Question NW2811 to the Minister of Tourism
21 September 2023 - NW2811
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism
(1) With reference to the resignation of Mr Themba Khumalo, the former acting chief executive officer of South African Tourism (SAT), what are the (a) reasons that the SAT Board agreed to the specified person’s request to resign immediately without working out the notice period and (b) total costs of salaries, reimbursements and any other benefits that were paid out; (2) with reference to the appointment of a certain person (details furnished), what are the (a) reasons that the SAT Board appointed the specified person to the relevant position in spite of allegations of bribery against the person and (b) implications for SAT?
Reply:
(1) (a) I have been informed by SA Tourism that in resolving to accept the resignation with immediate effect, the Board considered SA Tourism’s programme with imminent demands, the need for stability at leadership and the need to assure SA Tourism stakeholders of continuity against the individual’s expressed preference.
(b) R130,931.61 leave pay-out after deductions and recoveries.
(2) (a) The allegations of bribery were brought to the attention of the Board on 9 May 2023, during Africa’s Travel Indaba in Durban, when media reports appeared. This was after the Board had appointed her into the acting position. Having inquired into the matter and being furnished with documentary evidence which implied that the specified person had followed a gift declaration process for approvals to accept an invitation in 2022, the Board resolved to retain her in the acting position pending the completion of an independent forensic investigation.
(b) The implications of the whistleblowing report were that SA Tourism had to process the complaint in line with its policy.