The CEO of South African Airways (SAA), Siza Mzimela has announced her retirement from the battling airline.

She notified SAA employees on Monday morning confirming her resignation via email stating “this is not a random move”.

“I have given this decision careful thought and feel that now is the best time to relinquish my position as your CEO and allow somebody else to pilot the company into the future.”

Mayihlome Tshwete, spokesperson for the minister of public enterprises, has confirmed that the department has knowledge of the email sent by Mzimela.

“At this stage we’re still trying to reach the chairman to determine if he has received her formal letter of resignation.”

SAA was recently in the news for large corporate changes  when eight board members (including chairperson Cheryl Carolus) resigned. All board members have been replaced.