In an unexpected move, South African Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille recently made headlines by dissolving the South African Tourism (SA Tourism) Board. The decision, announced on August 19, 2025, follows serious allegations against the board for holding an illegal meeting that violated key governance protocols. The dispute centres around the manner in which the board convened a special meeting in early August, leading to claims of unlawful actions that prompted Minister De Lille’s intervention.
The Illegal Meeting: Key Facts and Allegations
The controversy traces back to the board’s decision to hold a meeting on August 1, 2025, after the resignation of Chairperson Professor Gregory Davids on July 31. According to the Tourism Act No. 3 of 2014, only the Chairperson has the authority to convene a meeting. The board’s attempt to meet without proper legal procedure was viewed as an infringement of the law. Minister De Lille, in her statement, labelled the meeting as “ultra vires,” meaning the actions were beyond the powers granted to the board.
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“The board’s actions were contrary to its own governing documents and a direct breach of the legal framework within which it operates,” De Lille said in an official statement. She emphasised that the decision to hold the meeting without the Chairperson’s consent rendered the process illegal and invalid.
The Suspension of CEO Nombulelo Guliwe
The timing of the board’s controversial meeting coincides with an ongoing dispute surrounding the conduct of the SA Tourism CEO, Nombulelo Guliwe. Earlier this year, Guliwe was suspended over allegations of misconduct. One key issue is the controversial prepayment of R4.1 million to a service provider for work that was never delivered.
While Guliwe’s suspension was intended to address these serious concerns, the board’s handling of the situation has been called into question. Minister De Lille’s decision to dissolve the board is seen by some as a necessary step to hold the leadership accountable for its failure to properly oversee the CEO’s actions.
Political Backlash: OUTA and Criticism of De Lille’s Decision
While De Lille’s decision to dissolve the board has received support from some quarters, it has also sparked significant criticism. The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA), a prominent South African advocacy group, has accused the Minister of political interference. OUTA argues that the board was performing its oversight role by raising concerns about governance, and that De Lille’s actions protected the CEO rather than promoting accountability.
“It’s a clear case of political interference,” said OUTA’s spokesperson. “Instead of allowing proper oversight, the Minister is shielding the CEO from scrutiny.”
De Lille has countered these claims, asserting that her actions were aimed at restoring order and governance standards in the tourism sector, not at protecting any individual.
The Path Forward: Interim Management and New Board Plans
In response to the dissolution of the SA Tourism Board, De Lille has outlined plans to appoint interim management to oversee the tourism sector’s operations in the interim. The goal is to ensure that the organisation continues to function smoothly while adhering to the necessary governance standards.
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Additionally, De Lille intends to begin the process of establishing a new board that will be selected with the utmost attention to governance and compliance with the law. This move aims to reassure stakeholders that the future of South African tourism is secure and that proper oversight will be in place moving forward.
The Future of South African Tourism Amidst Governance Concerns
The dissolution of the SA Tourism Board comes at a critical time for South African tourism. The country is slowly recovering from the impacts of the global COVID-19 pandemic, and the tourism industry plays a crucial role in its economic recovery. As De Lille pushes for stronger governance, it is crucial that the sector continues to grow, with public confidence in its management restored.
In the coming months, it will be essential to monitor how the interim leadership steers South African tourism through these turbulent waters and whether the new board can put governance reforms into action.
De Lille’s Tough Stance on Governance
Minister De Lille’s decision to shut down the SA Tourism Board underscores her commitment to reforming the governance structures within South Africa’s tourism sector. While the move has sparked both support and opposition, it highlights the Minister’s determination to enforce accountability and ensure that South African tourism remains a key driver of the economy.
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For now, all eyes will be on the new board and how it navigates the challenges of steering the tourism industry through a period of rebuilding.
