South African Airways has removed a major legal hurdle in its search for a permanent group chief executive. On 16 October 2026, TGR Attorneys, the firm representing Matshela Seshibe, formally informed SAA’s legal team that the former acting group CEO had ended his urgent high court application. Daily Maverick reported that the case, identified by number 2026-252108, was set for hearing in the Gauteng Local Division in Johannesburg on 20 October. By taking the matter off the urgent roll, Seshibe paused his immediate effort to compel the airline to interview him or to block the selection of a new leader.

Mphilo Dlamini, SAA’s corporate affairs chief, confirmed to Daily Maverick that the recruitment drive would proceed as previously outlined. Dlamini noted that Seshibe had pulled the challenge concerning his exclusion from the interview phase. He added that the airline would hold back on further details about the withdrawal, viewing the issue as a confidential aspect of the employment relationship. Dlamini also emphasized the carrier's ongoing commitment to governance and consistent policy application.

The withdrawal notice from TGR Attorneys included a caveat that removing the urgent application did not mean Seshibe had abandoned his core grievances. The firm argued that this step was not an admission that SAA’s actions were fair or procedurally sound. This legal reservation allows Seshibe to pursue slower legal routes, such as labour disputes or review proceedings, once internal disciplinary steps conclude.

With the immediate risk of a court-ordered interdict gone, the SAA board can advance its plan to select a permanent CEO by the end of October 2026. The airline currently operates under the interim leadership of Koekie Mbeki, its chief legal officer, who serves as acting group CEO. Seshibe remains on special leave, awaiting the outcome of the internal process, while the airline moves forward with its recruitment timeline.