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15 March 2024 - NW464

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Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Tourism

(a) What criterion is used by her department to appoint tour guides and (b) at what point does her department and the Department of Transport liaise before tour guides are appointed?

Reply:

(a) I have been informed that the Department is not responsible for the appointment of tourist guides. The appointment of tour guides is a provincial competency.

(b) Not applicable

15 March 2024 - NW465

Profile picture: Ismail, Ms H

Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Tourism

(1) What (a) are the requirements set by her department for a person to qualify for appointment as a tour guide and (b) checks and balance mechanisms are in place to ensure that applicants processed by her department comply with the specified requirements; (2) Whether she will furnish Ms H Ismail with a copy of the application form used by her department; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) How are the tour guides monitored by her department to ensure the safety of the tourists in their excursions with the tour guides around the Republic?

Reply:

(1)(a) I have been informed that the Department of Tourism is not responsible for the appointment of tour guides. The appointment of tour guides is a provincial competency.

(1)(b) and (2) and (3) Not Applicable

06 March 2024 - NW368

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Matumba, Mr A to ask the Minister of Tourism

(a) On what specific date will the SA Tourism Board be appointed and (b) what are the full, relevant details of the time frames that her department has put in place for the appointment process of the Board?

Reply:

(a) On what specific date will the SA Tourism Board be appointed?

On Wednesday 28 February 2024, Cabinet approved the appointment of the full Board of SA Tourism. The appointments are in the process of being gazetted.

(b) What are the full, relevant details of the time frames that her department has put in place for the appointment process of the Board?

Cabinet approved the appointments on 28 February 2024. The appointments will be gazetted by mid-March 2024.

06 March 2024 - NW369

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Matumba, Mr A to ask the Minister of Tourism

Whether there are currently any service providers who are still waiting for their payment after 30 days of providing services to SA Tourism; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) are the reasons behind the late payments and (b) is holding the specified entity from paying those service providers in time?

Reply:

Are there currently any service providers who are still waiting for their payment after

30 days of providing services to SA Tourism; if not, what is the position in this regard?

I have been informed that SA Tourism’s policy is to pay valid invoices within a period of 30 days. This is also monitored as deliverable in the approved Annual Performance Plan, and the entity has achieved 100% payment of valid invoices within 30 days in the previous reporting quarters.

If so, (a) What are the reasons behind the late payments?

In the instance where the supplier is not paid within 30 days, the invoice is placed on hold due to the invoice being non-compliant or there is a dispute with the supplier. The supplier is advised of the circumstances and once rectified the invoice is paid. This measure is in place to prevent any irregularities.

(b) What is holding the specified entity from paying those service providers in

time?

SA Tourism has on record paid suppliers within 30 days of receipt of the valid invoice. Where an invalid invoice or dispute exists, the invoice is placed on hold until the compliant invoice is received from the supplier.

06 March 2024 - NW370

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Matumba, Mr A to ask the Minister of Tourism

What (a) total amount did SA Tourism spend on the 2023 Summer Campaign and (b) amount of the budget was spent on the activation programmes of the specified campaign and (c) total number of jobs were created during activation programmes of the 2023 Summer Campaign compared to the 2022 Summer Campaign?

Reply:

(a) What total amount did SA Tourism spend on the 2023 Summer Campaign?

I have been informed that South African Tourism spent R6 861 415.28 on the 2023 Summer Campaign activations.

(b) What amount of the budget was spent on the activation programmes of the

specified campaign?

R6 861 415.28 was spent on the activation which included branding, sustainability village for arts & craft SMME exhibition and the youth activation teams at each activation in the eight participating provinces.

(c) What total number of jobs were created during activation programmes of the 2023

Summer Campaign compared to the 2022 Summer Campaign?

Overall, the economic impact for the campaign was that over 359 jobs, through the activation’s recruitment of temporary workers, were created or sustained over 3 weeks.

For the 2022 Summer Campaign, 1350 jobs were created over 32 days across all 9 Provinces. This was done at an activation cost of R 20 465 016.00,00 million. It must be noted that the budget for executing the 2023 activation was significantly reduced to fund efficiencies and manage costs.

SA TOURISM BUDGET LIMITATION

The delay in the transfer of funds to SA Tourism created a challenge to plan for a larger commitment to activations and youth employment. This led to SA Tourism having to develop a plan that could leverage the Summer campaign given the financial circumstances. This plan focused on economic growth, and included a combination of leveraging existing Provincial Tourism events, youth employment through activations, and creating SMME market access opportunities.

The first activation commenced on the 14 of December 2023. It must be noted that SA Tourism funds were transferred on 13 December 2023 and therefore this impacted the scale of the activation.

06 March 2024 - NW350

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Le Goff, Mr T to ask the Minister of Tourism

What are the full details of all (a) sponsorships, (b) donations and (c) financial transfers provided for lawfare and/or any other purposes to (i) her, (ii) her department and (iii) officials of her department by any (aa) Qatari, (bb) Iranian and/or (cc) Russian organ of state, organisation and/or resident since 1 January 2021 up to the latest date in 2024 for which information is available?

Reply:

(i) (a)-(c) I have been informed that Former Minister Sisulu went to Russia from 10- 13 July 2022. All costs were paid by the Department. According to Parliaments’ Register of Members’ Interest for 2021 and 2022, no sponsorships, donations or financial transfers were paid to her by any Qatari, Iranian and /or Russian organ of state, organization and/or resident since 1 January 2021 to 30 November 2022. (https://www.parliament.gov.za/register-members-Interests )

(ii) (a)–(c) According to Parliament’s Register of Members’ Interests for 2021,2022 and 2023, no sponsorships, donations or financial transfers were paid to Minister de Lille by any Qatari, Iranian and /or Russian organ of state, organization and/or resident since 1 January 2021 to date. (https://www.parliament.gov.za/register-members-Interests )

(iii) (a)–(c) The department did not receive any sponsorships, donations or financial transfers from Qatari, Iranian and /or Russian organ of state, organization and/or resident since 1 January 2021 to date.

(iv) (a)-(c) I am also informed that the Department is not aware of any sponsorships or donations to officials from the Department of Tourism by any Qatari, Iranian and /or Russian organ of state, organization and/or resident since 1 January 2021 to date.

21 December 2023 - NW4178

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De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism

What (a) are the details of the plans of (i) her department and (ii) SA Tourism (SAT) to adhere to the National Treasury circular to all departments requesting them to reduce spending, (b) are the (ii) timelines, milestones and/or deadlines in this regard and (c) is the anticipated impact of the reduction in spending on the (i) functioning and (ii) respective mandates of her department?

Reply:

(i)The Department

(a)(i) What are the plans to reduce spending?

I have been informed by the Department that the Cost Containment Guidelines were issued as advisory and not an instruction in terms of section 76 the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), 1999. The department, however, took an initiative to reduce expenditure on travel and related items as advised in the guidelines. An internal circular was issued to staff in that regard in September 2023.

(b)(ii) What are the timelines, milestones and/or deadlines in this regard?

Based on the guidelines, the Department of Tourism reprioritized and released R63,699m during the Adjustment Estimates of National Expenditure (AENE) process.

(c) What is the anticipated impact of this on the

(i) functioning of the Department

Although travelling was scaled down due to the budget cuts, the department is committed to achieve all the planned targets.

(ii) respective mandates of the department?

The department is committed to implement all the targets in the APP. There have not been any amendments to the APP.

(ii) SA Tourism

(a)(i) What are the plans to reduce spending?

I have been informed by South African Tourism that in 2024/25, SA Tourism’s budget allocation is set to decrease by 7,5%. The budget cuts and spending reviews during the Medium Term Expenditure Committee submission have heightened the entity’s budget optimisation strategy. The entity had already in its annual performance plan identified budget optimisation as an indicator, thus emphasizing efforts to adhere to austerity measures as communicated by National Treasury.

(b)(ii) What are the timelines, milestones and/or deadlines in this regard?

Overhead expenditure, which include operational costs such as communication, office consumables and IT support have been targeted as areas to reduce spending. Where contractual obligations exist, these will not be renewed. This is an ongoing process; however, most savings are expected to be realised in 2024/25 budget.

(c) What is the anticipated impact of this on the

(i) functioning and (ii) the respective mandate of SA Tourism

Marketing costs which are the core operating costs in achieving SAT’s are expected to decrease by 6% in 2024/25. Hosting and capabilities have been targeted to be reduced. These include reduction in travel costs of hosted media and trade.

Also, currently cost efficiency measures are being implemented in procurement of marketing initiatives to ensure that SAT achieves maximum value for money and unnecessary spending is avoided.

21 December 2023 - NW4177

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De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism

What (a) total amount has been budgeted and/or allocated for the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (i) in each month in the past three financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2023 to date, (b)(i) processes, procedures and/or reporting mechanisms are in place to ensure and monitor that the funds are properly spent and (c) amount has been spent in each month in the specified period?

Reply:

I have been informed that the Department of Tourism has not had a budget line item for transfers to the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) for the financial years 2020/21 to 2023/24 and has not made any transfers to TBCSA in that period.

SA Tourism does not allocate budget for the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) as they have their own budget as the administrators of the Tourism Marketing South Africa (TOMSA) levy.

21 December 2023 - NW4176

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De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism

What (a) steps have been taken to deal with issues related to tourism mentioned in the World Bank report titled Safety First: The economic cost of crime in South Africa, to ensure that the challenges mentioned in the report are addressed in order to ensure growth in tourism and (b) are the timelines, deadlines and/or milestones in this regard?

Reply:

a) What steps have been taken to deal with issues related to tourism mentioned in the World Bank report?

It is the mandate of the South African Police Service to deal with all crime.

The safety of all tourists is paramount and we are determined to do all we can to ensure that all tourists have a safe and memorable experience in South Africa.

The Department continues to engage relevant Departments and implements various initiatives aimed at ensuring that tourists are safe, through the National Tourism Safety Strategy and the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Department and the South African Police Service (SAPS).

I convened the inaugural, quarterly, National Safety Forum (NSF) meeting on 29 May 2023. Two subsequent meetings were held on 29 August 2023 and 12 December 2023.

The NSF comprises all three spheres of government, SAPS, Airports Company South Africa, National Prosecuting Authority, Provincial Tourism entities, the private sector and various tourism product owners.

The NSF meets quarterly and has set targets to be achieved quarterly.

The Department has also budgeted R174 Million for the deployment and training of 2300 Tourism Monitors who will be deployed at major tourist attractions and sites, including strategic ports of entry, national parks and other attractions across the country to assist with tourism and safety related information and matters.

Another aspect of the National Tourism Safety Strategy is the Victim Support Programme (VSP) running in some provinces to support victims of crime.  A Standard Operation Procedure/ “How-to Guide” for the establishment of the VSP for all provinces was developed by the Department to assist provinces in setting up VSPs. Currently Mpumalanga and the western Cape have successful VSPs.

As part of the National Tourism Safety work, on 14 November 2023, I also held a Tourism Safety engagement with members of the Diplomatic Corps. The session was attended by 115 participants including Ambassadors, High Commissioners, Attachés’ as well as the embassy officials who included the locally recruited personnel.  

The briefing document was sent, via the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, to the diplomatic Corps and all SA Missions abroad.

The purpose of the session was to amongst others share South Africa’s programmes, interventions and strategies towards tourist safety.  The session provided prerequisite information with a view to enable the Diplomatic Community to appreciate South Africa’s efforts towards tourist safety and to further transmit the information to their citizens in countries of origin who are planning to visit South Africa in the near future. 

Earlier this year, the private sector launched the Secura Traveller app and 24-hour operations center to assist tourists with a range of services they may need in the event of any incident. The private sector indicates that the app links tourists to more than 200 service providers including private security companies, medical and translation services.

(b) What are the timelines, deadlines and/or milestones in this regard?

The above initiatives are continuously implemented by the department with the Tourism Monitors programme launched in Mpumalanga on 12 December 2023. The deployment to the remaining eight provinces will take place during the festive season.

21 December 2023 - NW4174

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Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Tourism

Whether her department has any records of the number of ongoing cases in which her department is the (a) plaintiff and (b) respondent; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

I have been informed by the department that the details of ongoing cases are contained in the table below.

NO.

NAME OF THE CASE

DATE STARTED

NATURE OF THE CASE

1.

Minister of Tourism vs. Corporate Skills Development Services.

25/02/2019

This is a claim by Department for the irregular award of a tender to Corporate Skills Development Services. The Department requested the court to cancel the contract.

2.

Minister of Tourism vs. KA Morritt/ Morritt CC

07/11/2016

This is a claim by the Department based on a collision between a Departmental vehicle and a vehicle belonging to and/ or driven by KA Morritt.

3.

Minister of Tourism vs. Bonwelong Skills Development cc and Mr Inama.

27/01/2017

This is a claim for money paid in advance to Bonwelong for the implementation of the Hospitality Youth Programme in Limpopo and North West Provinces. Bonwelong cancelled the Agreement with the Department but failed to pay back the advanced payments.

4.

Minister of Tourism vs. Wayne Smith and Associates & Wayne Smith

04/11/2020

This is a claim by the Department based on a collision between a Departmental vehicle and a vehicle belonging to and/ or driven by Wayne Smith and Associates & Wayne Smith.

5.

Minister of Tourism vs. Second Generation Consulting CC

18/10/2017

This is a claim filed by the Minister for damages emanating from failure by the Defendant to discharge its contractual obligations as per the Agreement.

6.

Minister of Tourism vs. Amathemba Skills Pty Ltd

14/07/2021

This is a claim by the Department against Amathemba Skills for:

  1. Claim for payment of unused project funds totalling R1 335 106-15.
  1. R445 632-12 which was withdrawn by Amathemba after the expiry of the Agreement without authorisation.
  1. R1 412 348-86 for drawings made by Amathemba without furnishing valid invoices to justify the expenses.

7.

Minister of Tourism vs. Samuel Malesela Mogale Business Enterprise CC

10/07/2020

This is a claim by the Department against the Defendant as a result of double payment from a Covid-19 relief fund.

8.

Minister of Tourism vs. Siyanda Mbeki

28/06/2019

On 1 July 2019, the Defendant was transferred from the Department of Tourism. At the time of his departure, he had an existing debt in respect of his bursary debt. The Defendant failed to comply with clause 2(C) of the bursary contract, where upon he had undertaken to “furnish the Department with necessary proof of my examination results immediately after the results of any annual examinations/ supplementary examinations have been made known by the examination authority.” As a result of his non-compliance the Department withdrew his bursary contract in terms of clause 3(b) of the contract and the debt became due.

9.

Minister of Tourism vs. ZM Kubheka.

02/03/2022

This is a claim to recover from the official, overpayment of monthly salary, bond repayment and leave taken without authorisation, which resulted in leave without pay.

10.

Minister of Tourism vs. MBB Consulting Services (PTY) Ltd

01/11/2022

The claim relates to financial loss to the amount of R12 215 308-00 suffered by the Department due to mismanagement of the projects’ funds by the Implementer.

11.

Minister of Tourism vs Kganakga SM

21/04/2022

On 11 November 2020, the Department entered into a written an agreement with the Defendant wherein the latter was to participate in a training programme of Mandarin Language Tourist Guiding.

The Defendant pulled out of the programme before its completion and as a result the Department incurred costs in the sum of R8 395-00 being costs for the preparation.

The Department instructed the State Attorney to recover the amount from the Defendant.

Ongoing Cases against the Department

NO.

NAME OF THE CASE

DATE STARTED

NATURE OF THE CASE

1.

Gerson Nevari vs. Department of Tourism & Director-General of the Department of Tourism

25/06/2020

Applicant is challenging that the Department that he resigned from his employment and if the court finds that indeed he resigned, he alleges constructive dismissal.

2.

Umbuso Training Services (Pty) Ltd vs. The Member of the Executive Committee, Department of Tourism

15/04 2021

This is a claim against the Department for payment in the amount of R246 675-00 (being the 10% retention money) and for payment in the amount of R825 700-00 (being for administration of stipends).

3.

ActionSA vs. Minister of Tourism and Others

16/11/2022

An application regarding the flow of untreated and raw sewage into the rivers and the sea in Durban and surrounding areas.

21 December 2023 - NW4046

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De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism

(1)With reference to the seizure of South African Tourism’s assets, (a)(i) when and (ii) where did the seizure take place; (2) What assets (a) were seized and (b) are being utilised in place of the seized assets; (3) What (a) was the value of the assets seized (b) were the reasons for the seizure; (4) Whether legal action has been initiated in this regard; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW5322E

Reply:

(1)(a)(i) - When did it take place?

I have been informed by South Africa Tourism that, regarding the inquiry concerning the acquisition of assets belonging to South African Tourism, it is imperative to clarify that it was not a seizure but rather a retrieval of assets. Specifically, the laptops in question are the rightful property of SA Tourism and do not constitute the personal assets of the individuals who were instructed to surrender their laptops for the purpose of data preservation. This procedural action transpired on Thursday, July 6, 2023.

(1)(a)(ii) - Where did it take place?

At the SA Tourism Johannesburg office, located in Bojanala House, 90 Protea Road, Chislehurston, Johannesburg, 2196.

(2)(a) - What assets were seized?

NO

LAPTOP/DESKTOP

MAKE

COLLECTION LOCATION

DATA COLLECTED

DATE RETURNED

1

LAPTOP

DELL LATITUDE 5520

SIU OFFICES DELIVERED BY SAT

10-Jul-23

11-Jul-23

2

LAPTOP

DELL LATITUDE 5520

SIU OFFICES DELIVERED BY SAT

10-Jul-23

11-Jul-23

3

LAPTOP

DELL LATITUDE 5520

SIU OFFICES DELIVERED BY SAT

07-Jul-23

10-Jul-23

4

LAPTOP

DELL LATITUDE 5520

SAT

06-Jul-23

10-Jul-23

5

LAPTOP

DELL LATITUDE 5520

SAT

06-Jul-23

10-Jul-23

6

LAPTOP

DELL LATITUDE 7300

SAT

06-Jul-23

10-Jul-23

7

LAPTOP

DELL LATITUDE 7290

SAT

06-Jul-23

10-Jul-23

8

LAPTOP

DELL LATITUDE 7300

SAT

06-Jul-23

07-Jul-23

9

LAPTOP

DELL LATITUDE 5300

SAT

06-Jul-23

07-Jul-23

10

LAPTOP

DELL LATITUDE 7290

SAT

06-Jul-23

07-Jul-23

11

LAPTOP

DELL XPS

SAT

06-Jul-23

07-Jul-23

12

LAPTOP

DELL LATITUDE 5520

SAT

06-Jul-23

07-Jul-23

13

LAPTOP

DELL LATITUDE 5430

SAT

06-Sep-23

08-Sep-23

(2)(b) - What are being used in place of the seized assets?

Individual laptops were returned as per the Table above. The focus remained on expediting the return of laptops to individuals in the minimum amount of time.

(3)(a) - Value of the seized assets?

The average value of laptops taken is approximately R 21 000, therefore the total average value was approximately R 252,000 at the time of collection for data preservation purposes.

(3)(b) - Reason for the seizure?

The assets were collected for the preservation of data to ensure that all information necessary to the investigation was secured and available to the investigators.

(4) - Whether legal action has been initiated?

The event was not a seizure but a collection of assets which already belonged to SA Tourism, not the individuals who were asked to hand them in for data preservation purposes. The assets that were collected are the property of SAT as an employer and were not seized from anyone. Officials were requested to temporarily hand in SAT property. No legal action has been initiated, and the SIU employees seconded to the agency continue their investigations.

 

 

21 December 2023 - NW4129

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Matumba, Mr A to ask the Minister of Tourism

Whether her department is responsible for the Mphephu Resort; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) is the status of the Resort, (b) measures has she put in place to rehabilitate the specified resort and (c) time frames have been set in this regard?

Reply:

I have been informed that the Department is not responsible for the Mphephu Resort and has not provided any funding to this facility. I understand that this property belongs to the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism and the Honourable Member is advised to refer this query to them.

21 December 2023 - NW4128

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Matumba, Mr A to ask the Minister of Tourism

(a) By what date will the SA Tourism Board be appointed, (b) what are the reasons for the many delays and (c) what time frames have been put in place in this regard?

Reply:

(a and c)The time allocated in Cabinet for concurrence is as follows:

  • Present to ESIEID Cabinet Committee on 7 February 2024
  • Cabinet approval on 14 February 2024.  
  • Gazette on 23 February 2024.

(b) I was hoping to get this matter onto the November Cabinet schedule.

21 December 2023 - NW4127

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Matumba, Mr A to ask the Minister of Tourism

What (a) has been the progress on the implementation of the summer campaign and (b) total number of jobs does she envisage to create from the summer campaign this year?

Reply:

ACTIVATIONS AND AMPLIFICATION OF THE CAMPAIGN:

I have been informed by SA Tourism that the plan for a summer campaign activation has been approved for implementation during the weekends of December 15-17 and 22-24. The objective is to establish a platform for South Africans to engage in the Tourism Economy while also generating excitement among the public through a diverse range of tourism products and experiences.

The roll out includes the following activities:

  • Out of Home Campaign - running since October 2023
      • SMME Showcase platforms at main route oasis + Festivals through the Sustainability Village platform.
      • Gimme Summer Amplification of PTA summer campaign activations (2 per province)
      • Amplification of the activations through SAT owned social media channels.

(b) total number of jobs does she envisage to create from the summer campaign this year?

SA Tourism uses the “Summer Army” in the activation across all nine provinces. SA Tourism will receive the final job creation figures at the end of the summer campaign.

21 December 2023 - NW4103

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Matumba, Mr A to ask the Minister of Tourism

What is the implementation interface between the Tourism Sector Masterplan and the National Tourism Sector Strategy 2016-2026 with regard to the SA Tourism plans; (2) Whether SA Tourism has developed audit action plans to deal with financial management and the cash flow challenges; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) Whether SA Tourism has started to develop a business optimisation strategy; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) What measures has SA Tourism put in place to achieve its employment equity targets with the current moratorium in place?

Reply:

  1. What is the implementation interface between the Tourism Sector Masterplan and the National Tourism Sector Strategy 2016-2026 with regard to the SA Tourism plans?

The Tourism Sector Masterplan (TSMP) was approved by Cabinet in October 2023.

It was derived from, among others, the three-year Tourism Sector Recovery Plan (TSRP), which comprises interventions that extend beyond its immediate implementation time period of 2023–2024 and was approved by the Cabinet in April 2021.

The plan primarily aims to galvanise government, industry and labour to collectively share a common vision that will position the tourism industry on an inclusive and sustainable competitive path for the benefit of all South Africans.

The Masterplan is anchored on three interlinked pillars or strategic themes:

  • Protect and Rejuvenating Supply;
  • Re-ignite Demand;
  • Strengthen Enabling Capability for long-term sustainability.

Within these pillars, there are seven Strategic Interventions that address key areas of focus. These interventions include enhancing education and skills development, promoting entrepreneurship and economic growth, improving infrastructure and connectivity, fostering social cohesion and well-being, preserving the environment and natural resources, strengthening governance and institutions, and promoting regional cooperation.

Additionally, there are three Enablers that support the implementation of the plan, namely, to form targeted, strategic partnerships between government and industry; partnering with relevant departments to ensure improved travel facilitation through the implementation of e-visas, tourist safety, airlift capacity and quicker turnaround times in the processing of tour operator licences; and stimulate domestic demand through Government Consumption expenditure.

The plan indicates that South African Tourism is the lead partner in destination marketing of South Africa as a key destination and the entity will continue leading in the stimulation of demand in collaboration with the industry and provinces through the following programmes:

  • Targeted domestic initiatives and campaigns through domestic tourism seasonal campaigns.
  • Domestic business events and B2B campaigns.
  • Regional tourism campaigns to increase the number of tourists from the continent/region.
  • A global marketing campaign targeted at high-value source markets.
  • A global business events campaign to drive an increase in the number of events and business events hosted in SA.
  • Drive the number of international bid submissions.
  • Facilitation through the National Association Project to host Business events in VTSDs.
  • Drive the growth in the number of quality-assured establishments.  
  • Confirming and implementing the brand management protocol.

SA Tourism is the lead on the Effective Marketing Pillar of the NTSS, which is aligned to the strategic interventions of the Tourism Master Plan. The effective marketing is done through engagement with tourism bodies and provinces through a coordinated approach.

(2) Whether SA Tourism has developed audit action plans to deal with financial management and cash flow challenges; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

With regard to audit action plans; for the current financial year South African Tourism has compiled an audit action plan resulting from findings by the Auditor General and Internal Audit services. The plan is monitored on a monthly basis by internal audit to ensure implementation by management. Moreover, SAT has set up an “operation clean audit committee” comprising various business unit managers to ensure that compliance and financial management is achieved throughout the organisation.

Stringent cashflow management is in place given the current cashflow challenges. Controls are to monitor cash flow daily and report more frequently. Measures also include deferring non-urgent payment and transfer of funds to the international office been rationed to transfer only what is required on a monthly basis.

3. Whether SA Tourism has started to develop a business optimisation strategy; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

The budget optimisation strategy which was identified as a deliverable in the approved Annual Performance Plan, is at an advanced stage of development. A change in the approach to strategy development in the beginning of the financial year, and extensive work required in research and benchmarking has resulted in delays in the targeted dates. However, management will ensure that sufficient progress is achieved at the end of quarter 3.

4) What measures has SA Tourism put in place to achieve its employment equity targets with the current moratorium in place?

Two targets have not been met during the period, namely Women in Senior management positions and employment of person with disabilities.

1. Ordinarily the action would be to identify roles for purposes of meeting the Employment Equity targets as part of recruitment planning.

2. Persons with disabilities were prioritised through the recruitment of interns with disabilities,  as well as awareness sessions and management training on reasonable accommodation.

 

21 December 2023 - NW4102

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Matumba, Mr A to ask the Minister of Tourism

What are the details of SA Tourism will do differently in the implementation of the Tourism Sector Masterplan against the strategies developed to implement the Tourism Sector Recovery Plan?

Reply:

The Tourism Sector Masterplan which was approved by Cabinet in October 2023 was derived from, among others, the three-year Tourism Sector Recovery Plan (TSRP), approved by the Cabinet in April 2021.

The plan primarily aims to galvanise government, industry, and labour to collectively share a common vision that will position the tourism industry on an inclusive and sustainable competitive path for the benefit of all South Africans.

The Masterplan is anchored on three interlinked pillars or strategic themes:

  • Protect and Rejuvenating Supply;
  • Re-ignite Demand;
  • Strengthen Enabling Capability for long-term sustainability.

Within these pillars, there are seven Strategic Interventions that address key areas of focus.

These interventions include enhancing education and skills development, promoting entrepreneurship and economic growth, improving infrastructure and connectivity, fostering social cohesion and well-being, preserving the environment and natural resources, strengthening governance and institutions, and promoting regional cooperation.

Additionally, there are three enablers that support the implementation of the plan, namely, to form targeted, strategic partnerships between government and industry; partnering with relevant departments to ensure improved travel facilitation through the implementation of e-visas, tourist safety, airlift capacity and quicker turnaround times in the processing of tour operator licences; and stimulate domestic demand through Government Consumption expenditure.

The plan indicates that South African Tourism is the lead partner in destination marketing of South Africa as a key destination and the entity will continue leading in the stimulation of demand in collaboration with the industry and provinces through the following programmes:

  • Targeted domestic initiatives and campaigns through domestic tourism seasonal campaigns.
  • Domestic business events and B2B campaigns.
  • Regional tourism campaigns to increase the number of tourists from the continent/region.
  • A global marketing campaign targeted at high-value source markets.
  • A global business events campaign to drive an increase in the number of events and business events hosted in SA.
  • Drive the number of international bid submissions.
  • Facilitation through the National Association Project to host Business events in VTSDs.
  • Drive the growth in the number of quality-assured establishments.  
  • Confirming and implementing the brand management protocol.

 

21 December 2023 - NW4045

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De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism

(1)With reference to forensic audits undertaken by South African Tourism in the last three financial years and since 1 April 2023 to date, (a) which audits have been (i) each per month, (ii) concluded per month, and (b) what was the value of each of the audits in each instance respectively; (2) What was the nature of each audit in each instance respectively; (3) Who conducted the audits in each instance respectively; (4) What was the outcome of each audit in each instance respectively?

Reply:

Forensic Audits 2020-2021

(1)(a)(i+ii) Which audits have been concluded per month

(1)(b) What was the value of each audit

(2) What was the nature of each audit

(3) Who conducted each audit

(4) What was the outcome of each audit

N/A

R0

General complaint received 24 Feb 2020

Independent Forensic Investigators

Closed

N/A

R0

Unethical conduct complaint received 22 July 2020

Independent Forensic Investigators

Closed

Forensic Audits 2021-2022

(1)(a)(i+ii) Which audits have been concluded per month

(1)(b) What was the value of each audit

(2) What was the nature of each audit

(3) Who conducted each audit

(4) What was the outcome of each audit

From 1 January 2022, three investigations were undertaken.

Two investigations were received in May 2022 through the Hotline and one was a direct call from the whistle-blower received in June 2022.

R0

R0

The Direct Call

R89 000

Unethical Conduct

Unethical Conduct

Payment of invoices without work done

All investigations are conducted by independent forensic investigators that are sourced through supply chain management processes.

The process was underway to conclude the three investigations in the FY 2022-2023 table.

 

 

Forensic Audits 2022-2023

(1)(a)(i+ii) Which audits have been concluded per month

(1)(b) What was the value of each audit

(2) What was the nature of each audit

(3) Who conducted each audit

(4) What was the outcome of each audit

N/A

R0

Unethical Conduct

SIU

Irregularities were identified. Matter still underway.

N/A

R0

Unethical Conduct

SIU

Allegations partly confirmed. Matter still underway.

N/A

R390 195

Bribery/Corruption

Forensic Investigators (Outsourced)

Improper conduct and misrepresentation on the part of certain officials identified. Matter still underway.

N/A

R0

Misconduct

Human Capital

False allegations identified.

N/A

R0

Misconduct(duplicate of 10)

Human Capital

False allegations identified.

N/A

R89 000

Payment of invoices without work done

The preliminary investigation was done by forensic investigators (Outsourced)

Referred to SIU for full investigation. Matter still underway.

Forensic Audits since 1 April 2023

(1)(a)(i+ii) Which audits have been concluded

(1)(b) What was the value of each audit

(2) What was the nature of each audit

(3) Who conducted each audit

(4) What was the outcome of each audit

N/A

Pending

Corruption

SIU

In progress

N/A

Pending

Corruption

SIU

In progress

N/A

Pending

Investigation

Pending

In progress

18 September 2023

Pending

Suspected scam

SIU

In progress

04 October 2023

Pending

Complaint on HC process

SIU

In progress

 

21 December 2023 - NW3910

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Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Tourism

What (a) type of critical skills shortages are there in the tourism sector institutions that report to her and (b) is the detailed report on the number of critical skills currently short in her department?

Reply:

(a) The type of critical skills shortages within the tourism sector institutions are:

  • Financial Management
  • Strategic Leadership
  • Food Safety Quality Assurance
  • Travel consulting
  • Professional Cookery
  • Tourism Information Officers
  • Work Readiness and placement
  • Occupational Health Norms and Standards
  • Career Development
  • Service Excellence
  • Digitalisation Skills

I have, further, been informed that the above critical skills are informed by the existing Skills Audit Report and Tourism Sector Human Resources Development Strategy 2017 – 2027.

(b) The department experiences high turnover is some skills while unable to recruit and retain adequately skilled persons, at the same level as the level of loss, in the following areas:

  • Supply Chain Management Skills
  • Risk Management (Business Continuity Management Skills)
  • Information and Communication Technology Skills
  • Geographic Information System
  • Graphic Designers

The department has also resolved to strengthen existing capacity on the management of Infrastructure Projects through augmenting the following skills:

  • Construction Project Managers
  • Quantity Surveyors

 

21 December 2023 - NW3887

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De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism

With regard to the top leadership and management at the levels of (a) Director-General and (b) Deputy Director-General in SA Tourism, (i) what qualifications does each of the specified persons have in each case and (ii) how do the specified qualifications align with the position that must be fulfilled?

Reply:

I have been informed by SA Tourism that the details regarding qualifications of top management are contained in the table below.

With regard to the top leadership and management in SAT

(i) What qualifications does each of the specified persons have in each case

(ii) How do the specified qualifications align with the position that must be fulfilled

(a) Chief Executive Officer

The CEO role is currently vacant and recruitment is in progress.

The acting incumbent has been appointed by the Board to carry the delegation of CEO to allow for business continuity.

The requirements for the Chief Executive Officer are the following:

  • A recognised Bachelor’s Degree;
  • A recognised post graduate qualification. Masters or equivalent will be an added advantage;
  • At least 10 years proven experience in senior management, including 5 years at executive-level;
  • Public Service/Public entity experience at senior management level will be an added advantage;
  • An understanding of the tourism industry (Government Policy and Private Sector Stakeholder landscape) will be an added advantage;
  • Marketing Operations Management

(b) Chief Finance Officer

- Bachelor degree in Accounting;

- Bachelor Honours degree in Accounting; and (CA) SA

The requirements for the Chief Finance Officer are the following:

  • B. Com Financial Accounting Honours Degree or equivalent;
  • Registration with SAICA as CA (SA);
  • Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) or Financial Management will be a definite added advantage;
  • Minimum 10 years in executive financial management role;
  • Minimum 10 years’ experience in managing the Finance function in a public entity;
  • Minimum 10 years experience in managing the Finance function of an entity within the tourism sector will be an added advantage;

The qualifications the incumbent possesses, coupled by their work experience align them to the position fulfilled.

(c) Chief Operations Officer

- Bachelor of Social Science

- GIBS Executive Leadership Development Programme;

The requirements for the Chief Operations Officer are the following:

  • A three-year Commerce degree (major in Marketing would be preferred);
  • Excellent understanding of marketing principles
  • A post graduate business management qualification and/or previous project management experience would be an advantage
  • 8-10 years’ work experience in Marketing and Advertising and communications field, or similar environment, of which 5 should be in senior management.
  • Marketing Operations Management.
  • Government priorities and imperatives.
  • Legislation and regulations that govern the Public Service e.g. the Public Service Act.
  • The PFMA and regulations, and other relevant legislation – e.g. the National Strategic Intelligence Act; the National Archives of South Africa Act; the Promotion of Access to Information Act.
  • Performance monitoring, evaluation and reporting frameworks, systems and processes.
  • Relevant legislation and regulatory requirements namely PFMA, Treasury Regulations and Frameworks on performance information and strategic plans.

The panel at the time of recruitment considered the candidate's experience and knowledge and concluded that it is aligned with job requirements which led to the decision to hire the candidate.

(d) Chief Quality Assurance Officer

- BCom Marketing Degree

- Professional Management Development programme -GIBS

- MASA Diploma in Media Management.

- A Three-year Commerce degree (major in Marketing would be preferred)

- A postgraduate or Master’s Degree in PR/Hospitality/Sales & Marketing/Travel & Tourism Management or equivalent.

- 8-10 years in Senior Operations and/or Marketing and Sales Management experience or a related field, of which 5 years should be in management position.

- Experience in Hospitality Product / Business Development, Destination and/or product knowledge.

The qualifications the incumbent possesses, coupled by their work experience align them to the position fulfilled.

e) Chief Marketing Officer

The CMO role is currently vacant and recruitment is in progress.

The acting incumbent has been appointed to carry the delegation of CEO to allow for business continuity.

  • Bachelor’s degree in marketing/Advertising/Business Development/Management/Business Administration/International Relations/Public Relations or a bachelor’s degree in any other field with relevant experience
  • Postgraduate qualification in Marketing/Advertising/Business Development/ Management and/or relevant field will be an added advantage.
  • 10 years’ work experience in Marketing, Advertising, Communications and Media Marketing (press and digital) with experience from travel and tourism industry or similar background. • 5 years’ experience in Senior General Management experience • Experience in Public Sector will be added advantage • Experience in international/multinational marketing organisation • Ability to operate and manage in a matrix organisation with multiple stakeholders • Savvy marketer and a great communicator

f) Chief Convention Bureau Officer

The CCBO role is currently vacant and recruitment is in progress.

The acting incumbent has been appointed to carry the delegation of CEO to allow for business continuity.

  • Degree Commerce (major in Marketing/Tourism/Economics would be preferred);
  • Excellent understanding of marketing principles, especially business events;
  • A postgraduate qualification in business management and previous project management experience would be an advantage;
  • 8-10 years’ work experience in Marketing and Advertising and communications field, or a similar environment, of which 5 should be in management.

g) Chief Strategy Officer

Vacant

  • Bachelor’s Degree preferably in Business Information Science or Statistics.
  • 8-10 years in data analytics and research or a related field, of which 5 years should be in a management position. • Post Graduate Degree in Business Management would be an added advantage.

- Extensive knowledge of international and domestic travel • Knowledge and understanding of the principles of business, the application thereof, the opportunities within business and the seizure of such opportunities • Knowledge and understanding of research methodology and principles critical in deriving intel that is reliable and integral • Excellent understanding of marketing principles, especially business events. Understanding general data management policies and procedures. • Ability to implement and follow governance and compliance procedures. Previous experience in managing an Analytics/ Research Department is essential

21 December 2023 - NW3766

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De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism

With reference to projects undertaken by the SA Tourism in the past three financial years and since 1 April 2023 up to the latest specified date for which information is available, (a) who undertook each project in each month, (b) how were the project suppliers identified and (c) what was the (i) budget allocation for each project and (iv) actual expenditure in each case?

Reply:

The projects, initiated by SA Tourism in the past three financial years, are as captured in the Annual Performance Plans and the relevant implementation reports have been presented to the Portfolio Committee.

The reports can also be accessed on the Parliamentary Monitoring Group (PMG) website.

01 December 2023 - NW3377

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Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Tourism

Whether her department has actually implemented any of its plans to encourage tourists to visit the Republic after COVID-19; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

Yes, since January 2023, the department has achieved the following:

TOURIST ARRIVALS:

Between January and September this year, South Africa saw a significant influx of tourists, with over 6,1 million visitors arriving in the country, more than 58.4% when compared to the 3.8million arrivals to South Africa the same period in 2022.

During this period, visitors from Africa represented 4.6million of the total arrivals to South Africa, a 60% increase in Africa land arrivals and a 35% increase in Africa air arrivals when compared to the same period in 2022.

South Africa welcomed more than 862 000 arrivals from Europe between January and September this year, a 50,9% increase on the more than 571 000 arrivals in 2022.

From Asia, we welcomed more than 148 000 visitors in the first 9 months of 2023, an increase of 82,6% compared to arrivals in the same period in 2022.

Notably, China’s year-on-year arrival figures also show a significant increase to 3060 in October 2023. This reflects a 132,5% increase when compared to the same period in 2022.

All markets saw an increase in arrivals to South Africa of between 48 and 99%.

During the first two quarters of 2023, total tourist foreign direct spend amounted to R48 billion.

DOMESTIC TOURISM:

In the first half of 2023, South Africans took 18.8 million domestic overnight trips.

This is up 23.4% when compared to the same period in 2022.

Overnight spend was also up by 21.2% to reach just over R52 billion in the same period.

AIR ACCESS:

We have also seen great growth in our Air Access with the resumption of the Direct Flight from China in February this year.

Latam also launched its inaugural flight to South Africa in September 2023.

In October, South African Airways also relaunched its direct flights from Cape Town and Johannesburg to Sao Paulo in Brazil.

In December 2023, we are expecting the direct flight will resume between Johannesburg and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia and we are working with the Saudi Arabia Air Access team to secure a direct flight from Cape Town to Jeddah.

South Africa also has six active airlines connecting over 23 cities in African countries including Nigeria, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Rwanda and Botswana.

OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS:

One month after my arrival in the Department, we scrapped the controversial R1billion Tottenham Hotspurs deal.

In the 2023/24 Financial Year, due to my intervention, an out-of-court settlement was reached, unlocking the R1.2 billion Tourism Equity Fund and the Request for Proposals opened on 6 November 2023.

Furthermore, the Green Paper on the Development and Promotion of Tourism in South Africa was gazetted for public comment in September 2023 and the Tourism Sector Masterplan was also gazetted for implementation on 13 October 2023.

All the performance reports for the previous Financial Years are as per the Department’s APP and have been reported to the Portfolio Committee and are available online on the Parliamentary Monitoring Group.

01 December 2023 - NW4047

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De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism

(a) How was the decision reached to launch the tourism marketing campaign valued at over R30 million involving a certain person (details furnished), (b) what had been (i) budgeted for and (ii) spent on this campaign?

Reply:

(a)– (b) (i & ii)

This was not a decision by government and the value of the campaign is not R30 million.

The budget came from the private sector.

The tourism marketing campaign with Comedian Trevor Noah, referred to, is the initiative of the private sector and was launched by Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) and Tourism Marketing South Africa (TOMSA).

01 December 2023 - NW4031

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Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Tourism

What is the total number of (a) employees and (b) consultants currently employed by her department?

Reply:

(a) I have been informed by the Department that the total number of employees is 464 as at the 31 October 2023

(b) None

 

01 December 2023 - NW3970

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De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism

With regard to the top leadership and management in the (a) Director-General and (b) Deputy Director-General level in her department, (i) what qualifications does each of the specified persons have in each case and (ii) how do the specified qualifications align with the position that must be filled?

Reply:

With regard to the top leadership and management in the department

(i) What qualifications does each of the specified persons have in each case

(ii) How do the specified qualifications align with the position that must be filled

Director- General (DG)

  • National Senior Certificate
  • Bachelor of Science Applied Physics (NQF7),
  • Bachelor of Philosophy Knowledge and Information Management System (NQF8),

 

  • Post Graduate Diploma Strategic Management and Corporate Governance (NQF8)

Applied Physics is about finding solutions, problem solving and analytical thinking.

Knowledge and Information Systems management is about the knowledge economy, management of knowledge systems, technological applications, decision systems, utilisation and management of data as well as management of complexity amongst others.

Strategic and Corporate Governance focuses on strategy, finance, risk management, corporate governance and business law.

Deputy Director-General: Corporate Management (DDG: CM)

  • National Senior Certificate
  • BA Social Work (NQF7)
  • Masters in Development and Management (NQF 9)

The position of DDG – Corporate Management requires a qualification in any of the disciplines applicable within a Corporate Management Environment. A qualification in Social Sciences provides a competitive advantage of understanding people management and human capital within a broader Corporate Management context which is central in the management of the Corporate Strategy.

Deputy Director-General: Tourism Research, Policy and International Relations (DDG: TRP&IR)

  • National Senior Certificate
  • BSC (NQF 7)
  • B-Com Hons: Economics and Computer Science (NQF 8)
  • Masters of Commerce: Economics (Cum Laude) (NQF 9)
  • HED (Postgraduate): Education (NQF 8)

In addition to the above qualifications the DDG completed the following subjects as part of a PhD programme on Tourism Management (Thesis outstanding):

  • Strategic Tourism Management
  • International Tourism policy and planning
  • Research Methodology

The DDG: TRP&IR oversees the provision​ of tourism research, policy, international relations and strategic sector partnerships. This includes the following functions:

  • Manage research, knowledge management and monitoring and evaluation in the Tourism Sector.
  • Oversee and guide policy and strategy development for the tourism sector.
  • Drive South Africa’s interest through international relations and co-operation.
  • Manage strategic sector partnerships

DDG’s qualifications cover, amongst others, the following areas that are relevant to the position: Mathematics, Computer Science, Economics, Strategic Tourism Management, International Tourism policy and planning and Resource Methodology.

Deputy Director-General: Destination Development (DDG: DD)

  • National Senior Certificate
  • BSc (NQF 7)
  • HDipEd (NQF 8)
  • BSc Honours (Psychology) (NQF 8)
  • MSc (Community Psychology) (NQF 9)
  • PhD (NQF 10)

A key component of Executive Management is problem solving and creating an enabling environment for staff to deliver. The formal studies to the MSc level are related to the key areas of problem solving and management of human capital. The topic of the PhD was “A model for integrated tourism infrastructure planning in the South African Public Sector” This is directly related to the current role of the DDG: Destination Development.

Deputy Director-General: Tourism Sector Support Services)

  • National Senior Certificate
  • BProc: Law- NQF7
  • LLB: (Post Graduate) (NQF 8)
  • BTH: (NQF 7)

The three degrees are located within the Humanities discipline. Knowledge of the Constitution and other laws aligns with sound governance, applying the principles of administrative justice which includes equality, fairness, openness and transparency in providing services to citizens including the ability to contextualise and implement policy

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

  • National Senior Certificate
  • National Diploma: Management Assistant (NQF 6)
  • Bachelor of Commerce: Financial Management (NQF 7)
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Executive Leadership Certificate (NQF 8)
  • Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) (NQF 9)

In terms of the Treasury Regulations Part 2, the CFO is expected to perform the following functions:

  • effective financial management of

the institution

  • exercise sound budgeting and budgetary control practices
  • implement internal controls and timely produce financial reports

The qualifications of the CFO are in line with what the position entails. The qualifications are both in financial and managerial field.

01 December 2023 - NW3952

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Ngcobo, Mr S to ask the Minister of Tourism

Whether (a) she, (b) the Deputy Minister and (c) any other official in her department attended the Rugby World Cup Final in France in October 2023; if not; what is the position in this regard; if so, what (i) are the relevant details of each person in her department who attended the Rugby World Cup, (ii) is the total number of such persons and (iii) were the total costs of (aa) travel, (bb) accommodation and (cc) any other related costs that were incurred by her department as a result of the trip(s)?

Reply:

See below

WHO

Whether anybody attended the Rugby World Cup in France

(i) What are the relevant details of each person who attended the Rugby world Cup

(ii) What is the total number of such persons

(iii)(aa) What were the total costs of travel

(iii)(bb) What were the total costs of accommodation

(iii)(cc) Any other related costs that were incurred by the department as a result of the trip(s)

a) Minister

No

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

b) Deputy Minister

No

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

c) Any other official in the department

No official in the department attended on official business

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

01 December 2023 - NW3825

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Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Tourism

Whether her department keeps records of arrested, convicted and deported tourists; if not, why not; if so, what (a) is the total number of tourists who were (i) arrested, (ii) convicted and (iii) deported since 1 January 2000 up to the latest date for which information is available and (b) was the nature of the crime in each case?

Reply:

I have been informed that the Department does not keep records of arrested, convicted and deported tourists as this is not within the mandate of the Department.

a) (i)- (ii) and (b) Not applicable

01 December 2023 - NW3888

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De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism

With regard to forensic audits undertaken by her department (a) in the past three financial years and (b) since 1 April 2023, (i) which audits have been (aa) initiated and (bb) concluded in each month, (ii) what were the outcomes of each audit, (iii) what was the monetary value of each audit, (iv) what was the nature of each audit, (v) who conducted the audits in each case and (vi) what was the outcome of each audit in each case?

Reply:

The Department put in a request to the Portfolio Committee on Tourism to present these details at a closed session, given the sensitivity of the matters as some of these are currently before the police and in courts in some cases.

The BRRR report, dated 20 October 2023, and tabled in Parliament on the same date (ATC no. 142) states on page 13:

The guidance from the minister and the deputy Minister was that the Committee may consider having a closed session. The Committee agreed to a closed session meeting which was scheduled but had to be postponed. A new date for the meeting has not been received.

We are currently awaiting the Portfolio Committee to arrange the meeting.

01 December 2023 - NW3399

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Matumba, Mr A to ask the Minister of Tourism

Whether she has found out that she has failed in her core mandate as she did not achieve core targets, including implementing the (a) global tourism brand campaign plan, (b) integrated destination brand, (c) marketing strategy and (d) elements of the global advocacy programme; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, how does she intend to remedy the situation?

Reply:

No, I have not failed. Just the opposite, in fact.

Some of the targets that were not achieved in the previous Financial Year 2022/23, have all been submitted and presented to the Portfolio Committee with the remedial action.

Also just to remind you that the Financial Year 2022/23 is applicable from 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023.

The current Financial Year started on 1 April 2023 and will end on 31 March 2024.

In the current financial year the Department has achieved the following:

TOURIST ARRIVALS:

Between January and September this year, South Africa saw a significant influx of tourists, with over 6,1 million visitors arriving in the country, more than 58.4% when compared to the 3.8million arrivals to South Africa the same period in 2022.

During this period, visitors from Africa represented 4.6million of the total arrivals to South Africa, a 60% increase in Africa land arrivals and a 35% increase in Africa air arrivals when compared to the same period in 2022.

South Africa welcomed more than 862 000 arrivals from Europe between January and September this year, a 50,9% increase on the more than 571 000 arrivals in 2022.

From Asia, we welcomed more than 148 000 visitors in the first 9 months of 2023, an increase of 82,6% compared to arrivals in the same period in 2022.

Notably, China’s year-on-year arrival figures also show a significant increase to 3060 in October 2023. This reflects a 132,5% increase when compared to the same period in 2022.

All markets saw an increase in arrivals to South Africa of between 48 and 99%.

During the first two quarters of 2023, total tourist foreign direct spend amounted to R48 billion.

DOMESTIC TOURISM:

In the first half of 2023, South Africans took 18.8 million domestic overnight trips.

This is up 23.4% when compared to the same period in 2022.

Overnight spend was also up by 21.2% to reach just over R52 billion in the same period.

AIR ACCESS:

We have also seen great growth in our Air Access with the resumption of the Direct Flight from China in February this year.

Latam also launched its inaugural flight to South Africa in September 2023.

In October, South African Airways also relaunched its direct flights from Cape Town and Johannesburg to Sao Paulo in Brazil.

In December 2023, we are expecting the direct flight will resume between Johannesburg and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia and we are working with the Saudi Arabia Air Access team to secure a direct flight from Cape Town to Jeddah.

South Africa also has six active airlines connecting over 23 cities in African countries including Nigeria, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Rwanda and Botswana.

OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS:

One month after my arrival in the Department, we scrapped the controversial R1billion Tottenham Hotspurs deal.

In the 2023/24 Financial Year, due to my intervention, an out-of-court settlement was reached, unlocking the R1.2 billion Tourism Equity Fund and the Request for Proposals opened on 6 November 2023.

Furthermore, the Green Paper on the Development and Promotion of Tourism in South Africa was gazetted for public comment in September 2023 and the Tourism Sector Masterplan was also gazetted for implementation on 13 October 2023.

All the performance reports for the previous Financial Years are as per the Department’s APP and have been reported to the Portfolio Committee and are available online on the Parliamentary Monitoring Group.

 

01 December 2023 - NW3439

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De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism

(1)With reference to the Development Bank of South Africa (DBSA) and work undertaken by them on behalf of her department (a) in the past three financial years and (b) from 1 April 2023 to date, (i) what audit was undertaken to ensure that the DBSA has the capacity to undertake tourism projects, (ii) on what date was the specified audit undertaken, (iii) who undertook the audit and (iv) what was the outcome and/or relevant details of the audit; (2) whether she will furnish Mr M S F de Freitas with a copy of the audit report; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

1. I have been informed by the Department that no audit was undertaken on behalf of the Department.

2. Not Applicable

01 December 2023 - NW3493

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Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Tourism

(1) With regard to the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA), (a) which companies are used to grade establishments and (b) for how long these grading companies has been used in the past three financial years; (2) (a) what criterion is used to appoint these companies to grade establishments and (b) on what basis do these companies grade establishments; (3) what amount of the funds paid by establishments to be graded is paid to (a) the department and (b) the TGCSA and (c) what total amount of grading funds has her department earned in the past five financial years as compared to the TGCSA?

Reply:

(1) (a) Which companies are used to grade establishments

I have been informed by South African Tourism (SAT) that individuals, also referred to as Grading Assessors, and not companies, are contracted to the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA).

They are contracted through a Service Provider Agreement (SPA) which is valid for three (3) years, with an extension of two (2) years subject to performance.

An assessor is a natural person who:

i) is above reproach in relation to his unequivocal support and submission to the laws of the Republic of South Africa and the brand and reputation of the TGCSA;

ii) is accredited by means of an entry examination, which will form a material prerequisite condition to the execution and/or maintenance of the Service Provider Agreement;

iii) maintains their accreditation and qualification to be appointed and perform under the terms and conditions of the Service Provider Agreement, by attending each and every session of the compulsory two (2) days Annual Conference, which includes a refresher course;

iv) performs to the standard of the Agreement and as may be instructed by the TGCSA and to the satisfaction of the TGCSA objectives and brand during the twelve (12) months preceding their objectively adjudicated Performance Appraisal. The Performance Appraisal will be done no later than the 30th day of September of each calendar year, unless specifically and expressly agreed otherwise between the Parties; and

v) agrees and commits to a suspensive condition that the Agreement between the Parties only remains effective and enforceable, if they will act or will continue to act principally as an ad hoc independent service provider and brand representative of the TGCSA, yet fully self – employed.

(b) For how long has these grading companies been used in the past three financial years

For fiscal year 2020/21 until 2022/2023 we had a total of forty-seven (47) Grading Assessors.

There are currently forty-three (43) Assessors contracted to TGCSA, who have been conducting assessments since the 1st of April 2023.

(2) (a) What criterion is used to appoint these companies to grade establishments

During the recruitment process, the following are requirements for individuals wishing to be considered for the role of Independent Grading Assessor:

  • A post-matric qualification in Tourism, Hospitality, or Quality Management;
  • Previous quality grading experience in tourism and accommodation products would be an advantage but not strictly necessary;
  • Sales and / or marketing experience;
  • Tourist/guest experience in tourism accommodation establishments;
  • Excellent computer literacy; and
  • Proven ability to operate independently for extended periods, without close supervision.

Personal qualities required are as follows:

  • High energy levels
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Business acumen
  • High levels of personal grooming and presentation
  • Strong attention to detail and an investigative nature
  • Self-motivation and the ability to balance the demands of work priorities
  • Excellent time management skills
  • The ability to work as part of the team and to build strong relationships with wide range of people
  • Good planning and organisational skills
  • Highly professional and presentable at all times
  • A “can do”/ passionate attitude.

It is important that Assessors have their own laptop, internet connection, mobile phone, and are mobile and have the ability to travel around the area / province where they will conduct assessments.

Upon being shortlisted for the role, they undertake training and are requested to submit a portfolio of evidence, achieving a 80% pass mark.

(b) On what basis do these companies grade establishments

To process establishments through the grading process in an accurate, credible and professional manner, the TGCSA utilizes an IT system called Total Quality in Tourism (TQiT).

The TGCSA also has key quality control measures that have been introduced. This role that is played by the Provincial Quality Assurance Specialist (PQAS) whose main function is to ensure that the submissions from the Assessors meet all quality requirements and that there is no compromise on credibility in the submission process.

Assessors are self-employed entrepreneurs that are paid a commission of the grading fee paid by the establishment to be assessed.

The current structure is as follows, as stipulated in the negotiated Service Provider Agreement with all Assessors:

(3) What amount of the funds paid by establishments to be graded is paid to

(a) The department

No funds are paid to the department by graded establishments as it is paid to TGCSA.

(b) what amount of the funds paid by establishments to be graded is paid to the TGCSA

The TGCSA relies on the grading fees paid by establishments to recover the costs of the actual quality assessments conducted on site.

(c) what total amount of grading funds has her department earned in the past five financial years as compared to the TGCSA

None / Not applicable

01 December 2023 - NW3765

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De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism

With reference to projects undertaken by the National Department of Tourism in the past three financial years and since 1 April 2023 up to the latest specified date for which information is available, (a) who undertook each project in each month, (b) how were the project suppliers identified and (c) what was the (i) budget allocation for each project and (ii) actual expenditure in each case?

Reply:

 I have been informed by the Department that all the information requested is available online on PMG as follows:

https://pmg.org.za/committee-meeting/31113/

https://pmg.org.za/committee-meeting/32405/

https://pmg.org.za/committee-meeting/33718/

https://pmg.org.za/committee-meeting/33362/

https://pmg.org.za/committee-meeting/33885/

https://pmg.org.za/committee-meeting/35687/

https://pmg.org.za/committee-meeting/35399/

https://pmg.org.za/committee-meeting/34166/

ii) The projects and progress for quarters 1 and 2 for the current Financial Year 2023/24 have also been reported to the Portfolio Committee.

27 November 2023 - NW3317

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De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism

With reference to the legal action and matters of any description undertaken by the SA Tourism (a) in the past three financial years and (b) from 1 April 2023 to date, (i) which matters were opened and closed in each month, (ii) what were the matters in each case, (iii) what matters were settled out of court in each month, (iv) what are the reasons that each specified matter was settled out of court, (v) which matters went to arbitration in each month, (vi) what were the outcomes in each matter, (vii) which matters went to court in each month and (viii) what were the outcomes of each matter in each case?

Reply:

I have been informed by SA tourism that legal matters undertaken by the entity are as tabled below.

Years

(i) Which matters were opened and closed in each month

(ii) What were the matters in each case

(iii) What matters were settled out of court in each month

(iv) What are the reasons that each specified matter was settled out of court

(v) Which matters went to arbitration in each month

(vi) What were the outcomes in each matter

(vii) Which matters went to court in each month

(viii) What were the outcomes of each matter in each case

(a) 2020-21

1.

Brian Monare- Versus SA Tourism

Labour case- unfair dismissal claim

n/a

n/a

n/a

Judgement granted in favour of the Applicant (Brian Monare) and costs ordered against SAT.

n/a

Judgement granted in favour of the Applicant (Brian Monare) and costs ordered against SAT.

2.

Godfrey Gwele-

Versus SA Tourism

Labour case- unfair dismissal claim

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

3.

Thomas Bouwer- versus SA Tourism

Labour case- unfair labour practices claim

n/a

n/a

n/a

Labour Court granted judgement granted in favour of SAT and application dismissed.

n/a

Labour Court granted judgement granted in favour of SAT and application dismissed.

4.

Greenshoots Projects and Communications (Pty) Ltd- Versus SA Tourism

Application to review and set aside SAT Tender 162/2019

n/a

n/a

n/a

Applicant (Greenshoots) failed to set down the matter for hearing within the prescribed timeframe.

n/a

Applicant (Greenshoots) failed to set down the matter for hearing within the prescribed timeframe.

5.

GF Angileri & 24 Others- Versus SA Tourism.

Breach of Contract claim

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

 

6.

Tsheola Dinare versus Synergy and SAT-

Sub-contractor agreement between Synergy and the Applicant - Breach of contract

n/a

No relief was being sought against SAT and SAT will not oppose the matter. Synergy has notified SAT that the parties explored the possibility of a settlement and agreed to the same.

n/a

No relief was being sought against SAT and SAT will not oppose the matter. Synergy has notified SAT that the parties explored the possibility of a settlement and agreed to the same.

n/a

n/a

(a) 2021-22

1.

Godfrey Gwele-

Versus SA Tourism

Labour case- unfair dismissal claim

n/a

n/a

Labour Court referred the matter back to the CCMA, where the CCMA dismissed the application in favour of SAT.

Labour Court referred the matter back to the CCMA, where the CCMA dismissed the application in favour of SAT.

n/a

Labour Court referred the matter back to the CCMA, where the CCMA dismissed the application in favour of SAT.

2.

GF Angileri & 24 Others- Versus SA Tourism

Breach of Contract claim

n/a

n/a

In August 2022 the Arbitrator ruled in favour of SAT and dismissed the application.

In August 2022 the Arbitrator ruled in favour of SAT and dismissed the application.

n/a

In August 2022 the Arbitrator ruled in favour of SAT and dismissed the application.

3.

Greenshoots Projects and Communications (Pty) Ltd Versus SA Tourism.

Application to review and set aside SAT Tender 162/2019

n/a

n/a

n/a

Applicant failed to set down the matter for hearing within the prescribed timeframe.

n/a

n/a

4.

Swift Thinking (Pty) Ltd- Versus SA Tourism

Review Application

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

5.

Letsema Consulting and Advisory (Pty) Ltd- Versus SA Tourism

Review Application

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

(a) 2022-23

1.

GF Angileri & 24 Others- Versus SA Tourism

Breach of Contract claim

n/a

n/a

In August 2022 the Arbitrator ruled in favour of SAT and dismissed the application.

n/a

In August 2022 the Arbitrator ruled in favour of SAT and dismissed the application.

In August 2022 the Arbitrator ruled in favour of SAT and dismissed the application.

2.

Swift Thinking (Pty) Ltd- Versus SA Tourism November 2023.

Review Application

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

3.

Letsema Consulting and Advisory (Pty) Ltd- Versus SA Tourism

Review Application

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

4.

BLUEPRINT GROUP- Versus SA Tourism.

PAIA Application

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

5.

ALFRED TLABUKWE MASEMENE Versus SA Tourism

Labour case- unfair dismissal claim

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

7.

WAVELA MTHOBELI- Versus SA Tourism

Labour case- unfair dismissal claim

Mutual Separation Settlement signed on 02/03/2023 by the parties to sever employment relationship. Six (6) months’ salary paid out.

n/a

n/a

Mutual Separation Settlement signed on 02/03/2023 by the parties to sever employment relationship. Six (6) months’ salary paid out.

n/a

Mutual Separation Settlement signed on 02/03/2023 by the parties to sever employment relationship. Six (6) months’ salary paid out.

(b) 1 April 2023

1.

GF Angileri & 24 Others- Versus SA Tourism

Breach of Contract claim

n/a

n/a

In August 2022 the Arbitrator ruled in favour of SAT and dismissed the application.

SAT is in the process of recovering funds.

n/a

In August 2022 the Arbitrator ruled in favour of SAT and dismissed the application.

SAT is in the process of recovering funds.

In August 2022 the Arbitrator ruled in favour of SAT and dismissed the application.

SAT is in the process of recovering funds.

2.

Swift Thinking (Pty) Ltd- Versus SA Tourism

Review Application

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

3.

Letsema Consulting and Advisory (Pty) Ltd- Versus SA Tourism

Review Application

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

4.

BLUEPRINT GROUP- Versus SA Tourism.

PAIA Application

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

5.

ALFRED TLABUKWE MASEMENE- Versus SA Tourism

Labour case- unfair dismissal claim

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

27 November 2023 - NW3826

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Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Tourism

Whether her department has any plans and/or partnership with other departments to ensure the restoration of South Africa as a dream travel and tourist destination in Africa amidst the rising levels of crime and attacks on tourists, especially in Mpumalanga and Gauteng, if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

I have been informed that the Department has a partnership in a form of a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the South African Police Services (SAPS) for collaboration on the prevention, investigation and combating of crimes impacting on the tourism industry and the safety and well-being of tourists.

The MoU entails working on a number of areas including:

  • Identification and analysis of tourism hotspots;
  • Establishment of a database of crimes committed against tourists; and
  • Participation in tourist safety awareness and educational programmes.

The MoU Action Plan is currently being implemented through the Tourism Safety Technical Committee comprising of the Department of Tourism and SAPS. The MoU is currently undergoing revision to extend the MOU beyond December 2024 and to ensure that other initiatives being implemented with the private sector on safety and security are considered and strengthened.

The Minister has also launched the National Safety Forum on 29 May 2023 with, subsequent, quarterly meetings with the stakeholders.

Stakeholders include all three spheres of government, the SAPS, National Prosecuting Authority, Provincial Tourism Authorities, the private sector, Airports Company South Africa and tourism product owners.

27 November 2023 - NW3753

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Mohlala, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Tourism

In light of the looming economic crisis resulting from the prolonged beach closures in Durban and the potential devastation facing the tourism industry and its entire value chain, what specific immediate action is her department undertaking to swiftly restore these vital tourist attractions?

Reply:

Tourism is a concurrent function with clear roles and responsibilities for each sphere of government. Beaches fall within the responsibility of local government. The Honourable Member is therefore requested to redirect this question to the relevant authority.

 

27 November 2023 - NW3660

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De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism

(a) What projects were initiated by the SA Tourism in each month (i) in the past three financial years and (ii) since 1 January 2023, (b) in which month was each project completed in each case, (c) which of the specified projects remain incomplete in each case and (d) what are the reasons that the projects are incomplete in each case?

Reply:

The projects initiated South African Tourism are as captured in the Annual Performance Plans. Implementation for the first and second quarters of the current financial year has been presented to the Portfolio Committee on Tourism.

27 November 2023 - NW3607

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Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Tourism

(1)Whether her department opened satellite tourism offices in various municipalities to achieve transformation and capacity-building agendas; if not, why not; if so, what (a) total number of offices have been opened to date and (b) is the state of their functionality; (2) whether there has been any feedback from the local communities on how to better improve services aligned through tourism, in order to assist local and rural communities; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

1. (a) and (b) I have been informed that the Department has not opened satellite tourism offices in municipalities as Tourism is a concurrent function. It is the mandate of municipalities to manage and maintain such offices.

2. Not applicable

 

27 November 2023 - NW3612

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De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism

(a) What are the reasons that new building premises are sought for her department, (b) on what date (i) did the search commence and (ii) is it envisaged to conclude, (c) who was tasked with the function of finding premises and (d) what (i) is the monthly budget allocated, (ii) will be spent every month and (iii) are the terms and conditions?

Reply:

a) I have been informed that the Department is currently utilising 13 878.60m² of office space and requires approximately 16 948,20 m², hence the need for a building that will accommodate the needs but also to manage the costs through government ownership.

b) (i) The search commenced in 2016.

(ii) Due to current financial constraints, the process of new building is on hold.

c) Department of Public Works and Infrastructure

d) (i) and (ii) and (iii) Not applicable because the building project hasn’t commenced

27 November 2023 - NW3533

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Matumba, Mr A to ask the Minister of Tourism

What are the specific details in relation to the implementation status of the Tourism Transformation Fund?

Reply:

I have been informed by the Department that the Tourism Transformation Fund (TTF) was officially launched in May 2018.

Since inception a total of 27 applications were approved for support under the TTF. Unfortunately, eight (8) of the approved applications were withdrawn post investment, leaving 19 active approved projects at various stages of implementation.

Based on information received from the National Empowerment Fund (NEF), the reasons for withdrawal post approval predominantly relates to the failure by the client/ applicant to meet certain requirements stipulated in the contract between the client/ applicant and the NEF.

In some cases, applications were withdrawn by the NEF and in others by the applicant/ client.

There are an additional 38 active applications at various stages of assessments in the programme pipeline.

27 November 2023 - NW3532

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Matumba, Mr A to ask the Minister of Tourism

Whether her department has started the preparations to renew the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Development Bank of Southern Africa, given that it expires on 30 November 2023 while the project pipeline has projects under implementation until 2025: if not, why not; if so, what specific steps has her department taken to renew the MoU?

Reply:

I have been informed that the Department has commenced the process to renew the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Development Bank of South of Southern Africa. This renewal will be concluded before the current contract expires, thus enabling completion of projects in the pipeline.

27 November 2023 - NW3531

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Matumba, Mr A to ask the Minister of Tourism

What is the status of the 47 projects implemented by the Development Bank of Southern Africa in relation to the completion timelines presented to the Portfolio Committee on Tourism?

Reply:

I have been informed that the the Development Bank of Southern Africa manages a total of seventy (70) projects on behalf of the Department of Tourism. The status as at the 26th October 2023 is as follows:

  • A total of 23 projects are complete i.e. 19 maintenance projects and four community projects.
  • A total of 28 projects are in the construction stage i.e. 9 maintenance projects and 19 community projects.
  • A total of 18 projects are in the concept, design and contractor procurement stages. Contractor appointment was terminated in 1 project and a new procurement process is underway for this project.

27 November 2023 - NW3613

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De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism

(a) What projects were initiated by her department in each month (i) in the past three financial years and (ii) since 1 January 2023, (b) in which month was each project completed in each case, (c) and (d) what are the reasons that the projects are incomplete in each case?

Reply:

The projects, initiated by the Department in the past three financial years, are as captured in the Annual Performance Plans and the relevant implementation reports have been presented to the Portfolio Committee.

I have been informed by the Department that no projects were initiated since 1 January 2023.

 

27 November 2023 - NW3491

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Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Tourism

(1)The Auditor-General Report of the 2022/23 financial year identified 26 vacant posts from a structure of 202 approved positions, (a) can she identify where these vacancies are distributed, (b) how these vacancies impact the work of SA Tourism and (c) by when these vacancies will be filled; (2) with two cases of corruption reported in her department and still under investigation, what is the progress on the investigation of these cases?

Reply:

1.(a) Vacancies are in the following Programmes:

I have been informed that SAT currently has 26 vacancies as at 31 March 2023, this includes 3 at the Executive level.

Programme

Number of vacancies within the programme

PROGRAMME 1: CORPORATE SUPPORT

12

PROGRAMME 2: BUSINESS ENABLEMENT

 1

PROGRAMME 3: LEISURE TOURISM MARKETING

 11

PROGRAMME 4: BUSINESS EVENTS

 1

PROGRAMME 5: TOURIST EXPERIENCE

 1

(b) What is the impact of these vacancies?

The impact of the vacancies has been non-achievement of targets in some cases and overall staff fatigue and burnout due to capacity constraints.

In summary, filling the executive, management, and administrative positions is crucial for SA Tourism’s effective operation, strategic development, and the delivery of high-quality services to tourists. These positions provide leadership, guidance, and support that is essential for the success in promoting tourism, managing resources, and meeting our annual performance targets goals.

  • Operational Efficiency: Vacancies in executive, senior management, and management positions can lead to a lack of strategic direction and effective decision-making. This can result in operational inefficiencies, misalignment of activities, and difficulties in achieving departmental goals.
  • Resource Management: With management and executive vacancies, there may be challenges in resource allocation. This can affect budget management, staff allocation, and the ability to invest in initiatives that drive tourism growth.
  • Leadership and Direction: The absence of leaders in executive and senior management roles can create uncertainty and reduce the ability to adapt to changing market conditions and emerging trends. This may lead to missed opportunities for growth and innovation.
  • Customer Service and Quality: Management positions play a crucial role in ensuring high-quality visitor experiences. Vacancies in these roles may impact customer service, event planning, marketing, and other critical functions that directly affect tourists' satisfaction.
  • Administrative Support: Administrative positions are essential for the smooth operation of the department. Vacancies in administrative roles can lead to delays in paperwork, coordination, and customer service, impacting the department's overall effectiveness.
  • Employee Morale: Filling these positions can also boost employee morale. When roles are vacant for extended periods, it can create stress, and uncertainty, and lead to work overload among staff. Filling vacancies can improve staff morale, and motivation and ensure that all tasks are completed within the given deadlines.

(c) By when will these vacancies be filled

All the Executive roles have been advertised and it is anticipated that they will be filled within 4 months with the CEO appointment process targeted for the end of November 2023. Three Executive roles reporting to the Board are at the assessment and recommendation stage and three roles are at the shortlisting stage.

(2) with two cases of corruption reported in her department ( SAT) and still under investigation, what is the progress on the investigation of these cases?

The SA Tourism Board is working with management, in conjunction with the internal audit and the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to ensure that all credible allegations are investigated in the interest of protecting accountability at the entity. Processes are underway in this regard and are conducted in a fair and unbiased manner.

27 November 2023 - NW3422

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De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism

(a) What number of officials in SA Tourism were suspended in each month in the (i) past three financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2023 to date, (b) on what date was each suspension lifted in each month, (c) what were the reasons for each suspension, (d) what level did each suspended official occupy, (e) what total number of officials were given paid leave in each month, (f) on what date did each suspension commence in each month, (g) what total amount was paid out to each official in each month whilst on suspension and (h) what number of officials are still suspended with pay?

Reply:

I have been informed by SAT that details of suspensions are contained in the table below.

 

(a) What total number of officials in SA Tourism were suspended in each month

(b) On what date was each suspension lifted in each month

(c) What were the reasons for each suspension

(d) What level did each suspended official occupy

(e) What total number of officials were given paid leave in each month

(f) On what date did each suspension commence in each month

(g) What amount was paid out to each official in each month whilst on suspension

(h) What number of officials are still suspended with pay

(i)

2020-21

0

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

(i)

2021-22

One (1) Official

Suspension remained from the appeal process to dismissal

Precautionary suspension pending hearing

Senior Management

One Official

30 March 2022

March 2022- R62 469.11

April 2022 – R88 433.30

May 2022- R63 743.48

June 2022 – R13 460.63

July 2022 – R118 311.72

January 2023 – R2645.09

April 2023 – R814 097.03

N/A

(i)

2022-23

One (1) official

Until the end of the contract term

Precautionary suspension pending an investigation

Executive level

One official

31 August 2022

August 2022 – R91 521.08

September 2022 – R91 521.08

October 2022 – R91 521.08

November 2022 – R91 521.08

December 2022 – R91 521.09

January 2023 – R81 856.36

February 2023 – R96 069.75

N/A

(ii)

1 April 2023

One (1) official

Still pending

Precautionary suspension pending a forensic investigation

Senior Management

One (1) official suspended

10 July 2023

July 2023 – R149 901.87

August 2023 – R155 191.60

September 2023 – R136 624.97

October 2023 – R136 625.00

November 2023 – R136 624.97

One (1) official remains on suspension

27 November 2023 - NW3318

Profile picture: De Freitas, Mr MS

De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism

(a) What total number of officials in her department were suspended in each month in the (i) past three financial years and (ii) this year to date, (b) on what date was each suspension lifted in each month, (c) what were the reasons for each suspension, (d) what level did each suspended official occupy, (e) what total number of officials were given paid leave in each month, (f) on what date did each suspension commence in each month, (g) what amount was paid out to each official in each month whilst on suspension and (h) what number of officials are still suspended with pay?

Reply:

I have been informed by the Department that details of suspensions are contained in the table below.

Years

(a) What total number of officials in her department were suspended in each month

(b) On what date was each suspension lifted in each month

(c) What were the reasons for each suspension

(d) What level did each suspended official occupy

(e) What total number of officials were given paid leave in each month *

(f) On what date did each suspension commence in each month

(g) What amount was paid out to each official in each month whilst on suspension **

(h) What number of officials are still suspended with pay

(i)

2020-21

0

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

0

(i)

2021-22

1

30 June 2021

Seriousness of the averred acts of misconduct & allowing conducive environment for the investigation.

6

N/A

10 March 2021

R30 366.35

(March 2021)

R30 366.35

(April 2021)

R30 366.35

(May 2021)

R30 366.35

(June 2021)

0

(i)

2022-23

2

27 September 2022

____________

11 October 2022

Seriousness of the averred acts of misconduct & allowing conducive environment for the investigation.

_____________

Seriousness of the averred acts of misconduct & allowing conducive environment for the investigation.

12

(1st Official)

_____________

15

(2nd Official)

R43 725.71 *

(official was unable to utilise leave during suspension thus the leave was paid out) *

____________

N/A

27 May 2022

____________

10 August 2022

R93 982.17

(June 2022)

*Includes the insurance monies for Vehicle of

R12 994.25

R81 245.36

(July 2022)

R81 130.85

(August 2022)

R135 103.85

(September 2022)

Includes the service bonus

_________________

R121 203.20

(August 2022)

R121 203.20 (September2022)

R121 203.20 (October 2022)

0

(ii)

1 April 2023

1

11 September 2023

Seriousness of averred acts of misconduct & to allow conducive environment for the investigation.

9

N/A

10 July 2023

R45 102.92

(July 2023)

R45 328.17

(August 2023)

R45 214.84

(September 2023)

0

*When on suspension, it is working days that are used and not leave

** Cost to company

27 October 2023 - NW3306

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Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Tourism

Whether her department has undertaken a comprehensive assessment to determine the extent of the impact of the ongoing electricity blackouts on the tourism sector of the Republic, including the impact on visitor numbers, revenue losses and the potential long-term damage caused to the global reputation of the Republic as an attractive tourism destination; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

I have been informed that the Department of Tourism has not conducted a comprehensive study on load shedding’s impact on tourism.

SA Tourism’s Departure Survey indicates the following:

  1. Tourists experienced the regrettable cancellation of anticipated activities.
  2. Interruptions in internet connectivity posed challenges, hindering communication with family, friends, or professional contacts.
  3. Several tourists reported inconvenience when the heating and cooling systems in their accommodations became inoperative.
  4. Dining experiences were prolonged due to power-related disturbances in restaurants.
  5. Our transportation infrastructure also faced issues; traffic congestion occurred as a result of malfunctioning traffic signals.
  6. Such disruptions frequently led to delays, compelling tourists to either forego scheduled activities or encounter difficulties in punctual arrivals at their destinations.

It is for this reason amongst others that the Department implements the Green Tourism Incentive Programme (GTIP) under its Tourism Incentive programme (TIP)

27 October 2023 - NW3187

Profile picture: De Freitas, Mr MS

De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism

(1)With reference to the legal action and matters of any description undertaken by her department (a) in the past three financial years and (b) since 1 April 2023, what (i) matters were (aa) opened, (bb) closed and (cc) settled out of court in each month in the specified period and (ii) were the reasons in each case; (2) what (a) matters went to (i) arbitration and (ii) court in each month in each case and (b) were the outcomes in each case in each month?

Reply:

I have been informed by the Department that the details regarding legal action undertaken by the Department, are tabulated below.

Cases which were opened in 2020/21 FY

Court

Status

If case closed - Reasons for Closure

Did the matter go for Arbitration?

Did the matter go to court?

Court Outcome

Current Status

1. Hazyview Aerial Cable Trial (Pty) Ltd vs Minister of Tourism

High Court (Mbombela)

Closed

Notice of Motion did not disclose any relief sought against the Minister.

No

No

N/A

Case Closed

2. South Africa Agri Initiative NPC vs Minister of Tourism

High Court (Pretoria)

Closed

The case was abandoned by the Applicant due to change of the Directives.

No

No

N/A

Case Closed

3. Chefs Warehouse Canteen and Wine Bar, Cape Town (PTY)LTD and Eight (8) Others vs. Minister of Tourism & Others

High Court (Cape Town)

Closed

The case was abandoned by the Applicant due to change of the Directives.

No

No

N/A

Case Closed

4. DD Mokoena and Another vs. Minister of Tourism and Gauteng Tourism Authority

High Court (Johannesburg)

Appeal case pending

N/A

No

The matter was heard on 12, 13 and 14 April 2021.

Applicants’ main application was dismissed with costs.

Appeal case pending

5. Tourism Relief Fund (TRF)

(1st case) Solidarity Trade Union vs. Minister of Small Business Development, Minister of Tourism and others &

AfriForum vs. Minister of Tourism and Others.

High Court (Pretoria),

Closed

N/A

No

The matter was heard in the High Court Gauteng Division, Pretoria, on 28 of April 2020.

The High Court, Gauteng Division, Pretoria, dismissed the Applicants’ case and granted an order in favour of the Minister.

The Applicants appealed to the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA). The SCA ruled in favour of AfriForum and Solidarity and held that the Minister has erroneously believed that she was bound by B-BBEE Act when applying Tourism Sector Code in her directions.

Department appealed the SCA judgment to the Constitutional Court and the appeal was heard on 8 September 2022.

The Constitutional Court delivered its judgment on 8 February 2023.

The Constitutional Court concluded that the case was moot and there were no sound reasons for the Court to entertain it. The leave to appeal was refused with costs.

6. Tourism Equity Fund (TEF)

(2nd case) Solidarity Trade Union & Afriforum vs. Minister of Small Business Development, Minister of Tourism and others

High Court (Pretoria),

Closed

The court granted an interdict against the Minister.

No

The urgent interdict application was heard on 15 April 2021.

The court granted an interdict against the Minister.

On advice from Counsel, the current Minister directed that the litigation be settled and TEF be restarted on applicable Tourism Sector Codes.

Settlement negotiations resulted in an out-of-court settlement with the Applicants on 26 April 2023.

The Applicants subsequently withdrew Part B of their main application.

7. Department of Tourism vs. Lerato Matlakala & Lefuno Netangaheni

Labour Court (Johannesburg)

Pending

N/A

No

No

N/A

Case pending

8. Gerson Nevari vs. Department of Tourism & Director-General of the Department of Tourism

Labour Court (Johannesburg)

Pending

N/A

No

No

N/A

Case pending

Cases which were opened in 2021/22 FY

Court

Status

If the case was closed - Reasons for Closure

Did the matter go for Arbitration?

Did the matter go to court?

Court Outcome

Current Status

1. Umbuso Training Services (Pty) Ltd vs The Member of the Executive Committee: Department of Tourism

High Court (Pretoria)

Pending

N/A

No

No

N/A

Case pending

2. Tebogo Maureen Ngobeni vs. Minister of Tourism and 2 Others

High Court (Pretoria)

Closed

There was no relief sought against the Minister.

No

No

N/A

Case closed

3. Minister of Tourism vs. ZM Kubheka

Magistrate’s Court (Atteridgeville)

Pending

N/A

No

No

N/A

Case pending

               

Cases which were opened in 2022/23 FY

Court

Status

If the case was closed - Reasons for Closure

Did the matter go for Arbitration?

Did the matter go to court?

Court Outcome

Current Status

1. Minister of Tourism vs. MBB Consulting Services (PTY) Ltd

High Court (Makhanda)

Pending

N/A

No

No

N/A

Case pending

2. ActionSA v Minister of Tourism and Others

High Court (Durban)

Pending

N/A

No

No

N/A

Case pending

3. Blueprint Group vs. South African Tourism & 3 Others

High Court (Johannesburg)

Pending

No

No

No

N/A

Case pending

4. Thulani Sibeko vs. Department of Tourism

Labour Court (Johannesburg)

Closed

The court dismissed the Applicant’s case with costs.

No

The case was heard on 20 January 2023.

The court dismissed the Applicant’s case with costs.

Case closed

5. Tsakane Shipalane & Others vs. Department of Tourism & Gauteng Tourism Authority (GTA)

CCMA (Johannesburg)

Closed

The Commissioner dismissed the Applicants’ application.

No

Arbitration in the matter was set down for 25-26 July 2023.

The Commissioner dismissed their application.

Case closed

Cases which were opened from 1 April 2023

Court

Status

If the case was closed - Reasons for Closure

Did the matter go for Arbitration?

Did the matter go to court?

Court Outcome

Current Status

None

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

27 October 2023 - NW3181

Profile picture: Sithole, Mr KP

Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Tourism

What is the total number of persons who have benefitted from the Tourism Transformation Fund in each province since it was established to assist vulnerable groups?

Reply:

Province

What is the total number of persons who have benefitted from the Tourism Transformation Fund in each province since it was established to assist vulnerable groups

Eastern Cape

Four (4) Applications were approved

Free State

Two (2) Applications were approved

Gauteng

Two (2) Applications were approved

KwaZulu-Natal

Two (2) Applications were approved

Limpopo

Five (5) Applications were approved

Mpumalanga

One (1) Application was approved

Northern Cape

Two (2) Applications were approved

North West

No applications were approved

Western Cape

One (1) Application was approved

27 October 2023 - NW3311

Profile picture: Matumba, Mr A

Matumba, Mr A to ask the Minister of Tourism

With reference to her reply to question 1287 on 19 May 2023, on which specific provisions of the Protection of Personal Information Act, Act 4 of 2013, did she rely to not publicise the names of companies that benefited from the Green Tourism Incentive Programme?

Reply:

Applicable POPIA provisions:

Chapter 1 (Definitions) of Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA)

Section 11(1)(a) of POPIA

Section 13 of POPIA

Section 15 of POPIA

27 October 2023 - NW3308

Profile picture: De Freitas, Mr MS

De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Tourism

With reference to the request by the National Treasury to reduce and cut costs within her department, what are the (a) details of the programmes and other areas where her department plans to cut costs and (b) names and professional designations of the responsible persons in this regard?

Reply:

(a) Given that the Minister of Finance is yet to present the Medium Term

Policy Budget Statement to Parliament on 1 November 2023, details about budget cuts may only be communicated thereafter as anything to the contrary would be a preemption of the statement and only the statement will provide factual information in this regard.

(b) Not Applicable

27 October 2023 - NW3294

Profile picture: Maneli, Ms ST

Maneli, Ms ST to ask the Minister of Tourism

Whether she has found that the accommodation grading programme of the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa is contributing towards the transformation and elevation of tourism establishments, particularly in villages, townships and small dorpies; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

I have been informed that the Tourism Grading Council has contributed to the transformation and elevation of tourism establishments, particularly villages, townships and small dorpies (VTSD) products.

Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and standardisation of various accommodation products in South Africa. By quality assuring VTSD products, TGCSA helps these offerings meet globally benchmarked grading criteria. This not only ensures that the standards of South African accommodation products are on par with global counterparts but also helps in maintaining a comprehensive and legal accommodation database in the country.

Legal entities are accountable and can be regulated, which contributes to the overall safety and reliability of the tourism industry in South Africa.

This rigorous grading and quality assurance process does not only benefit the businesses directly involved but also bolsters the reputation of South Africa's tourism sector on the global stage. Providing visitors with reliable, high-quality accommodations enhances their overall experience and encourages positive word-of-mouth, further promoting tourism in the region.

Top of Form

The following is how TGCSA is contributing to VTSD products as a Quality Assurance entity:

The Basic Quality Verification Programme

  • The Basic Quality Verification (BQV) grading system developed by TGCSA, is a commendable initiative aimed at enhancing accommodation and event products, especially in the VTSD sector in South Africa.

The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa piloted the Basic Quality Verification (BQV) programme in the Eastern Cape in 2020/2021.

The programme seeks to provides structured approach that will build confidence in many accommodation products especially those in rural areas.

This system provides a structured approach to ensuring quality, health, and safety standards in remote rural areas. By establishing clear criteria and guidelines, the BQV grading system enables tourism products, which might not meet the core requirements for formal grading initially, to access trade within the tourism sector.

Through the BQV programme 29 unemployed graduates were recruited and trained as the Basic Quality Verification Evaluators who are responsible for applying the Basic Quality Verification criteria which is used for assessment of establishments that do not meet the minimum entry requirements of formal grading. A total of sixty-five (65) products have been evaluated in the following districts have been completed: eThekwini Municipality, Ugu, iLembe and King Cetshwayo. The team is currently preparing for evaluations in uMgungundlovu, Harry Gwala and uMzinyathi District Municipalities, outstanding evaluations are at Zululand, uMkhanyakude, uThukela, uMzinyathi, and Amajuba.