Question NW3120 to the Minister of Tourism

Reply:

(a) What are the reasons that the Acting Chief Financial Officer of SA Tourism is also acting as the Chief Executive Officer?

I have been informed by South African Tourism (SAT) that an investigation into the attendance of SAT officials at the Soccer World Cup was initiated by the previous board of SA Tourism.

After consideration of the final report, the current board resolved that conclusion of this matter required the then-acting CEO to revert to her role as COO while a fair, independent, and transparent process is conducted.

Since the recruitment process for the Chief Executive Officer is still in progress, the board considered options available for a new acting CEO from within the current executive management. In light of the reduced capacity at the exco level, the board resolved to appoint the CFO as the acting CEO for the short term and to put in place mitigations to manage any associated risks.

(b) Which processes were followed in the appointment?

At various meetings, the board deliberated on the available options. Having resolved to appoint the CFO as ACEO, the board approached the Minister for concurrence on its decision in line with the Tourism Act, 2014. With the Minister’s concurrence received on 6 September 2023, the CFO was appointed as acting CEO with compensating controls including exco participation in decision making, as well as reporting to Board on decisions taken. It must be noted that, in the letter of concurrence, the Minister strongly advised the Board to speedily appoint a new CFO.