New ACSA Board Appointed to Oversee Major R21 Billion Airport Expansion Project

Johannesburg – Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has unveiled its new board of directors, tasked with steering the state-owned enterprise through a pivotal period of infrastructure expansion and operational revitalization.

On Monday, 18 May 2026, ACSA made the appointments of Irvin Phenyane (Chairperson), Xoliswa Daku, Keitumetse Mahlangu, Surendra Sooklal, Roy Mnisi, and Theunis Chamberlain as its board members.

Furthermore, ACSA will integrate Kurt Parker and Ulandi Exner into the board on 6 August 2026.

This introduction of new members is crucial as ACSA ramps up its R21 billion airport upgrade initiative and innovative approaches designed to enhance connectivity, passenger satisfaction, and operational robustness.

ACSA’s positive shift is underscored by its remarkable financial results for the year ending 31 March 2025, showcasing a record net profit of R1.1 billion, more than double the R472 million recorded in 2023/24.

This robust financial position has prompted the approval of R198 million in accumulated preference share dividends, alongside a declaration of R113 million in ordinary share dividends for 2024/25.

With these strategic changes, ACSA’s Board of Directors now consists of twelve members, merging experienced industry leaders with innovative thinkers to advance aviation excellence.

This diverse expertise will enhance ACSA’s ability to improve connectivity, enrich passenger experiences, strengthen governance, and implement its infrastructure projects, positioning the organization for long-term growth.

New ACSA Board Members:

Irvin Phenyane (Chairperson)

Irvin brings over 20 years of aviation industry experience, including leadership roles in greenfield airport projects and innovative initiatives in aviation destination development.

He has previously served as a Non-Executive Director at both ACSA and TETA, and was a member of the International Air Services Licensing Council for four years. Currently, he chairs the Drone Council SA.

This business consultant has provided advisory services to various clients on transformation, project management, strategy, and global business development.

Since 2008, he has supported the taxi industry, including during major events like the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2013 CAF Football Tournament. His recent MPhil (Corporate Strategy) focused on emerging technologies.

He holds a BSc, two Postgraduate Diplomas (in Project Management and Management), and a Master’s in Management (MM), making him well-prepared to guide ACSA’s board effectively.

Xoliswa Daku

As the Founder and CEO of DAKU (PTY) Ltd, Xoliswa leads a private company with varied subsidiaries in property, law, and energy, boasting over 29 years of legal expertise.

She has previously held chairmanship roles at SEDFA and the University of the Western Cape and possesses an LLM and an EMBA, augmented by a variety of international postgraduate business credentials.

Daku’s extensive board experience over the past 26 years covers governance, institutional frameworks, foreign direct investment, trade, and industry matters.

Her collaborations with multinational companies globally consistently focus on identifying growth opportunities for the country while committing to community development.

Keitumetse Mahlangu

An admitted attorney with over 20 years of experience in legal practice, governance, investigations, and cross-border road transport regulation.

Ms. Mahlangu has participated in numerous Boards and Audit Committees, including contributions to the Cross-Border Road Transport Agency, the Gauteng Film Commission, the Department of Human Settlements, and the Gauteng Rental Housing Tribunal, among others.

She holds a B. Proc, an LLB, completed the Management Advancement Programme (MAP), and earned a Post-Graduate Certificate in Fraud Examination and Legislative Drafting.

Additionally, she has undertaken various law courses from multiple international law institutions, and her expertise in transport, property, and public sector governance will significantly contribute to ACSA’s strategic objectives.

Surendra Sooklal

With over 35 years of experience in risk management, auditing (both external and internal), regulatory oversight, and governance, Sooklal has previously served as a Group Executive at MTN, where he acted as the Group Chief Business Risk Officer, managing risk assessment, internal audits, group insurance, business continuity, crisis management, and cybersecurity.

A former member of the Disciplinary Committee at the Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors, he spent many years as an audit partner at PwC South Africa. His extensive expertise in enterprise risk and compliance will bolster ACSA’s board in navigating complex operational challenges.

A chartered accountant, he has a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.), a Diploma in Accounting, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Tax Law from the University of Durban-Westville, alongside completing the Aviation Leaders Programme in Public Policy at the National University of Singapore.

Roy Mnisi

A seasoned Executive Director in the construction industry, Mnisi possesses comprehensive skills in legal, corporate governance, risk management, compliance, negotiation, business planning, management, strategic leadership, and policy analysis accrued over nearly 20 years of executive experience.

Previously the CEO of IMFO, he currently holds the position of Director and CEO at Master Builders South Africa.

Mnisi has obtained an LLB and a Post Graduate Certificate in Compliance Management and is in the process of completing a Master’s in Corporate Law.

Having participated on various boards, including IRBA and NHBRC, he serves as the chair of the JBCC.

Theunis Chamberlain

With over 28 years of experience as an aviation executive specializing in Engineering and ICT across airports in Africa and the Middle East, Theunis’s career includes an eight-year tenure at O. R. Tambo International Airport (1997–2005), where he was the Head of Electrical and Electronic Maintenance.

He subsequently moved into technology leadership, acting as IT Manager and then as ICT Program Manager for ACSA from 2006 onwards.

Since 2007, Chamberlain has provided consultancy for various airport projects across the SADC region, focusing on analytical operations, airport management, ICAO standards, systems design, program management, and business development.

He holds an MBA in Business Administration from the University of South Africa and a B. Eng. in Electronic Engineering from the University of Johannesburg.

Chamberlain’s proven track record will bolster ACSA’s innovation and operational capabilities.

Kurt Parker

Parker brings over 26 years of expertise in Procurement and Supply Chain management, project oversight, strategy, and operations.

As the Managing Partner at Supply Unchained and a Director at Hazishi, he concentrates on IT Development, Project Management, and Procurement Analytics.

Previously, Parker served as Strategic Procurement Manager at Growthpoint Properties and as IT Support Manager at Mutual & Federal.

He has completed programs at GIBS Business School, including Mastering Finance and The Expert Negotiator, which will enhance ACSA’s supply chain resilience.

Ulandi Exner

Exner brings over 20 years of multinational ICT experience, establishing herself as a reputable leader in technology governance and digital transformation.

Her past roles encompass Group IT Executive, COO, and Director, and she was the first woman to chair the Africa ICT Alliance (AfICTA).

A former President of the Institute of Information Technology Professionals South Africa (IITPSA), she has vigorously promoted the professionalization of the ICT sector, enhancing governance and ethical leadership.

Exner currently contributes to multiple boards and governance committees, shaping policy and governance frameworks at Broadband Infraco, the South African Police Service, Bestmed, the Presidency of South Africa, and the Department of Science and Innovation.