South Africa Tourism Board Gets Interim Leadership to Ensure Stability and Sector Confidence
South Africa’s tourism sector entered a new phase of governance as Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille appointed an interim caretaker team to manage the affairs of the South African Tourism Board following its official dissolution on Wednesday, 20 August 2025. This decisive move, carried out under the authority granted by section 16(3) of the Tourism Act No. 3 of 2014, is designed to ensure operational continuity and sectoral confidence as the industry prepares for a new wave of leadership.
The interim board—whose mandate became effective on Friday, 22 August 2025—will steer the organisation until a newly constituted board is in place. Minister de Lille’s appointment of the caretaker team was accompanied by a strong endorsement of their expertise and dedication. “This group brings a wealth of collective knowledge and experience to the task,” she noted in the official statement, underscoring their qualifications as critical to the smooth running of South African Tourism during this transitional period.
The newly appointed team features a blend of industry expertise and public sector insight:
- Dr. Mzamo Masito – Chairperson
- Ms. Kholeka Zama – Deputy Chairperson
- Dr. Shakir Jeeva
- Mr. Khomotso Brian Mosehla
- Ms. Siobhan Leyden
- Dr. Shamilla Chettiar – Deputy Director-General, representing the Department of Tourism
These appointments are a strategic response to the immediate need for effective oversight and governance at a time when the tourism industry is navigating a dynamic global landscape. The selected members, as highlighted by the Department, bring together diverse qualifications and experience relevant to South African Tourism’s mandate—from marketing and business strategy to operational management and public sector administration.
Minister de Lille expressed gratitude to the new board for their willingness to serve the nation, emphasising the importance of stable leadership in maintaining stakeholder trust and industry momentum. The interim team is expected to provide stewardship, continuity, and guidance in areas such as destination marketing, international relations, and sector recovery initiatives—key priorities as South Africa seeks to consolidate its position as a leading destination on the continent and beyond.
In her statement, the Minister also confirmed that the process for appointing a permanent South African Tourism Board is imminent. In accordance with section 13(3) of the Tourism Act, the Department will soon open nominations to all eligible individuals, encouraging broad participation and transparency. This approach is intended to attract a diverse pool of candidates, ensuring that the new board will be representative, innovative, and well-equipped to guide the future direction of the organisation.
The timing of this transition comes at a critical juncture for South Africa’s travel sector. With global tourism flows recovering and increasing competition for international arrivals, robust governance is seen as essential for sustaining growth, improving visitor experiences, and unlocking new market opportunities. A proactive and stable board will play a pivotal role in driving initiatives that enhance the country’s appeal—whether through targeted marketing, digital transformation, or strengthening partnerships with both local and global stakeholders.
For Africa’s travel trade community, these developments highlight the importance of responsive leadership and sectoral adaptability. The interim board brings the assurance that South African Tourism will remain focused on its core mandate: promoting South Africa as a must-visit destination and supporting economic growth through tourism. Their stewardship during this period of transition is expected to maintain business confidence and continuity, ensuring that industry partners can continue to innovate and expand product offerings for both domestic and international travellers.
As stakeholders await the announcement of the permanent board and the opening of nominations, the travel sector is reminded of the value of inclusive governance, professional expertise, and transparent processes. These elements not only strengthen institutional resilience but also create a framework for sustainable growth and competitiveness across sub-Saharan Africa’s tourism industry.
This interim phase provides a unique opportunity for reflection and renewal within South African Tourism. With experienced leaders at the helm, and a renewed commitment to sector-wide collaboration, the organisation is poised to chart a course that will benefit the entire African travel ecosystem in the years ahead.
