Polokwane – The Gateway Airports Authority Limited (GAAL Board of Directors has placed the Chief Executive Officer, Mokgadi Matli, on precautionary suspension.
The GAAL operates the Polokwane International Airport.
Announcing the suspension on Friday, 31 July 2026, Dr. M. Musitha, Chairperson of the GAAL Board of Directors, said: “The Board has placed the Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Mokgadi Matli, on precautionary suspension with immediate effect.
“We wish to reassure all stakeholders that this decision will not disrupt the operations of Polokwane International Airport.”
However, the Board did not disclose the exact reasons for Matli’s suspension.
Commenting on the suspension on Saturday, 1 August 2026, Limpopo Transport and Community Safety MEC Violet Mathye, in her capacity as shareholder representative of the GAAL, said she notes that the GAAL Board of Directors has placed Matli on precautionary suspension.
The MEC said she “respects the independence” of the GAAL Board in exercising its governance and oversight responsibilities in line with the Public Finance Management Act, the Company’s Memorandum of Incorporation and other relevant prescripts.
MEC Mathye said she has engaged the Board to ensure that due process is followed, that the rights of all parties were respected, and that the matter was handled with the urgency and transparency it deserves.
“Importantly, the Accounting Authority has assured that this precautionary suspension will not disrupt operations at Polokwane International Airport,” MEC Mathye said.
“The airport remains open and fully operational.
“The safety of passengers, staff and all airport users remains our top priority.”
The MEC assured all stakeholders, including airlines, tenants, and the travelling public, that service delivery will continue uninterrupted during this period.
She said the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety will monitor developments closely and will provide updates as appropriate.
