Poppy Khoza has led South Africa’s Civil Aviation Authority with sustained safety, good governance, and greater gender balance.
Poppy Khoza currently serves as the Director of Civil Aviation at the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), a role she has held since her initial appointment in an acting capacity in October 2012. She was formally confirmed in December 2013 and has since been reappointed twice.
Originally from KwaZulu-Natal, Khoza began her career in aviation as a customer service agent at South African Airways. She later progressed through various management positions before joining SACAA. She holds a Diploma in Travel and Tourism and a degree in Business Administration, qualifications which provided the foundation for her progression into aviation leadership. Her appointment as the first black woman to lead the Authority marked a significant milestone in South Africa’s civil aviation history.
Aviation safety and compliance
Under Khoza’s leadership, SACAA has maintained a strong record in aviation safety and regulatory compliance. The Authority has recorded ten clean audits in eleven financial years, with the most recent 2022/23 audit attracting no findings. SACAA has also achieved 100% implementation of its annual targets for eight consecutive years and surpassed 90% in international safety audits, making South Africa the first African country to reach this benchmark.
In 2022, South Africa retained its United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Category 1 status, the highest rating under the FAA’s International Aviation Safety Assessment programme. This status allows South African carriers to operate direct flights to the United States. The Authority has also secured recognition from the US Transportation Security Administration and European regulators for its aviation cargo security systems.
Governance standards at SACAA have been highlighted through repeated clean audits and recognition from the Auditor-General of South Africa. In addition, the organisation’s workforce composition reflects significant strides towards gender balance: 51% of competent positions and 50% of executive roles are currently held by women.
International representation
Khoza’s influence extends beyond South Africa. In 2022, she became the first woman to preside over the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) Assembly in its 78-year history, taking on the role during the 41st ICAO Assembly. In 2023, she received the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Diversity and Inclusion Award in the Inspirational Role Model category.
Poppy Khoza’s tenure has seen SACAA participate in international forums and collaborative efforts aimed at strengthening aviation safety, security, and inclusivity.
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