I welcome President Cyril Ramaphosa’s proclamation
authorising the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to
investigate allegations of maladministration and
payments for media buying services that were not
rendered at South African Tourism, as confirmed by the
SIU today.
On 2 September 2025, I informed the Portfolio Committee that I had written to the President requesting this proclamation. I am therefore pleased that this step has now been formalised, allowing the SIU to fully investigate the matters raised, including procurement irregularities, improper conduct, and any unauthorised, irregular or wasteful expenditure at South African Tourism, as outlined in the SIU’s statement.
Good governance is not optional. It is the foundation of an accountable state and a credible tourism sector. We cannot attract investment, grow our visitor numbers or build confidence in South Africa’s tourism institutions if public funds are mismanaged.
This proclamation empowers the SIU to uncover the full facts, refer any criminal conduct to the National Prosecuting Authority and recover losses suffered by the State, including funds paid for services not rendered as provided for in the SIU Act.
I want to assure the public, Parliament and our stakeholders in the tourism sector that I will ensure that South African Tourism fully co-operates with the SIU’s investigation. We are committed to rebuilding South African Tourism into an institution that upholds transparency, fairness and integrity in all its operations.
This is an important step towards maintaining stability and ensuring that every rand allocated to tourism is used to grow the sector, support jobs and strengthen South Africa’s allure globally.
THE END
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Media Queries:
Aldrin Sampear
Spokesperson for the Minister of Tourism
Email: asampear@tourism.gov.za
Mobile: +27 67 138 3487