SA Tourism board dissolved: OUTA calls it ‘disgraceful’ political interference

Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has dissolved the South African Tourism (SA Tourism) board and removed all its members with immediate effect, citing “unlawful” meetings and resolutions.

This follows the board’s decision on 14 August to place its CEO, Nombulelo Guliwe, on precautionary suspension, citing allegations of serious financial misconduct.

But the move has already sparked backlash. The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) called the decision “disgraceful” political interference, accusing the Minister of protecting the CEO instead of backing board oversight.

According to the Minister, in their written representations, “the board members failed to address the legality of the special board meeting held on 01 August 2025, at which an unlawful resolution was taken.”

Legal advice to De Lille said that only the Chairperson may call such a meeting, yet the board proceeded despite the resignation of Chairperson Professor Gregory Davids the day before.

According to the Minister, this meant the board “acted unlawfully and ultra vires its powers,” adding that she had previously warned the board about the consequences of failing to follow proper governance procedures.

“This undermines the integrity of the board and could render outcomes from such meetings procedurally invalid and unlawful,” she said.

“The board derives its powers from the Tourism Act and the Board Charter. It cannot act outside of that framework.”

The Minister said she will now begin the process to appoint a new board, and in the meantime will designate one or more individuals to manage SA Tourism’s affairs.

“As the minister, I remain committed to ensuring the adherence to sound governance.” De Lille said that ongoing tourism programmes, including preparations for the G20 summit, will not be disrupted.

“Disgraceful,” says OUTA

OUTA called the move “disgraceful” political interference. “Dissolving a board that is holding management to account is an assault on governance,” OUTA said.

OUTA CEO Wayne Duvenage added that “when we witness a state entity board acting with integrity and diligence, we need to celebrate and support them. What infuriates us is when a minister such as de Lille steps in to dismantle it.”

The organisation urged de Lille to reverse her decision, warning that if she fails, “members of the dissolved board should bring an urgent interdict.”

OUTA also called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to dismiss the Minister, saying her actions “undermine accountability, embolden misconduct, and signal that political protection trumps governance.”

Parmi Natesan, CEO of the Institute of Directors in South Africa (IoDSA), said that “the stability and proper functioning of a governing body is fundamental to good governance within any organisation.”

On the disputed meeting, she argued that continuity mechanisms should have been in place after the chairperson’s resignation.

“Surely it was never intended that the board’s ability to function would collapse simply because the chairperson stepped down.”

She also defended the Board’s authority to act on executive leadership: “King IV is clear that the governing body should appoint the CEO … it naturally follows that the board may also suspend or remove a CEO, provided this is carried out in line with fair labour practices.”

“It is concerning if any boards feel that fulfilling their statutory duties could lead to their dissolution. Effective governance requires that boards be empowered and trusted to carry out their roles without fear.”

Ongoing saga at SA Tourism

SA Tourism is a public national marketing agency of the South African government, with the goal of marketing tourism in the country, with a R1.3 billion budget allocation.

The dissolution marks the latest in a series of governance crises at SA Tourism.

In 2024, Minister De Lille removed Chairperson Makhosazana Khanyile and Deputy Chairperson Lizelle Haskins over what she called an “excessive number of meetings.”

By September that year, the board had already held 54 meetings, consuming 63% (R900,000) of its annual R1.44 million meeting budget.

Both Khanyile and Haskins resigned soon after and threatened legal action against the Minister.

The IoDSA supported De Lille’s intervention but warned that the practice of paying non-executive directors per meeting encouraged overspending.

Just a year earlier, in 2023, De Lille dissolved the previous Board after its controversial R910 million sponsorship deal with Tottenham Hotspur drew widespread backlash.

She cited concerns about the board’s conduct, composition and lack of expertise, later appointing an interim three-person Board to stabilize the entity.

Governance problems persisted into 2024 and 2025, when SA Tourism faced allegations of tender irregularities in awarding a R100 million contract for major trade shows.

The Auditor-General also flagged a R24.1 million budget overspend and weak internal controls, with the agency achieving only 89% of its performance targets.