In a significant development for South Africa’s aviation sector, Poppy Khoza has been re-appointed as the director of Civil Aviation for the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA).
This marks her return for a third consecutive five-year term, effective from 1 December 2023 until 30 November 2028.
SACAA board chairperson, Ernest Khosa, praised Khoza’s international recognition and support, acknowledging her pivotal role in ensuring South Africa maintains a critical voice in global aviation dialogues.
Khoza, the first black female Director of Civil Aviation, previously held this position on an acting basis in October 2012 and later secured a five-year fixed-term appointment from December 2013.
Khoza’s achievements during her tenure are noteworthy, solidifying SACAA’s reputation as a leader in aviation regulation:
- Financial Excellence: SACAA achieved ten consecutive clean audits in 11 years, with the latest audit (2022/23) revealing zero findings.
- Achieving Success: The entity achieved 100% implementation of targets for eight consecutive years.
- International Recognition: Under Khoza’s leadership, SACAA excelled in independent international audits on aviation safety and security, positioning South Africa as the top-ranking country on the continent and among the top 20 globally. South Africa is the first African nation to surpass the 90% mark in safety audits.
- FAA Category 1 Status: The organisation retained the Category 1 Status in the US Federal Aviation Administration assessment in 2022, granting South African operators unrestricted access to the US market.
- Global Security Partnerships: Recognition agreements were secured with European counterparts and the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the aviation cargo security system.
- Organisational Transformation: SACAA, under Khoza’s leadership, underwent a transformative phase, boasting 51% competent female employees and achieving a 50% female executive composition.
The re-appointment of Poppy Khoza was officially approved by Cabinet on 20 November 2023.
Khosa expressed the board’s support, emphasising the positive impact Khoza’s leadership has had on staff, the aviation industry, and international counterparts.
Khoza said she is deeply honoured and grateful for this opportunity to again serve as the Director of Civil Aviation.
“It is an exciting time for me personally and I pledge my commitment once again to drive positive change and promoting safety, efficiency, gender equality and innovation in our skies.”