Dudu Myeni, former South African Airways (SAA) chairperson and the Jacob Zuma Foundation, died on Friday, 14 June 2024. She was 60.
Dudu Myeni dies: What’s the cause of death?
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The Jacob Zuma Foundation announced her death through spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi.
Although the cause of her death has not been officially disclosed, it was noted that Myeni had been in the hospital earlier this year.
The family is grieving and has requested privacy during this difficult time.
Dudu Myeni biography
Duduzile “Dudu” Cynthia Myeni was born on 29 October 1963.
She was a South African businesswoman best known for her role as the chairperson of South African Airways and her long-term association with former President Jacob Zuma.
Myeni obtained her Primary Teachers Certificate from Madadeni College and a Secondary Teachers Diploma from Umlazi College.
In 2009, SAA’s annual report listed a bachelor’s degree in administration from the University of Zululand among her qualifications, although it was later revealed she had not completed the degree.
Her career included founding Skills Dynamics, a consulting firm focused on social development programs.
Myeni also held various directorships, including positions with the Mhlathuze Water Board, the South African Association of Water Utilities, and Trade and Investment KwaZulu-Natal.
Myeni’s tenure as SAA chairperson was marked by controversy and significant financial losses for the airline.
She was declared a delinquent director by the Pretoria High Court in 2020, barring her from holding any directorship positions for life.
The court found that she had failed to execute her fiduciary duties and contributed to SAA’s financial decline.
Myeni was also implicated in the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into State Capture, where she faced allegations of corruption and fraud related to her time at SAA.
She was arrested on fraud and corruption charges in September 2023.
Reactions to Myeni’s death
The announcement of Dudu Myeni’s death has elicited varied reactions from the public and officials.
Here are some of the reactions we picked: