant, he previously held the position of chief financial officer for the airport operator. His initial tenure with ACSA began on 1 May 2020, a period marked by the severe impact of COVID-19 lockdowns, which grounded flights and significantly disrupted airport operations, posing considerable financial challenges for the company.

ACSA board chair Irvin Phenyane specifically commended Mthethwa for his instrumental role in guiding the company through this exceptionally difficult period. Prior to his initial engagement with ACSA, Mthethwa accumulated extensive experience in senior financial leadership roles across diverse sectors, including telecommunications, banking, and mining, equipping him with a broad strategic perspective for his new leadership challenge.

Lawyers advising clients in infrastructure, construction, or aviation sectors should note this leadership change at a key state-owned entity, as it signals the imminent rollout of a significant R15-37 billion capital expenditure program, potentially impacting procurement processes, contract opportunities, and regulatory engagement for airport development projects.

Source: Original reporting via Moneyweb