Monday, July 7, 2025

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has expressed severe concerns in light of reports about suspected irregularities in the granting of a R100 million contract by SA Tourism to Pomme Express, which has been implicated in not having adequate experience as required and having provided misleading information in its bid. This contract award, which should have seen Meetings Africa 2025 and Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025 organized, events through which South Africa’s tourism industry should be promoted, now lies at the center of controversy.

The DA has called for Minister Patricia de Lille to ensure full transparency in the process and for an independent forensic investigation into the allegations of fraud, favouritism, and violations of procurement laws. The DA insists that the investigation’s findings should be made public, and those found guilty must be held accountable for any wrongdoing.

The tender in question was for organizing two major tourism events, Meetings Africa 2025 and Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025, which are integral to showcasing South Africa’s tourism offerings. These events are vital for driving business and leisure tourism to the country. However, the process has come under intense scrutiny after allegations emerged that Pomme Express, the company awarded the tender, failed to meet several key compliance requirements, including not proving its relevant experience.

The Bid Adjudication Committee (BAC) reportedly flagged several non-compliance issues with Pomme Express’s bid. Among the issues highlighted was the submission of falsified claims about its experience and the provision of fraudulent proof of execution linked to a liquidated company, Pure Grit Project Exhibitions Management. Despite these serious allegations, Pomme Express was recommended for the tender, reportedly due to its connections with senior SA Tourism officials.

The controversy surrounding the awarding of the tender has led to a public outcry, with calls for an independent investigation into the procurement process and the role of officials involved. According to the DA, this is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of cronyism and misconduct within SA Tourism, undermining the integrity of South Africa’s public institutions.

The DA has demanded a full forensic investigation into the allegations surrounding the tender. The party emphasizes that such an investigation should not only focus on the tendering process itself but also examine the role of implicated SA Tourism officials who may have facilitated or ignored breaches of procurement regulations. Furthermore, the DA has called on Minister Patricia de Lille and the Director-General of SA Tourism to ensure that all findings from the investigation are made public.

Minister De Lille, who has taken a firm stance on promoting transparency and accountability within the South African government, has yet to respond to the growing calls for action. The DA has vowed to continue pressing for a thorough review of the tender process and the subsequent decision-making that led to Pomme Express’s selection despite its alleged shortcomings.

The tourism industry in South Africa, a key driver of the country’s economy and job creation, has been repeatedly tarnished by allegations of corruption and inefficiency. The recent scandal only adds to the mounting concerns over the integrity of SA Tourism and its operations. The DA has stressed that South Africa’s tourism sector deserves to operate on the principles of integrity, professionalism, and fair competition.

The DA’s continued criticism of the procurement process highlights the broader concerns about public funds being mismanaged or misdirected. Tourism remains one of the most significant contributors to South Africa’s GDP, and the integrity of the sector is essential for maintaining both local and international confidence in the country’s tourism offerings.

The controversy surrounding the tender for Meetings Africa 2025 and Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025 has the potential to damage South Africa’s reputation on the international stage. Trust in the country’s tourism authorities could be undermined if these allegations of corruption and favouritism are not addressed promptly and transparently.

South Africa’s tourism industry relies heavily on both international and domestic travelers. Ensuring a fair and transparent process in awarding contracts for major events is critical to preserving the country’s image as a trustworthy and competitive destination for tourism investment. As the country strives to recover from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, restoring confidence in its public institutions will be crucial for the long-term success of the tourism sector.

In light of the growing scrutiny and demands for accountability, the DA has called for comprehensive reforms within SA Tourism. These reforms must focus on ensuring that all future procurement processes are conducted fairly, transparently, and in compliance with national regulations. The DA’s stance is clear: without proper oversight and enforcement of procurement laws, South Africa’s tourism industry will continue to be marred by scandal and inefficiency.

As the investigation into the R100 million tender proceeds, the outcome will have significant implications for SA Tourism’s future. The findings could lead to important changes in the way the organization operates, with potential reforms to restore public trust and ensure that the tourism sector remains a key driver of economic growth and job creation in South Africa.

SA Tourism’s R100 million alleged corruption scandal, which has been condemned by the DA, serves as another sign that the tourism sector’s integrity has become increasingly questionable. As the case continues, all eyes are glued in anticipation as to whether the government will make significant moves towards restoring confidence and ensuring all public funds are utilized in the best interests of the tourism sector in the country.

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