JOHANNESBURG – The sacked SA Tourism board is preparing to take legal action against Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille, arguing that the decision to dissolve the board was based on a misinterpretation of internal governance procedures.
The clash between the former board members and the minister stems from an incident last month when de Lille announced the board’s dissolution, claiming it had conducted an unlawful meeting where a critical resolution was taken without her knowledge or approval.
However, the former SA Tourism board members strongly deny any` wrongdoing and insist the resolution in question was both lawful and procedurally sound.
SA Tourism Board Over Alleged Unlawful Meeting
In August 2025, Minister Patricia de Lille cited an “unlawful meeting” as the primary reason for disbanding the board of South African Tourism. According to her, the board violated governance protocols by convening the meeting and taking a resolution without proper authority.
At the time, de Lille stated that the conduct of the board left her with no choice but to act.
“It was brought to my attention that a meeting was held and a resolution passed that did not adhere to governance norms. This conduct undermines accountability and transparency,” she said.
However, the sacked SA Tourism board has disputed these claims, stating that no physical meeting was held and that the resolution was passed using a legally accepted method known as a round-robin resolution.
Former board member Lawson Naidoo has emerged as one of the key voices challenging the minister’s interpretation of events. Speaking publicly, Naidoo dismissed de Lille’s claims as factually incorrect and legally unsound.
“There was a resolution, and the resolution was that the board appointed me as a representative. The minister is quite confused,” Naidoo stated.
He further explained that the resolution was made via a round-robin process—a standard governance mechanism where board members make decisions in writing, without convening a formal meeting.
“The minister does not understand the difference between a board meeting, a special board meeting, and a round-robin resolution. You don’t need a meeting for the latter,” he added.
According to Naidoo and other former board members, this method was not only legal but routinely used in the past, particularly for time-sensitive decisions.
The sacked SA Tourism board has now filed papers to challenge their dismissal in court, alleging that Minister de Lille acted beyond her authority and without a proper understanding of the board’s internal processes.
Legal experts say the case could set a precedent for how ministerial oversight is balanced with board autonomy in public entities. At the heart of the dispute is the question: Did the board act unlawfully, or did the minister overstep her powers?
The Department of Tourism has yet to file its formal response in court, but insiders suggest that the ministry is preparing to defend the dissolution vigorously.
This legal confrontation could not have come at a more sensitive time for South Africa’s tourism sector. The industry is still in recovery mode following the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and strong, stable leadership is urgently needed.
Critics argue that ongoing leadership tussles, such as the sacking of the SA Tourism board, only erode investor confidence and hamper policy continuity.
Industry stakeholders are now watching closely to see how the matter unfolds, with some expressing concern that the dispute could derail critical projects and partnerships, including international tourism campaigns and local development initiatives.
This is not the first time controversy has surrounded the governance of SA Tourism. The entity has faced criticism in recent years for alleged mismanagement, irregular appointments, and questionable expenditure.
However, many in the tourism community were surprised by the suddenness of the board’s dismissal and the lack of a clear succession plan.
“Even if there were governance issues, the way this was handled raises more questions than answers,” said one industry insider who asked to remain anonymous. “We need transparency and proper due process, not power struggles.”
As the court prepares to hear the case, the public is calling for greater transparency from both the Ministry of Tourism and SA Tourism itself. There is growing pressure on government departments and public entities to operate with strict adherence to governance standards and the law.
If the sacked SA Tourism board succeeds in court, it could result in their reinstatement—or at the very least, a significant shift in how future board dismissals are handled across state-owned entities.
For now, the Tourism Board sector waits—caught between a legal wrangle and the urgent need to boost travel, promote local destinations, and restore the country’s international tourism standing.
Source- EWN
