Satsa resigns from Theta Board

THE Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (Satsa) has resigned from Theta’s Board, according to well-placed industry sources. This follows allegations of ‘unethical’ procurement practices and administrative mismanagement within Theta, and the conclusion of a forensic audit initiated by the Auditor General last year. Although the Theta Board had decided earlier this year to drop the matter without pursuing any form of disciplinary process, Labour Minister Mmebathisi Mdladlana recently demanded the organisation come up with interventions and remedial action or face an investigation by the Scorpions. The Department of Labour’s Mokgadi Pela told Travel News Now that there was no update at this stage, but an announcement was expected early next week. Natalia Thomson (nataliat@nowmedia.co.za)