Siza Mzimela facts for kids

Sizakele Petunia Mzimela, known as Siza Mzimela, is a very important South African businesswoman. She is famous for being the first black woman to start her own airline. Currently, she is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Transnet Freight Rail. In this big role, she helps make sure that South Africa's train system for goods is strong and helps the country's economy grow.

Siza Mzimela's Career Journey

Siza Mzimela started her career at South African Airways (SAA), which is South Africa's national airline. She joined in January 1996 as a research analyst. This means she helped study information to make good business decisions.

Leading South African Airways

Over time, Siza Mzimela took on bigger roles at SAA. She led the airline's global sales and its special program for frequent flyers called Voyager. From April 2010 to October 2012, she was the CEO of SAA. This made her the top leader of the airline. She was also the first woman to join the board of governors for the International Air Transport Association, a big group for airlines around the world.

Starting Her Own Airline: Fly Blue Crane

On September 1, 2015, Siza Mzimela made history by starting her own airline called Fly Blue Crane. She launched it with two friends who also used to work at SAA. They hoped to expand the airline to fly to other countries in Africa like Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Challenges for Fly Blue Crane

Fly Blue Crane grew quickly and employed over 100 people within a year. However, the airline faced difficulties. About 15 months after it started, Fly Blue Crane had to stop its services on February 3, 2017. This was a tough time for the new airline.

Working at Transnet Freight Rail

After her time with Fly Blue Crane, Siza Mzimela continued her important work in the transport industry. On April 1, 2020, she became the CEO of Transnet Freight Rail. This part of Transnet manages all the trains that carry goods across South Africa. Her job is to make sure these trains run on time and help businesses move their products efficiently.

Siza Mzimela also holds other important positions. She is the Vice President of the Southern Africa Railways Association (SARA). She also leads the board of a company called Cargo Carriers and is a director for other companies like Etion Limited and Africa Reinsurance Corporation.

Images for kids

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  Fly Blue Crane Embraer ERJ 145 at OR Tambo International Airport a couple of weeks after the launch of the airline in September 2015.