The members of the recently disbanded Board of SA Tourism are seeking R1.2 million (US$69 000) in funding to meet the legal costs for their bid to have Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille’s controversial decision to dissolve the Board reversed.
Speaking at the SATSA Conference 2025 on Wednesday, September 10, SATSA Chairperson and member of the dissolved Board Oupa Pilane said that ethics, good governance and accountability were key pillars in sustaining the tourism industry and attracting international visitors.
“We are challenging what we believe is a clear case of political overreach, governance failure and a direct assault on accountability. I call on us as the private sector to mobilise like never before. We have the collective strength to demand change, and this is how we start. So I urge industry stakeholders and everyone who believes in a better South Africa to stand with us and support us in our drive to raise fees,” said Pilane.
The dissolved Board members have set up a BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign to raise the money required to “cover urgent legal fees and ensure the rule of law is upheld”.
The Board lodged a case against De Lille in the Gauteng High Court earlier this month, claiming De Lille’s actions were unlawful and calling for the reinstatement of members. De Lille’s decision came following the Board’s suspension of SA Tourism CEO Nombulelo Guliwe. The case is set to be heard on October 14.
“This is more than an attack on individuals – it undermines good governance, transparency and the very future of tourism in South Africa,” the Board members state on their campaign page. “If left unchallenged, this decision risks crippling an industry vital to our economy. We are compelled to take legal action to restore integrity and protect South Africa’s democracy.”
