Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille has dissolved the South African Tourism Board following the controversial sponsorship deal with English football club Tottenham Hotspur. 

The Minister said in a statement today (April 19) that she had detailed a number of serious concerns in a letter to the Board's former Chairperson, Dr Thozamile Botha, earlier this month. 

She highlighted issues with the Board's conduct concerning the sponsorship matter and allegations on how the Board had been functioning. 

"My letter outlined a number of serious concerns, such as the conduct of the Board in respect of the Tottenham Hotspur sponsorship matter, the composition of the Board and whether the members have the necessary knowledge, experience or qualifications as required by section 13 of the Tourism Act; and certain serious allegations raised by the Acting CEO of SA Tourism regarding the lack of a properly functioning Board.

"In my letter, I requested the SA Tourism Board Chairperson to respond to me in writing by 18 April 2023. I asked why the three matters raised in my letter do not constitute good cause for me to dissolve the board in terms of section 16 (3) of the Tourism Act. I have not received representations on why the Board should not be dissolved.

"I can, however, confirm that between 7 and 13 April 2023, eight of the eleven Board Members, including the Chairperson, have resigned. The remaining three members of the Board cannot form a quorum and the board is therefore no longer functional. In all the circumstances, I believe that good cause exists to dissolve the Board."

The Minister is expected to announce an interim Board on Friday (April 21). 

"I will also officially gazette the appointment of a team of three persons to manage the affairs of the Board until the appointment of a new Board. This appointment is to be made under Section 16 (3) (b) of the Tourism Act."