By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Cabinet approved the appointment of the new South African Tourism (SAT) Board, marking an important milestone in the ongoing strengthening of the organisation’s leadership.
SAT is the national tourism agency responsible for the marketing of South Africa as a preferred tourist destination.
Minister of Tourism Patricia De Lille dissolved the SAT board on 19 August 2025 with immediate effect, citing “good cause” under section 16 of the Tourism Act.
She claimed this was done after the board exceeded its powers by appointing a board member to carry out some of the functions of the previous chairperson and contravened its own charter by holding a special board meeting that the chairperson had not convened.
This was not the first time the SAT board has come under fire. Soon after De Lille’s reappointment as minister after the 2024 general elections, allegations were made that the board had held an excessive number of meetings.
She then appointed a new six-member interim panel to oversee operations of the SAT and early this year, she appointed Shamilla Chettiar as Acting CEO while then CEO Nombulelo Guliwe remained on suspension pending a disciplinary process.
In March, SA Tourism announced the appointments Sithembile Ndaba as Chief Marketing Officer and Ismail Dockrat as Chief Operating Officer.
It still unclear if Chettiar has concluded her tenure as Acting CEO and when any leadership change took effect after De Lille confirmed Sechaba Motsieloa as Interim CEO of SA Tourism in May despite no formal public announcement of the leadership change.
Welcoming the new board, De Lille said: “I am confident that the collective expertise, diversity and experience of the newly appointed Board will provide the strategic leadership required to strengthen South African Tourism, unlock new opportunities for growth and ensure that tourism continues to create jobs, stimulate investment and contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s economic prosperity. I look forward to working with the Board as we continue to position South Africa as a destination of choice for travellers and investors from around the world.”
The members of the South African Tourism Board are:
- Ms Akona Nobulali Matsau (Deputy Board Chairperson)
- Ms Carol Kholeka Zama;
- Ms Mamochekoane Ramashole;
- Ms Sandika Daya;
- Ms Hazel Thulisile Xulu;
- Dr. Karen Smit;
- Mr. Khomotso Brian Mosehla;
- Mr. Graham Ian Wood;
- Mr. Luyanda Mpahlwa;
- 10.Mr. Anwar Jappie; and
- 11.Ms Tasneem Carrim (Departmental Representative)
The appointment of the Chairperson will be published in the Government Gazette following concurrence from the Cabinet.
The Board has been appointed for 3 years in terms of section 13 of the Tourism Act, 2014 (Act No. 3 of 2014). Their names have been published in the Government Gazette No. 55176. The new Board members take office today, 11 August 2026, marking the end of the interim Board’s term.
“On behalf of Government, I wish to thank the Board that was appointed in the interim for its professionalism, dedication and invaluable service over the past year. Their leadership during this transitional period ensured stability, strengthened the organisation and enabled South African Tourism to remain focused on delivering its mandate. I have no doubt that the incoming Board will continue to build on this momentum, “added De Lille.
The tourism sector is a significant contributor to growth & employment in South Africa.
According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), tourism’s direct and indirect contribution to South Africa’s GDP was 8.2%. The sector is also a big employer, employing 1.46 million people in 2023, with expectations that this will have grown to 1.7 million jobs in 2024 once the data is in.