South African Tourism has a new 11-member board, with the incoming directors taking office on 11 August for a three-year term as the organisation moves on from its interim board.
The new board brings together expertise spanning tourism, aviation, hospitality, finance, governance, risk, digital transformation, accessibility, heritage, and public-sector oversight. The chairperson is still to be announced in the Government Gazette.
New board takes office
The board members are:
• Akona Nobulali Matsau – deputy board chairperson
• Carol Kholeka Zama
• Mamochekoane Ramashole
• Sandika Daya
• Hazel Thulisile Xulu
• Dr Karen Smit
• Khomotso Brian Mosehla
• Graham Ian Wood
• Luyanda Mpahlwa
• Anwar Jappie
• Tasneem Carrim – departmental representative
The board has been appointed for three years in terms of section 13 of the Tourism Act, 2014 (Act No. 3 of 2014). Its members' names have been published in Government Gazette No. 55176.
The new board takes office on 11 August, marking the end of the interim board's term.
Skills across tourism and business
The board brings together experience across tourism and destination marketing, finance, governance, risk, digital transformation, technology, aviation, hospitality, and public-sector oversight.
Matsau is a private-sector executive with experience in operational and commercial leadership, financial management, governance and strategic management.
Daya is a digital transformation specialist with a background in applied mathematics and computer science, with experience in strategic governance, financial controls, budget oversight, and stakeholder engagement.
Ramashole brings aviation and travel-sector experience, including executive-level travel operations, procurement, governance, aviation project management, stakeholder management, and commercial strategy.
Smit is a leader in disability inclusion with an MBA and a doctorate in disability studies. She brings expertise in accessibility advocacy, disability employment promotion, and gender inclusion.
Xulu is a governance and risk specialist with qualifications in internal auditing. Her areas of expertise include internal audit, enterprise risk management, compliance, strategic assurance, and oversight.
Zama is a chartered accountant with experience in digital transformation, tourism, destination marketing, investment promotion, conservation, and insurance. She previously served on the SA Tourism Board.
Jappie specialises in digital transformation and innovation, with experience in strategic governance, partnerships, and global go-to-market strategies.
Mosehla is an experienced executive with corporate finance expertise and governance experience, including board leadership across listed companies, state entities, and private investment organisations.
Mpahlwa is an architect and heritage specialist with experience in corporate governance, strategic planning, urban regeneration, heritage management, infrastructure oversight, and policy implementation.
Wood is a chartered accountant with more than two decades of leadership experience in hospitality and leisure. He brings experience in strategic leadership, stakeholder engagement, governance, and commercial management.
Carrim, the departmental representative, is a senior official with experience in public policy, governance, and departmental oversight.
Board to support tourism growth
The Department of Tourism said the board's skills mix is intended to support the implementation of the Tourism Growth Partnership Plan, strengthen governance and financial oversight, and support digital innovation and destination competitiveness.
The board is also expected to support South African Tourism's work to increase visitor numbers, attract investment, and contribute to economic growth.
Welcoming the appointment, Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille said: “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.
"I look forward to working with the Board as we continue to position South Africa as a destination of choice for travellers and investors from around the world.”
The appointment follows the conclusion of the interim board's term. De Lille thanked the interim board for its work during the past year.
“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,” said De Lille.
South African Tourism is a public entity established in terms of the Tourism Act, 2014 (Act No. 3 of 2014), under the Department of Tourism. Its mandate is to market South Africa as a domestic and international leisure and business-events destination, with the objective of growing tourism demand, increasing visitor arrivals, stimulating investment, creating jobs and contributing to inclusive economic growth.
