Aviation authority appoints acting head

Johannesburg - Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has appointed Zakhele Thwala as the acting director of the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), it said on Monday.

He is taking over from Colin Jordaan, whose contract ends on December 31 2010.

Ndebele's office said that the process to replace Jordaan was at "an advanced stage".

"We wish to thank Colin Jordaan for his valuable contribution during his tenure at the SACAA and wish him well for his future," Ndebele said.

Thwala is a deputy director general in the department of transport and one of his areas of responsibility is aviation.

Ndebele said Thwala's secondment is in accordance with the provisions of the Civil Aviation Act, and is with effect from January 2011.