Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille makes changes to South African tourism board

In a significant shake-up, Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille has announced changes to the South African Tourism (SAT) Board. Following concerns about an excessive number of board meetings, both SAT Chairperson Makhosazana Khanyile and Deputy Chairperson Lizelle Dominique Jordaan have been removed from their leadership roles, effective immediately. They will, however, remain as ordinary board members.

De Lille expressed alarm at the 54 meetings held between March and September 2024, which had accrued nearly R900,000 of the R1.44 million annual budget allocated for board fees. The Tourism Portfolio Committee also raised concerns about the costs linked to the high meeting frequency.

Despite requests for clarification, the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson failed to provide satisfactory explanations for the excessive meetings. As a result, the minister took decisive action to streamline board operations, though the affected individuals will continue serving in a non-executive capacity.

These changes come after the SAT board was newly appointed in February 2024, with the intention of improving governance and financial oversight.

Source: Official Statement