South Africa's tourism sector is undergoing a significant governance restructuring following the dissolution of the South African Tourism Board by Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille. The Minister invoked section 16(3)(a) of the Tourism Act to dissolve the board, a decision that took immediate effect, accompanied by the removal of its members under section 16(1) of the Act. This pivotal move, officially announced on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, was made on 'good cause shown,' primarily stemming from the board's failure to adhere to legal and procedural requirements.

The primary justification for the dissolution was the board's inability to address the legality of a special Board meeting convened on August 01, 2025. Legal advice provided to the Minister indicated that this meeting was unlawfully convened. According to Section 18(2) of the Tourism Act and Clause 9.1.2 of the Board Charter, only the Board Chairperson is empowered to convene a special board meeting. However, Professor Gregory Davids, the then-Chairperson, had resigned the day before, on July 31, 2025, leaving the board without a duly appointed leader to lawfully call such a meeting. Despite this, the board proceeded to convene the meeting, acting unlawfully and ultra vires its powers.

Minister de Lille had previously raised concerns regarding the board's governance procedures. In a meeting on July 4, 2025, and a subsequent letter dated July 13, 2025, she highlighted failures to follow due process in convening meetings, warning that such actions could undermine the board's integrity and render outcomes procedurally invalid. The board, in a letter dated July 22, 2025, had assured the Minister of interventions and 'enhancements' to ensure all meetings would be properly constituted, chaired, and documented. However, these assurances did not prevent the subsequent unlawful meeting.

In response to the dissolution, Minister de Lille wasted no time in appointing an interim caretaker team to manage the affairs of South African Tourism, ensuring operational continuity and maintaining sector confidence. This interim board, whose mandate commenced on Friday, August 22, 2025, will steer the organisation until a new, permanent board is constituted. The Minister lauded the interim team for their 'wealth of collective knowledge and experience,' critical for the smooth functioning of the agency during this transitional period.

The newly appointed interim caretaker team comprises a blend of industry expertise and public sector insight: Dr. Mzamo Masito as Chairperson, Ms. Kholeka Zama as Deputy Chairperson, Dr. Shakir Jeeva, Mr. Khomotso Brian Mosehla, Ms. Siobhan Leyden, and Dr. Shamilla Chettiar, who serves as Deputy Director-General, representing the Department of Tourism. This team is tasked with providing stewardship and guidance in key areas such as destination marketing, international relations, and sector recovery initiatives, pivotal for maintaining South Africa's standing as a leading global destination.

Looking ahead, the Minister will initiate the process to appoint a new, permanent board in terms of section 13(3) of the Act, inviting nominations from eligible persons in due course. This transparent approach aims to attract a diverse pool of candidates to ensure the new board is representative, innovative, and well-equipped to guide the future direction of the organisation.

Despite these significant governance changes, the Department of Tourism assures South Africans and the tourism sector that ongoing programmes will not be derailed. These include SA Tourism’s collaboration with the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) to deliver a successful G20 summit, and the finalisation of plans for the inaugural Tourism Investment Summit. This summit, scheduled for September 10, 2025, in Cape Town, Western Cape, will host various Tourism Ministers from G20 member states and delegates from the World Travel and Trade Council, showcasing bankable infrastructure projects to local and international investors.

The Department’s programmes and interventions continue to be informed by the Government of National Unity's three key priorities: driving inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living, and building a capable, ethical, and developmental state. Furthermore, September will mark Tourism Month, with plans to announce winning digital solutions from an inaugural hackathon involving students from 18 higher education institutions. South Africans are also encouraged to visit the Sho't left website for promotional packages and discounts of up to 50%.

This period of transition, led by an experienced interim board and a commitment to sector-wide collaboration, provides an opportunity for reflection and renewal within South African Tourism, poised to chart a course that benefits the entire African travel ecosystem and enhances the country's appeal in a competitive global landscape.