Embattled Air Botswana (AB) has appointed Mphi Tlhomelang as its acting general manager after the departure of Sakhile Nyoni-Reiling, who held the position for a short stint of time. Like her predecessor, Reiling is understood to have dumped her company car at the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport terminal before flying out of the country.
That Reiling was on her way out was confirmed by Transport and Communications Minister Nonofo Molefhi early in the year.
Tlhomelang, the national carrier’s finance manager, was appointed to act in the position after a board meeting of 27th June 2013.
Responding to enquiries on her appointment, AB spokesperson, Thabiso Leshoai, confirmed the appointment but only saying: “Mphi Tlhomelang has been appointed to act as General Manager until further notice”.
This is not the first time that Tlhomelang has acted in this position as she acted in the same capacity a few years ago after the unceremonious departure of Lance Brogden, who then joined IATA as Chief Executive Officer after AB failed safety audit tests.
On whether the other national airline’s directors who were recently suspended from duty had been reinstated, Leshoai refused to answer save to say “that issues that relate to staff performance, welfare and/or movements are dealt with confidentially between employer and employee. We will therefore not comment on this issue”.
However, information gathered by The Sunday Standard indicates that the board meeting of June 27 also reinstated the trio although they have not yet resumed duties.
At press time, it could not be established why the three have not yet returned to work despite their reinstatement.