SA Tourism has confirmed the resignation of its Chief Operating Officer Darryl Erasmus.
SA Tourism Board Chairperson Mzamo Masito said Erasmus resigned from his post, effective February 13. Erasmus had also served as Acting CEO and Acting Convention Bureau Head between September and December 2025.
Masito said Erasmus “contributed to the continuity and stabilisation of the organisation” during this period. “We thank Darryl for his dedicated service and contribution and wish him well in his future professional endeavours as he pursues other opportunities,” Masito added.
Tourism Update awaits confirmation from SA Tourism on the appointment of an Acting COO and CEO.
Tshifhiwha Tshivhengwa, CEO of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa, said the DMO is effectively leaderless. This after the suspended Chief Marketing Officer Thembisile Sehloho also resigned recently, as confirmed by Masito.
“This means the top three positions are currently empty. There are no senior leaders to make executive decisions and it must be remembered that the current Board is also in place on an interim basis. In any case study of an organisation, they would be highly worried about this situation,” said Tshivhengwa.
“If you were to conduct a health check, you would say that SA Tourism is severely sick and unable to deliver on the mandate it is supposed to. It is very sad for the tourism industry,” said Tshivhengwa.
*This is a developing story.
