Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has announced that Chief Executive Officer Mpumi Mpofu will step down at the end of her fixed-term contract on 30 June 2026, concluding six years at the helm of the state-owned aviation infrastructure company.
The announcement marks a significant leadership transition for ACSA, which has spent recent years rebuilding operations and stabilising finances following the severe disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and broader pressures within the global aviation sector.
ACSA Board Chairperson Irvin Phenyane said Mpofu had led the organisation through one of the most challenging periods in aviation history while overseeing operational recovery and advancing key strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening the company’s long-term position.
“The Board and CEO have agreed on a carefully managed transition, with clear terms of reference and mutual cooperation,” said Phenyane.
The Board has appointed Charles Shilowa as Acting Chief Executive Officer with effect from 1 July 2026, while a formal recruitment process for a permanent CEO gets underway.
Shilowa currently serves as ACSA’s Group Executive for Capital Infrastructure Asset Management, a position he has held since July 2023. His previous experience includes senior leadership roles at Rand Merchant Bank, the South African Revenue Service, Sasol Technology and Unilever.
According to ACSA, Shilowa will work closely with the Board to ensure leadership continuity and operational stability during the transition period.
Mpofu will remain in her role until the end of June and is expected to work alongside the acting CEO and executive team to ensure a seamless handover.