South African Tourism Board Appoints Interim Leadership to Ensure Sector’s Stability

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South Africa’s tourism sector has entered a new era of governance after Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille dissolved the South African Tourism Board on August 25 and appointed an interim caretaker team to manage its affairs. 

This decisive move, authorised by the Tourism Act of 2014, is aimed at ensuring operational continuity and maintaining sectoral confidence as the industry prepares for new leadership.

The interim board will steer the organisation until a permanent board is appointed. In an official statement, Minister de Lille endorsed the team’s expertise and dedication. “This group brings a wealth of collective knowledge and experience to the task,” she noted, highlighting their qualifications as critical for the smooth operation of South African Tourism during this transition.

 

Meet the Interim Leadership

The newly appointed team represents a strategic 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

The department emphasised that the selected members possess diverse qualifications relevant to South Africa’s tourism mandate, spanning marketing, business strategy, and public administration.

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Minister de Lille expressed her gratitude to the new board members for their willingness to serve the nation. She stressed the importance of stable leadership in maintaining stakeholder trust and industry momentum. The interim team’s primary responsibilities will include providing stewardship and guidance in key areas, such as destination marketing, international relations, and sector recovery initiatives.

The minister confirmed that the process for appointing a permanent head of the South African Tourism Board is imminent. In line with the Tourism Act, the Department will soon open nominations to all eligible individuals, encouraging broad and transparent participation. This approach is designed to attract a diverse pool of candidates, ensuring the new board is representative, innovative, and equipped to guide the organisation’s future.

This leadership transition comes at a pivotal moment. With global tourism recovering and competition for international visitors intensifying, robust governance is essential for sustaining growth and unlocking new market opportunities. For Africa’s travel trade community, the appointment of an experienced interim board provides assurance that it will remain focused on its core mandate: promoting South Africa as a premier destination and driving economic growth.

As stakeholders await the call for nominations, this interim phase offers a unique opportunity for reflection and renewal. With seasoned leaders providing temporary stewardship, South African Tourism is poised to navigate this transition effectively and chart a course for sustainable growth across the African travel ecosystem.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

Why was an interim board appointed for South African Tourism?

An interim board was appointed to manage the affairs of South African Tourism and ensure operational continuity following the official dissolution of the previous board by Minister Patricia de Lille on August 20, 2025.

Who is leading the new interim board?

Dr. Mzamo Masito leads the interim board as chairperson, and Ms. Kholeka Zama serves as deputy chairperson.

How long will the interim board be in place?

The interim board will serve until a new, permanent South African Tourism Board is constituted and in place.

What is the process for appointing a permanent board?

The Department of Tourism will soon open a public nomination process for all eligible individuals, in accordance with section 13(3) of the Tourism Act. This process is designed to be transparent, attracting a diverse pool of qualified candidates.

On what authority was this action taken?

The dissolution of the previous board and the appointment of the interim team were carried out under the authority granted to the minister by the Tourism Act No. 3 of 2014.