On 6 April 2023, I wrote a letter to the then chairperson of the SA Tourism Board, Dr Thozamile Botha asking for representation on why I should not dissolve the Board in terms of my powers under the Tourism Act.
My letter outlined a number of serious concerns, such as the conduct of the Board in respect of the Tottenham Hotspur sponsorship matter; the composition of the Board and whether the members have the necessary knowledge, experience or qualifications as required by section 13 of the Tourism Act; and certain serious allegations raised by the Acting CEO of SA Tourism regarding the lack of a proper functioning Board. In my letter, I requested the SA Tourism Board Chairperson to respond to me in writing by 18 April 2023. I asked why the three matters raised in my letter do not constitute good cause for me to dissolve the Board in terms of section 16 (3) of the Tourism Act. I have not received representations on why the Board should not be dissolved. I can however confirm that between 7 and 13 April 2023, eight of the eleven Board Members, including the Chairperson have resigned. The remaining three members of the Board cannot form a quorum and the Board is therefore no longer functional. In all the circumstances, I believe that good cause exists to dissolve the Board and I shall do so officially through the Government Gazette on Friday 21 April 2023. I will also officially gazette the appointment a team of three persons to manage the affairs of Board until the appointment of a new Board. This appointment is to be made under Section 16 (3) (b) of the Tourism Act. Ends/Issued by:Zara NicholsonMedia Liaison OfficerCell: +27 (0) 79 416 5996Email: znicholson@tourism.gov.za