Question NW366 to the Minister of Tourism
21 April 2023 - NW366
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism
(1) With reference to the proposal for sponsorship by SA Tourism (SAT) to the English soccer club, Tottenham Hotspur, (a) how, (b) for what reason and (c) on what date was the choice of the specified team arrived at; (2) (a) on what date did the negotiations in this regard (i) commence and (ii) conclude and (b) who represented (i) SAT, (ii) her department and (iii) the soccer club in the negotiations?
Reply:
(1) and (2) According to SA Tourism, the reason for the proposed sponsorship was to market South Africa as a tourist destination, abroad.
Since receiving the report, I sought legal advice and on 22 March, I issued a letter to the Chairperson of the SA Tourism Board, requesting details of the proposed deal with Tottenham Hotspur Football Club. That letter is attached as an annexure. The Board responded on the specified deadline of 29 March, that it will no longer proceed with the transaction, nor will it seek the concomitant requisite approvals for the proposed transaction. The SAT response is attached as an annexure.