The previous minister of Tourism for South Africa, the Hon. Derek Hanekom was simply appointed Chairman of South African Airways.
The Hon. Derek Hanekom is named an outspoken and hardworking South African Minister of Tourism from Could 25, 2014, to March 30, 2017. He was re-appointed to function the Minister of Tourism from February 27, 2018 to Could 29, 2019.
Hanekom additionally served because the Minister of Science and Expertise from October 4, 2012, to Could 25, 2014, and because the Minister of Agriculture and Land Affairs from 1996 to 1999.
In 2016 Minister Hanekom was awarded the Order of Advantage by the Federal Republic of Germany, the best award bestowed upon people for service to their nation.
He’s the Chair of the Ahmed Kathrada Basis, which helps the legacy of the anti-apartheid stalwart by deepening non-racialism in South Africa.
Mr. Hanekom was born January 13, 1953, in Cape City and belongs to the African Nationwide Congress.
At the moment, he’s working as a presidential envoy for South Africa, mandated to advertise tourism investments.
World Tourism Community (WTN) Vice President Alain St. Ange congratulates Derek Hanekom on his appointment as interim chairperson of SAA.
The appointment of Derek Hanekom, the previous Tourism Minister of South Africa because the chairperson of the interim South African Airways (SAA) Board earlier in the present day was welcoming information for the tourism business all through Africa.
World Tourism Community VP Alain St. Ange, the previous Minister of Tourism for Seychelles on the similar time as Derek Hanekom was serving as minister of Tourism for South Africa, was one of many first former colleagues congratulating Mr. Hanekom on his new appointment.
Alain St. Ange mentioned from Seychelles:
This appointment is nice information for SAA. Derek Hanekom is a tough employee and understands that tourism shouldn’t be an exercise however an business.
Derek Hanekom labored for tourism along with his coronary heart in the fitting place and with the wanted ardour.
South African Airways is in good palms, and Africa must welcome this transfer. SAA is a number one African provider important for African connectivity and tourism.”
A giant new problem. I’ll definitely give it my all.”
Derek Hanekom commenting on his appointment because the SAA Chairman
The 93-year-old Star Alliance member airline has confronted huge challenges for a while and has seen a number of modifications in its high jobs.
The airline entered voluntary enterprise rescue in December 2019 attributable to a few years of economic losses and suspended all operations the next yr. In June 2021, the authorities introduced that in an try and revive the airline, it had entered right into a partnership with the Takatso Consortium, which might maintain a 51% controlling stake.
The South African Civil Aviation Authority confirmed on 4 August 2021 that SAA’s air operator’s certificates had been reissued with an accepted fleet of eight plane.
The airline restarted operations on 23 September 2021, regardless of not concluding the funding settlement with the proposed personal companions.
Nonetheless, SAA was acknowledged because the second-best airline in Africa by Skytrax in 2021, regardless of not having flown a single scheduled flight for 18 months.
There are two extra Star Alliance member Airways in Africa, Egypt Air, and Ethiopian Airways.
With tourism and worldwide commerce recovering after COVID, the outlook for SAA as a key airline connecting the South African Area with the world is promising.
In 2018 former minister Hanekom had a phrase for the media:
“The media, as you painting the truth of Africa with all its challenges, embody the story of how tourism is altering our continent and benefitting its individuals. Thanks on your invaluable contribution.”
South African Airways wants optimistic media. Chairman Hanekom could also be the very best individual to place this objective ahead when he will get SAA re-positioned as a number one and worthwhile airline provider.