South Africa’s Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, has announced the immediate dissolution of the South African Tourism Board, citing serious governance irregularities and procedural violations.
The decision, taken in terms of section 16(3)(a) of the Tourism Act No. 3 of 2014, follows what the Minister described as “unlawful” actions by the Board, including the convening of a special meeting on 1 August 2025 without a legally empowered chairperson.
According to the Ministry, the Board failed to adequately respond to concerns raised about the legality of its decision-making processes. “In their written representations dated 14 August 2025, the Board members failed to address the important issue about the legality of the procedure followed,” de Lille said in her statement.
Legal advice to the Minister confirmed that the Board acted outside its authority after former chairperson, Professor Gregory Davids, resigned on 31 July 2025. Despite this, members proceeded to call a special meeting the next day, a move that de Lille described as ultra vires.
The Minister had previously warned the Board about its failure to adhere to proper governance procedures. On 4 July 2025, she met with the Board and later followed up in writing to caution that such lapses “undermine the integrity of the Board and could render outcomes procedurally invalid.”
De Lille stressed that the dissolution would not affect South Africa’s tourism programmes or preparations for major upcoming events. These include the G20 Summit, which SA Tourism is co-organising with the Tourism Business Council of South Africa, and the inaugural Tourism Investment Summit scheduled for 10 September 2025 in Cape Town. The investment forum will showcase bankable tourism projects to local and international investors and is expected to draw G20 tourism ministers and global delegates.
In the interim, de Lille will appoint administrators to manage the Board’s affairs while the process of nominating a new Board is initiated. “The Board is a creature of statute,” she emphasised, adding that its operations must always be guided by the principle of legality enshrined in the Constitution.
The dissolution comes as South Africa prepares to celebrate Tourism Month in September, during which the Department will unveil winning digital innovations developed by students from 18 higher education institutions as part of a tourism hackathon.
Despite the turbulence, de Lille assured South Africans that the country’s tourism agenda remains on track, anchored by the Government of National Unity’s priorities of inclusive growth, poverty reduction, and building a capable and ethical state.
She also urged citizens to make use of discounted travel deals available on the Sho’t Left platform. “It’s your country, enjoy it,” the Minister reminded South Africans.
