Question NW424 to the Minister of Tourism
30 April 2020 - NW424
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism
(1)What (a) legal action took place pertaining to the suspension of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SA Tourism, (b) costs were incurred in this regard in each month during the suspension period and (c) were the outcomes in each case; (2) what (a) forensic audits took place pertaining to the suspension of the CEO of SA Tourism, (b) costs were incurred in this regard in each month during the suspension period and (c) were the outcomes in each case?
Reply:
1. (a) The SA Tourism Board instituted an independent disciplinary enquiry which was conducted during the suspension period.
(b) As mentioned above, the only legal process was a disciplinary enquiry conducted by the Board. The only costs incurred related to the disciplinary process amount to R837 322.34.
(c) The Independent Chairperson of the disciplinary enquiry found the CEO not guilty of all charges.
2. (a) The forensic audit was in relation to the allegations of impropriety made against the CEO through an anonymous whistle-blower.
(b) The CEO was suspended on full pay in terms of the Labour Relations Act. There are no costs that were incurred on monthly basis. The costs of the forensic audit amounted to R1 918 192.50.
(c) The report of the Forensic Investigation recommended a disciplinary process against the CEO, which was undertaken by the Board. The Chairperson of the disciplinary enquiry found the CEO not guilty of all charges.