According to the statement, the suspension is precautionary.
“This is based on certain allegations that have come to the attention of the board, in respect of which the board has a fiduciary duty to investigate,” read the statement further.
“It must be stressed that the board has not come to any conclusion as to the veracity or otherwise of these allegations.”
Some months ago the entire SAA board led ably Cheryl Carolus, tendered resignation letters citing interference from the key stakeholder: Government.
Now with only three months into the hot seat, Kona could as well bid farewell his post.
Kona, was approached to act as the CEO following his vast background within airline the industry.
SAA said its board of directors was in the process of recruiting a permanent CEO. Applications had been received and the board was evaluating them.
“The board is confident that this process will be completed by 31 March 2013, at which time recommendations will be presented to the Minister of Public Enterprises Malusi Gigaba.”
Kona’s suspension was with immediate effect.
The board had asked Mango CEO Nico Bezuidenhout to oversee the group’s operations, SAA said.
Rumour-mill has it on good authority that Kona, the board and Minister did not see eye to eye on numerous turn around strategies.
Kona was not available for comment at the time of posting.
