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Cabinet officials

SA Tourism Board Dissolved Amid Controversy

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Department of Tourism has announced that the board of the South African Tourism (SA Tourism) will be dissolved, following an unlawful decision by the board to suspend CEO Nombulelo Guliwe. Minister Patricia de Lille cited legal grounds for her decision, stating that the board acted unlawfully and overstepped its powers by taking the resolution to suspend Guliwe without following established protocols. The minister will meet with the new board members to discuss the appointment of an acting CEO and initiating the process to appoint a new board.

Key Takeaways:

  • The SA Tourism board was dissolved by Minister Patricia de Lille after it failed to convince her as to why it should remain in office following its decision to suspend CEO Nombulelo Guliwe for misconduct.
  • The minister cited legal grounds for her decision, stating that the board acted unlawfully and overstepped its powers by taking the resolution to suspend Guliwe without following established protocols.
  • Guliwe, a qualified Chartered Accountant, was appointed to the CEO position for a five-year period in February 2024 following a comprehensive recruitment process.
  • SA Tourism was recently plunged into a tender scandal after allegations of irregularities in the awarding of a R100 million tender to Pomme Express, a company reported to have failed to show proof of experience and alleged to have provided false and misleading information in its bid.
  • The Institute of Directors in South Africa (IoDSA) warned that the decision to dissolve the board of SA Tourism raised governance red flags, highlighting the importance of continuity mechanisms and the need for boards to be empowered and trusted to carry out their roles without fear.
  • Minister de Lille will meet with the new board members to discuss the appointment of an acting CEO and initiating the process to appoint a new board, and will invite nominations of eligible persons in due course.

Statistics:

  • The timeframe for the SA Tourism board's unlawful decision to suspend Guliwe on August 1, 2025.
  • The amount of the R100 million tender awarded to Pomme Express, which was allegedly irregular and had false and misleading information.
  • The length of the five-year term for which Guliwe was appointed CEO in February 2024.
  • The number of members on the SA Tourism board, comprising Judi Nwokedi, Miller Matola, Ikaneng Pilane, Maija de Rijk-Uys, Tumelo Selikane, Ayanda Mazibuko, Jonathan Gadiah, Lawson Naidoo, and Rachel Nxele.

Sources:

  • Business Report, Wednesday, stating "The precautionary suspension of the SA Tourism CEO remains in effect..." by Aldrin Sampear, spokesperson for Minister Patricia de Lille.
  • Business Report, Wednesday, citing Minister de Lille's letter to individual board members on Tuesday night stating "I have considered your written representations and have taken a decision to remove you from the Board of South African Tourism in terms of section 16(1) of the Tourism Act No.3 of 2014 effective immediately..."
  • Business Report, Wednesday, stating "According to legal advice to the Minister, the special board meeting of 01 August 2025 was convened unlawfully..." by Minister de Lille.

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