Tourism stakeholders have voiced their concerns about the dissolution of the SA Tourism Board by Minister Patricia de Lille on August 20 following suspension of its CEO Nombulelo Guliwe.
Guliwe was suspended by the Board due to alleged misconduct linked to “fruitless and wasteful expenditure” of R4.18 million (US$235 000) incurred in 2021 when Guliwe was CFO.
The TBCSA says it does not align with De Lille’s decision, which raises “serious concern within the sector”.
“In the past 24 hours, the TBCSA met with the Minister of Tourism and the now-dissolved Board. Following those engagements, our view is clear: the Board has the right mix of expertise and leadership to help address instability within SA Tourism.”
The TBCSA said the Board brought stability and continuity at a time when it is most needed.
“Industry stakeholders had confidence in its composition, and we had seen encouraging signs of progress in strengthening SA Tourism’s credibility and focus. The TBCSA has worked well with the Board and believes it was equipped to serve the long-term interests of tourism in South Africa.”
The TBCSA’s CEO, Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, said South Africa’s goal of attracting 15 million tourists by 2030 can only be achieved with a stable and functional SA Tourism.
“Importantly, even while this transition unfolds, we will find ways to ensure that critical programmes continue to progress. We will remain a constructive partner with government but will also continue to advocate strongly for decisions that build, rather than destabilise, the sector,” said Tshivhengwa.
CEO suspension justified: OUTA
The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) believes De Lille’s argument, that the Board acted unlawfully as it did not have a Chairperson at the time, is without merit.
“The SA Tourism Board acted within its mandate and in line with its fiduciary responsibilities by addressing serious governance concerns, including findings raised by the Auditor-General and a corroborating forensic investigation into irregular financial conduct,” the OUTA said in a statement on August 21.
“Instead of supporting her own competent Board for holding executive management accountable, the Minister has chosen to protect the SA Tourism CEO by disbanding the very body tasked with oversight.”
OUTA CEO Wayne Duvenage described the decision as “disgraceful”.
“OUTA has witnessed many boards of state entities that have fallen short of their oversight and fiduciary duties, which gives rise to maladministration and corruption in these entities. Thus, when we witness a state entity board that is acting with integrity and diligence, we need to celebrate and support them.”
OUTA called on De Lille to reverse her decision and immediately reinstate the SA Tourism Board, further calling for President Cyril Ramaphosa to dismiss the Minister.
De Lille’s Spokesperson Aldrin Sampear did not comment on OUTA’s allegations but clarified that Guliwe remains suspended.
“A decision on the CEO position will be finalised in consultation with the interim Board structure that is due to be appointed,” said Sampear.
