Minister de Lille Urged to Support Tourism Board on CEO Suspension

“Good governance demands swift and transparent action when red flags are raised,” says OUTA CEO Wayne Duvenage.

The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) is concerned by Minister Patricia de Lille’s failure to act decisively in the governance crisis unfolding at South African Tourism (SAT).

Following the resignation of SAT chairperson Professor Gregory Davids at the end of July 2025, the Minister has yet to appoint a new chairperson or acting chairperson. This delay is hampering the ability of the board to fulfil its fiduciary responsibilities at a time when decisive leadership is urgently required. The responsibility to appoint a chair lies squarely with the Minister of Tourism, not the board.

Compounding this inaction is the Minister’s apparent reluctance to support the SAT board’s decision to suspend CEO Nombulelo Guliwe. This decision followed serious findings by the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) and a forensic investigation by forensic investigations firm Ngubane, which identified governance breaches linked to a R4.18 million payment to a service provider. As reported in the Sunday Times on 17 August, the Board acted within its mandate to protect SAT from further governance failures, yet their actions appear to lack the Minister’s backing.

“Good governance demands swift and transparent action when red flags are raised, especially when supported by findings from credible institutions like the AGSA,” says Wayne Duvenage, OUTA CEO. “Minister de Lille’s hesitation is surprising given her track record of taking strong action on maladministration in the past.”

OUTA will be writing to Minister de Lille to:

• Urge the urgent appointment of a chairperson or acting chair to the SAT board;
• Call on her to endorse the board’s collective decisions, including the suspension of the CEO; and
• Request full access to the Ngubane forensic report and the AGSA findings on this matter.

Holding executives accountable in state entities is essential to safeguard taxpayers’ money. When credible reports point to governance failures, these must be addressed decisively. Delays or obstruction by political principals only serve to frustrate the fiduciary duties of boards and undermine accountability in state institutions.