South Africa’s Cabinet has given its concurrence to the appointment of a new South African Tourism (SA Tourism) Board, paving the way for a new three-year term aimed at strengthening the organisation’s governance, strategic leadership and contribution to the country’s tourism economy.
The new Board officially takes office on 11 August 2026, bringing an end to the term of the interim Board that guided South African Tourism through a period of organisational transition.
Welcoming the appointments, Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille said she was confident that the new Board’s combination of expertise, diversity and experience would provide the strategic leadership needed to position tourism as a stronger driver of economic growth.
“I am confident that the collective expertise, diversity and experience of the newly appointed Board will provide the strategic leadership required to strengthen South African Tourism, unlock new opportunities for growth and ensure that tourism continues to create jobs, stimulate investment and contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s economic prosperity.”
The Minister added that she looked forward to working with the Board to further position South Africa as a destination of choice for travellers and investors globally.
The newly appointed Board members are Ms Akona Nobulali Matsau, Deputy Board Chairperson; Ms Carol Kholeka Zama; Ms Mamochekoane Ramashole; Ms Sandika Daya; Ms Hazel Thulisile Xulu; Dr Karen Smit; Mr Khomotso Brian Mosehla; Mr Graham Ian Wood; Mr Luyanda Mpahlwa; Mr Anwar Jappie; and Ms Tasneem Carrim, who will serve as the Departmental Representative.
The appointment of the Chairperson will be published in the Government Gazette following Cabinet’s concurrence.
The Board has been appointed for a three-year period.
The new appointments reflect the Minister’s stated objective of establishing a skills-based Board capable of providing strong governance, strategic oversight and support to South African Tourism at a critical stage of organisational renewal.
According to the Department of Tourism, the selection process focused on securing a complementary mix of expertise in areas including tourism, destination marketing, governance, finance, risk management, digital transformation, technology and public-sector administration.
The new Board is also expected to bring a balance of established experience and fresh perspectives, while ensuring that members understand their responsibilities as non-executive directors. Their role will focus on strategic direction and oversight, while the executive management remains responsible for the organisation’s day-to-day operations.
The confirmed Board is expected to play a key role in supporting the implementation of the Tourism Growth Partnership Plan, while strengthening governance and financial oversight, advancing digital innovation, improving destination competitiveness and supporting efforts to increase international and domestic visitor numbers.
The broader objective is to use tourism to attract greater investment, create employment and deliver more inclusive economic benefits across South Africa.
Minister de Lille also paid tribute to the outgoing interim Board, acknowledging its role in maintaining stability during the transition.
“On behalf of Government, I wish to thank the Board that was appointed in the interim for its professionalism, dedication and invaluable service over the past year. Their leadership during this transitional period ensured stability, strengthened the organisation and enabled South African Tourism to remain focused on delivering its mandate. I have no doubt that the incoming Board will continue to build on this momentum.”
South African Tourism is a public entity established under the Tourism Act, 2014, and operates under the Department of Tourism. As the country’s official destination marketing organisation, it is responsible for marketing South Africa as a leading domestic and international leisure and business-events destination.
Its mandate includes growing tourism demand, increasing visitor arrivals, stimulating investment, creating jobs and contributing to inclusive economic growth.
With the new Board now in office, attention will turn to how its collective expertise can be translated into stronger governance, improved destination marketing and sustained tourism growth as South Africa seeks to maximise the sector’s contribution to the national economy.
