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Chairpersons

SA Tourism CEO Suspended Amid Misconduct Allegations

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Nombulelo Guliwe, the CEO of SA Tourism, has been placed on precautionary suspension by the board, following serious allegations of misconduct. However, the Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille's office, has deemed the board's decision null and void due to the lack of a chairperson and deputy chairperson. The situation highlights the gravity of the allegations against Guliwe, a Chartered Accountant, who has served in various leadership roles within the organization. The department has stated that Minister de Lille remains committed to ensuring sound governance principles at SA Tourism and will address the matter with the board.

Key Takeaways:

  • SA Tourism's CEO, Nombulelo Guliwe, has been suspended following allegations of misconduct.
  • The Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille's office, has deemed the board's decision null and void due to the lack of a chairperson and deputy chairperson.
  • Guliwe was appointed as CEO in February 2024, following a comprehensive recruitment process, and had previously served as chief financial officer at SA Tourism since August 2019.
  • SA Tourism has been plagued by controversy, including a R1 billion sponsorship deal with Tottenham Hotspur in May 2023, and a recent tender scandal involving allegations of irregularities in the awarding of a R100 million tender to Pomme Express.
  • An interim acting CEO will be appointed to maintain seamless business continuity during this transitional phase.
  • Democratic Alliance spokesperson on tourism, Haseena Ismail, has called for an independent, transparent, and swift investigation into the allegations against Guliwe.
  • SA Tourism failed to meet 11% of its performance targets last year, despite overspending on its budget.

Statistics:

  • SA Tourism's budget is comprised of the vast majority of the department's budget.
  • SA Tourism has been accused of:- R1 billion sponsorship deal with Tottenham Hotspur in May 2023
  • R100 million tender scandal involving allegations of irregularities in the awarding of a tender to Pomme Express
  • 11% of performance targets not met by SA Tourism last year

Sources:

  • "SA Tourism CEO embroiled in R100m tender scandal" - BUSINESS REPORT
  • "SA Tourism receives backlash over R1 billion sponsorship deal with Tottenham Hotspur" - BUSINESS REPORT
  • "SA Tourism appointment: DA says it has 'learned nothing' from past mistakes" - TIMESLIVE
  • "SA Tourism board chair Professor Gregory Davids resigns as of 31 July 2025" - [DATE WITHeld]

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