De Lille appoints new interim board members for South African Tourism

The Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, has appointed a new interim panel to oversee operations of the South African Tourism (SA Tourism), effective Friday, until a new board of directors is appointed. 

This comes after De Lille this week dissolved the previous SA Tourism Board for putting the CEO, Nombulelo Guliwe, on precautionary suspension for misconduct last week. 

De Lille said the board acted unlawfully and overstepped its powers by taking the resolution to suspend Guliwe without following established protocols by convening a board meeting and taking resolutions on 1 August when it had no chairperson following the resignation of Professor Gregory Davids last month.

In a statement on Friday, the department said the newly appointed members bring a wealth of experience and a diverse set of expertise, which De Lille believes will ensure that the SA Tourism board remains steadfast in its mission to promote and enhance the country’s tourism sector.

"The above members possess collective knowledge, experience and qualifications relating to the function of the South African Tourism board. The Minister appreciates the commitment of the members to serve South African Tourism and wishes them well," it said.

"In due course, the Minister will announce the process to appoint permanent members of the South African Tourism Board in terms of section 13(3) of the Tourism Act. The nominations will be opened to all eligible individuals."

The new leadership team is composed of six individuals.

Dr. Mzamo Masito, who has more than 25 years of experience in growing brand visibility and brand availability, was appointed as chairperson. Masito is an advocate for education, having taught at the University of Cape Town (UCT) and the AAA School of Advertising.

Kholeka Zama, a qualified Chartered Accountant, will be the deputy chairperson. Zama has accrued more than two decades global exposure to multiple listed and unlisted industries working in executive and non-executive roles.

Dr. Shakir Jeeva is an award-winning financial and investment specialist, boasting more than 10 years in consulting and leading firms across finance, tourism, and hospitality sectors.

Khomotso Brian Mosehla is also a qualified Chartered Accountant and has held esteemed positions in corporate finance, providing him with deep insight into organisational management and fiscal responsibility.

Siobhan Leyden, an admitted Attorney of the High Court, is well-versed in both public and private sectors, making her a valuable asset in navigating legal aspects of tourism management.

Dr. Shamilla Chettiar is a seasoned civil servant with 24 years of work experience in the public sector, including eight years as an executive manager.

Industry players in the tourism sector have remained at odds with De Lille's decision to axe the board of SA Tourism.

The previous board members on Thursday insisted that De Lille was “mistaken” in alleging the board held an irregular meeting on 1 August.

They said the board was addressing dysfunction within SA Tourism, including procurement irregularities and the suspension of the company secretary and chief marketing officer.

"We wish to categorically state that there was no meeting of the board that was held on 1 August 2025. Therefore the grounds on which the Minister has relied upon to dissolve the board are factually inaccurate," they said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) - the umbrella organisation for business in the hospitality, travel, and tourism sector - said it was disappointed by De Lille’s decision.

The TBCSA said it met with both De Lille and the now-dissolved board, and remained convinced that the board had the right mix of expertise and leadership to help address instability within SA Tourism.

Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, CEO of the TBCSA, said the board had begun to bring stability and continuity at a time when this was most needed. 

“As the voice of the private sector, the TBCSA will continue to put the tourism industry first. Our commitment is to support growth programmes, sustainability, and the millions of livelihoods that depend on tourism,” Tshivhengwa said. 

“Importantly, even while this transition unfolds, we will find ways to ensure that critical programmes continue to progress. We will remain a constructive partner to the government but will also continue to advocate strongly for decisions that build, rather than destabilise, the sector.” 

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