(1) (a) I have been informed by SA Tourism that in resolving to accept the resignation with immediate effect, the Board considered SA Tourism’s programme with imminent demands, the need for stability at leadership and the need to assure SA Tourism stakeholders of continuity against the individual’s expressed preference.
(b) R130,931.61 leave pay-out after deductions and recoveries.
(2) (a) The allegations of bribery were brought to the attention of the Board on 9 May 2023, during Africa’s Travel Indaba in Durban, when media reports appeared. This was after the Board had appointed her into the acting position. Having inquired into the matter and being furnished with documentary evidence which implied that the specified person had followed a gift declaration process for approvals to accept an invitation in 2022, the Board resolved to retain her in the acting position pending the completion of an independent forensic investigation.
(b) The implications of the whistleblowing report were that SA Tourism had to process the complaint in line with its policy.